Hi! If you’re new here, welcome. Perhaps you're expecting your first mini, you’re adding to your family and need a quick refresher, or your baby is about to have a baby, and you want to relearn to lend a hand – congratulations to all of you!

Whatever the reason, we understand how overwhelming it can be whenever a mini is on the way. Our job is to guide you through the process of swaddling and answer all your burning questions. As many of us are mothers ourselves, we've been where you are, and we want to ensure you feel supported as you enter into this journey of newborn sleep.

What is swaddling and why do it?

Swaddling is an ancient practice of wrapping your baby in a cocoon, to help them feel safe and secure. We swaddle our babies to avoid the sudden flailing of their arms and head that swiftly snaps them awake, undoing all that hard work it took to get them to sleep. That flailing movement is known as the Moro, or startle reflex. It is a jerk in their bodies that can occur every 20 minutes in some babies. It is completely normal and begins in the first trimester in utero. A loud noise, a sudden bright light, movement or even a parent laughing can trigger the reflex. Swaddling calms this jerking movement while keeping your mini comfortable and content.

The transition from the cosy confines of the womb to life outside can be anything but easy for newborns who are used to mum's comforting warmth and movement. The first few months are commonly referred to as the 'fourth trimester', and your newborn will probably sleep for around 16 hours a day as their body grows rapidly, their brain develops, and they learn a circadian rhythm. A swaddle can help your baby adjust to the outside world by providing security and familiarity. It can help to settle your little one if they become overstimulated by their surroundings.

Is swaddling for every baby?

All babies are wonderfully different. Some like to sleep in an environment that mimics the close confines of the womb, while some like the freedom of sleeping with their arms out, and some don't like being swaddled at all. For these babies, we suggest trying using our Momuz Swaddle Bag as a sleeping bag with the arm studs undone. Once they are three months of age, you can try one of our infant sleeping bags which provide a roomier fit for babies who don’t like being confined.

Regardless of which pouch you choose, a safe sleeping environment is paramount:

• For sleep, always place your baby on their back at the end of the cot or bassinet;
• If you choose a Cocoon Swaddle Bag or sleeping bag, you won't need any blankets for extra warmth;
• Ensure the bag is fitted well around the neck and armholes but not too tight;
• Their sleeping surface should always be firm and flat;
• There should be nothing else inside their cot. That includes blankets, cot bumpers, pillows, toys or mobiles hanging above them that could fall or be in reach;
• Sleep baby with face and head uncovered, no beanie or bows and free from a smoking environment;
• The cot or bassinet should have a safe mattress and base.
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If you’d like to read more about safe sleeping, please head to the Red Nose website.

Traditional Swaddle Wraps vs Pouch Swaddles

There are two types of swaddles: a traditional swaddle wrap or a pouch (also known as a swaddle bag). Both will ensure your baby feels secure and can help with settling to sleep. Please be wary of wraps and swaddles that don't allow for full and uninhibited chest expansion. Those little ribs are still very soft and bendy, and an overly enthusiastic wrap has the potential to be too firm across the chest.

Whilst the idea of a swaddle is to contain the startle reflex to keep baby from waking, babies also need some arm movement to promote healthy development and shoulder joints. A swaddle shouldn't be so tight that it pins your baby's arms in one place. Be sure to allow some natural arm movement. Look for a swaddle with stretch, such as the Cocoon Swaddle Bag, to allow for this.