Wrapping the Baby
 
 
 
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How to wrap a baby
What to wear beneath the wrap
 
 

A mother's lap is the rightful place for the baby. However, with all the baby care and other household chores that need to be undertaken around the house, it is not always possible for the mother to make the baby sleep on her lap. This may be especially true for a nuclear family where after the father leaves for office, the mothers have to fend for themselves in baby care and attending. If there is another child at home, the tension of divided attention triggers more stress.

Wrapping is not only soothing for some babies but it can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping baby on her back during sleep. Babies can be wrapped from birth up until they can roll onto their tummies. Not all babies like to be wrapped, so follow cues and respect the baby's wishes if faced with resistance.

It's not recommended to wrap babies who share the bed with their parents as this can cause overheating (a known cause of SIDS). Dress the baby as you would dress yourself in this situation.



How to wrap a baby

There are many ways to wrap a baby. Here's a popular method:

1. Using a cotton or muslin wrap, fold the top edge of the wrap down by about 20 cm; lay the baby on the wrap with her shoulders in line with the fold.
2. Place one of baby's hands under the fold
3. Bring the edge of the wrap across the body and tuck it under baby's legs.
4. Place the other hand under the fold
5. Bring the other edge of the wrap across baby's body and tuck in under her/his back.
6. Fold any extra length up and under baby's legs. While babies like to be wrapped firmly make sure that the wrap is not too tight.


What babies should wear beneath the wrap

1. In warm weather, all baby needs to wear beneath the wrap is a soft cotton baniyan and nappy. Overheating has been linked with SIDS, so try to keep the sleep environment at a cool, comfortable temperature.
2. In cool weather, dress the baby in a lightweight, one-piece full body suit beneath the wrap. Also be careful not overheat the house, especially if the baby is battling an infection.
3. Make sure the wrap doesn't cover the head, ears or chin - wraps that are too high can obstruct the baby's breathing and also cause the body to overheat.