Swaddling new born babies finds favour with parents

BY STYLE EDITOR, ON 30 DEC 2011 12:52 FAMILY & KIDSCOMMENTS

To swaddle or not to swaddle? That’s the question for parents as swaddling newborn infants gains popularity for the first time in 50 years. How do we know it’s on the up? Demand for swaddling clothes has soared by over 61 per cent in the last year alone.

The practice of swaddling is as old as The Nativity and some experts say that wrapping a baby in a tightly fitting cloth mimics the gentle pressure felt during its time in the womb, creating an increased feeling of security. Records of swaddling go back as far as 4000 BC, to the times of the Romans and Ancient Greeks, famous paintings of the Madonna and child usually also show the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Swaddling in Britain began to fall out of favour in the late 1950s with mothers being encouraged to choose free-moving clothes such as baby grows instead. Modern research into swaddling suggests that it may encourage new born babies to sleep more soundly. But some do disagree and still favour non-restrictive garments and blankets to encourage infants to develop motor skills from an early age. While recognising that many mothers now love to swaddle their new born baby, the Royal College of Midwives has also warned against doing so too tightly for fear of overheating the newborn infant. However, done properly it is perfectly safe, and may create a feeling of increased security.

In response to the trend, we’ve created a swaddling area online within our nursery section of www.debenhamsplus.com specifically for swaddling clothes. It features a wide selection of blankets and wraps which can be used to swaddle as well as to keep new born babies warm. Do check out our new baby essentials too if you’re expecting a new arrival.

So mums, did or do you swaddle your little one or not? We’d love to hear your reasons either way, so do leave a comment below.

Tags: baby, childcare, ipad, newborn, nursery, parenting, swaddling

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