Sleepytime
A natural bedtime routine to help baby sleep
Baby sleep issues are common and stressfull. With expert baby sleep advice we have developed this georgeously natural range and routine to help your baby love to sleep. The Sleepytime 3 Step range is 100% natural with calming essential oils to make bedtime a more soothing experience for everyone.
by Jo Tantum the UK’s No1 Baby Sleep Specialist
Sleepytime Designer Swaddle
Fabulously flexible, perfect to help baby sleep in the first 3-months
Sleepytime Designer Swaddle
- Lightweight , breathable cotton
- Extra large 42 inch square - the optimum size & shape for swaddling
- Versatile - sunshield, play mat for tummy time, privacy throw for breastfeeding
- Recommended in the first 3-months
- Designed by a nurse and winner of multiple awards
Research has found Swaddling to help young babies sleep better. This lightweight swaddle is the perfect size and can comfortably fit babies in their first 3 months. The attractive design is a pleasure and has many other uses.
"If your newborn baby won't stop crying, swaddle them, take them into a dark room and hold them close so that they can hear your heartbeat and say sshhh calmly and repetitively. This will make them feel as though they are back in the womb. They will feel safe and secure and stop crying."
Benefits of Swaddling
A number of studies have shown that young babies sleep better and cry less when swaddled. A better rested baby means better rested parents and a more relaxed household.
- Being firmly wrapped gives baby a feeling of security, similar to being in the womb.
- It prevents the sudden movements that can cause baby to wake, including the startle reflex.
- Swaddling helps baby stay safely on their back which helps prevent SIDS.
- It can help prevent baby from scratching himself with his nails.
- Swaddling can help breastfeeding, as it helps keep his arms and legs out of the way. When feeding skin to skin you can also use the blanket to drape over mom and baby for warmth.
How to Swaddle
Experts recommend swaddling baby in a natural position with elbows, knees and hips flexed for proper joint development, and with baby's hands within reach of mouth so baby can suck on his or her fingers to self-console.
You may also choose to wrap baby with one or both hands down inside the swaddle with baby's elbows in a flexed position and offer baby a pacifier once breastfeeding is established.
Place blanket on a flat surface in a diamond position in front of you with the 123 Swaddle Tip Tag visible on your upper right hand side.
Fold the top corner down about 6 inches, and place baby in the centre of the blanket with their neck at the fold.
Follow the steps on the 123 Swaddle Tip Tag
- Starting on your left, bring the 1st corner over and tuck snugly behind baby.
- The bottom corner goes over baby's left shoulder and behind baby's back. The weight of the baby on the tucked under corners will help to keep the swaddle secure.
- Take the 3rd corner across and all the way around behind baby, tucking the tail of the blanket into the fold in the front.
The weight of the baby on the tucked under fabric will help to hold the bundle secure.
If your baby gets his or her arms out, and is unhappy that way, you may want to try wrapping baby with hands down inside the swaddle near his or her tummy, or try wrapping with one arm up and one arm down, making sure baby still has some flexion in his or her elbow joints. Even though infant researchers recommend that babies have access to their hands (see above) it will be your decision as a parent to try different hand positions and see which method –hands up or hands down- works best for your baby.
Tips
- Avoid having the blanket touch baby's cheek, this can stimulate baby's rooting response and wake baby.
- Our swaddling blankets are designed with good stretch when they are in the diamond position for swaddling.
- Every baby is unique. Ask your baby's pediatrician about swaddling your baby.
- Wrap Snugly - a loose swaddle is ineffective, so wrap baby snugly, but not so tightly as to impede baby's breathing. You should be able to slide your hand between the blanket and your baby's chest. It should feel snug, not loose. The large square shape allow for a custom fit swaddle whether your baby is small, medium or large.
- Always place baby on his or her back for sleep. Baby should sleep on a firm sleep surface, in a bassinet, cradle or crib near the mother's bed, without any soft toys, pillows or loose bedding.
- Never leave a loose blanket with an unsupervised baby. Make sure the swaddle is snug and secure.
10 steps to Sleepytime
- Go into the baby’s room and pop a few drops of Sleepytime Room Aroma into a bowl of warm water. It will fill the nursery with the smell of lavender and other calming essential oils.
- Get the bath ready with tepid water and either add Sleepytime Hair and Body Wash to the bathwater or use a tiny amount in your hands, then wash your baby from top to bottom.
- Carry your baby into a darkened nursery and lie him on a dry towel or changing mat (remember some changing mats can be really cold on baby’s bare skin) before massaging him with Sleepytime Organic Massage Oil.
- Dress your baby in PJ’ss and a sleeping bag depending on the temperature. Younger babies love being swaddled in a light natural material and our Sweet Pea Swaddle is perfect.
- Pick your baby up and give him a kiss and a cuddle.
- Talk softly, older babies will enjoy a story time and this will remain part of his bedtime routine for many years. Even young babies enjoy the rhythm of words.
- Give your baby his last feed of the day in the nursery.
- Wind, talking quietly and reassuringly.
- Lay him down, in his cot or Moses basket. Pat him gently.
- Say goodnight and come out of the room.
FAQ
Q: What is Swaddling?
Swaddling is an age old art of snugly wrapping your baby in a blanket for warmth, comfort and feeling secure.
Q: When do I start to swaddle my baby?
Babies can be swaddled starting on day one.
Q: Can swaddling really help my baby sleep?
A number of studies have shown that swaddled babies sleep for longer periods with fewer awakenings.
Q: Will my baby like it?
Most babies love to be swaddled if done properly, because it reminds them of the warm coziness of being in the womb..
Q: Is it okay to put my baby to sleep on his/her stomach?
No. Always put a swaddled baby to sleep on his or her back. Baby should sleep on a firm sleep surface, in a bassinet, cradle or crib near the mother’s bed without any soft toys, pillows or loose bedding.
Q: How many hours a day should a baby be swaddle?
In the womb a baby is snuggled 24 hours a day, but now baby needs some awake time to be on her tummy (tummy time), stretch and explore, get a bath, a massage and diapers changed. Most newborns are calmer if they are swaddled 12-20 hours a day, but as baby becomes older, they should spend more time out of the swaddle. A gentle supportive swaddle may continue to be used for sleep time and nap time until baby is around 3 months old.
Q: What age should I stop swaddling my baby?
The age to stop swaddling varies from baby to baby. Most babies are ready to be weaned from swaddling around 3-4 months. Some prefer to continue to be swaddled for sleep time at night until they are older. We recommend swaddling baby until he or she is approximately 3 months of age.
Q: How do I wean my baby from swaddling?
We recommend swaddling baby for the first 3 months. To help baby transition from swaddling, swaddle baby with one arm out of the swaddle for a few nights. When baby has adjusted to this change, try swaddling with both arms out. A baby who is able to roll over should not have their arms inside a swaddle.
