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Every baby loves a good swaddle. Not only does it keep them comfy and cozy, but swaddling your infant also makes sure that they don’t accidentally hurt themselves or wake themselves up. Newborns may be asleep most of the time, but they also have a lot of energy. And this can lead to them unintentionally scratching their faces, hitting their tiny legs on a hard surface, or just waking themselves up by wiggling about too much. To stop this from happening, parents swaddle them so that they are safe and sound. But this may get harder to do as the months get hotter and more humid. The last thing you want to do is add to your little one’s discomfort by suffocating them. So what do you do? Well, if you’ve come here to learn how to swaddle your baby properly during the summer months, this is the article for you. Keep reading!
Is It Safe To Swaddle Your Baby In The Summer?
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Parents usually swaddle their babies in order to restrict their movements and keep their limbs tucked in. Although you can still do this during the hot summer months, parents may be concerned about their child’s wellbeing as excessive sweating, high heat, and suffocation can cause the baby to fall ill. But if done correctly, swaddling your infant won’t pose any harm to them.
Essential Tips For Summer Swaddling Your Baby
1. Choose The Right Swaddle
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This will make or break your ability to swaddle your baby. If you’ve chosen to swaddle your little one for the duration of the summer, you must pick a swaddle that works with the climate. There are special swaddles made just for the summer months. So when searching online or in markets, make sure that you pick out a summer swaddle for your newborn. Nowadays, they are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and most importantly, materials like cotton. So, your first order of business will be to choose the right swaddle for your baby.
2. Check Your Baby’s Clothes
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Before you put your little one in a swaddle, you’ll need to check their clothes. Wearing thick materials like synthetic and wool won’t serve your baby well during the hot months. So make sure to switch to clothes made out of thin, breathable fabrics like cotton so that your baby can be swaddled at any time. Make sure to also avoid putting your baby in many layers of clothing as this will only make them feel stuffy. You want to put them in something comfortable so that they won’t feel hot and uncomfortable while in a swaddle.
3. Try Different Techniques
There are so many different ways to swaddle a baby. And there is no hard and fast rule on how to do it the right way. Every baby is different, so make sure to try out a few techniques to see which one suits your baby best. There are also several swaddling techniques available online specifically for the summer. So, try your hand at a few and give your baby some options. We’re sure you’ll find one that works wonders for your infant!
4. Apply Powder
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During the summer months, it’s important to make sure you have a bottle of baby powder with you at all times. It’s a staple if you’re planning on swaddling your baby. Before they go in the swaddle, simply apply powder to them. Most powders have cornstarch in them, which will help to keep the baby dry and absorb all the sweat. This way, you can prevent any rashes or irritated skin that may come with sweating.
5. Check For Signs Of Overheating
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A baby does not have the ability to regulate their body’s temperature like adults do, so you must make sure that they are not overheated while in a swaddle. First, take precautions and check the temperature of the environment they are in. You want to keep your baby someplace cool and away from direct sunlight while they are swaddled. Also make sure to check in on them regularly. If your baby’s face is turning red or if they seem uncomfortable, they may be overheating. If they are breathing unusually fast or their breathing seems strained, take them out of the swaddle immediately. And lastly, if your baby is crying and sweating, then they are clearly overheated and need to be cooled down immediately.
Swaddling your baby during summertime does not need to be an impossible task. As long as you use a thin cloth and wrap it around them gently, they should be fine. Make sure to use our tips to keep your baby safe while swaddled. Happy parenting!
