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Happy Baby |
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Swaddling |
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 Swaddling is an ancient mothering tradition that had fallen out of favor in the west but is making a come back. The art of swaddling got swept into the trash along with many other aspects of parenting that had been popular in the Victorian age. Some of those Victorian traditions deserve to be in the trash -- such as binding the baby's arms to boards so that he cannot suck on his fingers. But swaddling can be wonderful. Most babies find it very soothing. And, done in moderation, there is no need to worry it will harm your child. For a pediatrician's point of view on swaddling, there is no better book than
The Happiest Baby on the Block.
If your baby was born in a hospital, he may have been swaddled by the nurses there. He may have come home with half a dozen receiving blankets, and you and your spouse may have done your best to swaddle him the same way. Until now, when he can no longer be swaddled in those little blankets. If he still finds it comforting, you can continue swaddling, though, you'll need to change your technique as he grows older and stronger. You have at least two choices:- swaddle with a bigger cloth
- swaddle with a cloth plus a "swaddle ribbon". Now, when I say ribbon, I don't mean a satin ribbon you'
- NOTICE: You can buy this and do this AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION. Like many other parenting tools, a swaddle ribbon used incorrectly could KILL your baby -- just like a highchair used incorrectly. So, take good care of your baby and if you choose to swaddle using a ribbon then make sure that you
- Stay WITH your baby while he is swaddled.
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Make sure baby doesn't overheat.
- Make sure the blanket is NO WHERE NEAR the baby's face -- so baby can breathe.
- Make sure the swaddle ribbon is firm and cannot slip up around baby's neck.
- Make sure baby is not swaddled too tightly.
Yes, tightly swaddled, but not too tightly swaddled. That's why it's called the art of mothering.
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I think the best way to get the understanding and confidence to do #1-5 is to read Dr. Harvey Karp's book,
The Happiest Baby on the Block. Am I repeating myself? ;-P
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Got $5 & 5 mins?
Make a Carrier! |
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More Help |
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Report a Problem |
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Broken link? Missing image? Misspelled word? Inadequate instructions? Please email maintenance@wearyourbaby.org. I cannot respond to every email, but I do appreciate your help. I will email you back if I can. Thanks, Tracy Dower
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You are a Master Babywearer |
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In China, it is said that "A master is anyone who knows more than you do." So, you are all master babywearers compared with most of the moms in the world. You do NOT need to know everything there is to know about babywearing -- if you know even ONE carry with even ONE type of carrier, you are in possession of knowledge other moms desperately want -- even if they do not yet know they want it. ;-D Therefore, you should all feel confident enough to teach others! So, pick a public place, pick a day of the week, and start sharing your skills with other families! Then, list yourself here.
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