What are the benefits of carrying a baby and how is it safe?

Surely you have often seen newborn babies like to be swaddled by their parents. During the few months after birth, the baby will be swaddled frequently, especially while the baby is sleeping. This may have become a habit. However, some say that there is no need to swaddle the baby. Actually, is it necessary to carry a baby? Is there a benefit to carrying a baby?

Benefits of carrying a baby

The habit of swaddling babies that has been carried out for generations is actually beneficial for newborns. Some of the benefits of carrying a baby are:

1. Make baby sleep better

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), baby swaddling is useful for making babies sleep more soundly and comfortably, and can soothe the baby, if swaddling the baby is done properly.

2.Reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

According to the AAP also, swaddling babies can reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in newborns, but with a note that the baby should be placed in a supine position facing up. Swaddling your baby makes it more difficult for your baby to move around while sleeping, so this can protect him from the harmful things that can cause SIDS during sleep.

3. Helping babies sleep longer

Babies usually wake up easily because of something small that bothers them and surprises them. By stretching the baby, this can be prevented and make the baby sleep better and longer. The need for baby sleep time is met, which can support the baby's growth and development.

4. Help calm the baby

Swaddling your baby can make your baby feel warmer. This can remind them of the environment while they are still in the womb. Swaddled babies usually cry less often. If the baby even cries or writhes when it's swaddled, it means that the baby wants his arms and legs to be able to move freely. It's best to loosen up your baby's swaddling a little.

5. Promotes neuromuscular development

Swaddling the baby can limit the movement of the baby's hands and feet. This can help the baby develop better motor skills in the future. The benefits of carrying a baby are especially helpful for premature babies.

That must be considered when carrying a baby

While sleeping, it is best to supervise the baby who is swaddled not to roll over and sleep on his stomach. Sleeping on your stomach can obstruct your baby's airway, which increases your baby's risk of developing SIDS. In addition, try not to have any objects around the baby when he sleeps, such as blankets or pillows. These objects can cover the baby's nose, so he can have difficulty breathing.
Do not be too tight in swaddling the baby. Try to loosen it a little so that the baby can move a little and his breath is not tight. Swaddling too tight can also overheat the baby. If the baby is hot, the baby is sweating, the hair is wet, the cheeks are flushed, and the breathing becomes faster, it is better if the baby is swaddled.

When to stop stroking babies?

Newborn babies are usually swaddled immediately. However, two months after the baby was born, it seemed that the baby no longer needed to be swaddled.

Babies are swaddled to provide warmth to the baby, soothe the baby, make the baby sleep better, and help reduce the risk of SIDS while the baby is sleeping. However, when the baby is more than 2 months old, it seems that the benefits of carrying this baby can no longer be obtained by the baby. What's more, two month old babies have started learning to roll over. Babies who roll over while being swaddled while sleeping and put them to sleep on their stomachs can actually increase the risk of SIDS.

Starting at the age of two months when the baby has started learning to roll or when the baby is not comfortable being swaddled, the baby should not need to be swaddled again.