Cons of Swaddling
Swaddling a baby occurs when the infant is snugly wrapped in a swaddle cloth. The swaddling is meant to make the baby feel secure and warm, as if she was still in the womb. Another purpose of swaddling is to calm and comfort the newborn. When swaddled, the entire body is covered with the swaddle cloth except for the head and neck, which are left exposed. Swaddling an infant continues for a varied amount of time; some prefer one month while others justify six. If swaddling continues beyond several months, however, it could interfere with development.
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Motor Restrictions
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If the infant is swaddled during times other than sleeping, he may experience a lack of development in his muscles. The infant may want to roll and sit, but the swaddling blanket interferes with his movement.
Diaper Changes
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An infant snugly wrapped will make it difficult for the parent to perform diaper changes. When the infant is swaddled, the parent will have to take steps to remove the cloth each time to change the diaper.
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Velcro Deteriorates
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Swaddling cloths come with various options, including Velcro. If a parent chooses to go this route, she must be aware that the Velcro deteriorates with use and time, making it necessary to purchase new swaddle cloths.
Too Tight
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A parent may make the mistake of wrapping the swaddle cloth too tightly around the infant, cutting off the infant's circulation. Swaddling has to be done very specifically; wrapping any flap incorrectly can result in the baby's and the parent's frustration.
Overheating
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In warm months, the swaddled infant may overheat. Parents must be educated on the right type of swaddle blanket to be used during warmer weather. If parents neglect to choose an appropriate swaddle cloth (cotton swaddle instead of a swaddle blanket) in warm weather, the infant will experience overheating.
Hip Problems
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Wrapping the swaddling blanket around the legs of the infant has been found to cause hip problems in many cultures that embrace swaddling. Hip problems may occur if the baby's legs are rigidly positioned when in the blanket.
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References
- Photo Credit newborn image by Valentin Mosichev from Fotolia.com
