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One of the few things I’ve saved since I had my own babies is a flannel receiving blanket that my mother made. She made lots of these for each of her children, but this one was extra special. Instead of just finishing the edges with a blanket stitch, she’d embroidered an animal in each corner. Every time I used it, I could feel the love and attention she gave to being a mother and grandmother.

I used these flannel blankets to swaddle my babies, something not every mother of our generation did. Swaddling, an ancient practice, went out of fashion for many decades. If you're unfamiliar with this term or remember it as an outdated tradition, you're not alone. But it’s back!

Swaddling is the art of snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket or cloth, with only their head exposed. It's a practice deeply rooted in history and culture, and it's essential for today's grandparents to understand why parents are swaddling their babies.

The Ancient Tradition of Swaddling

Swaddling is not a new concept. It's an age-old tradition that dates back to ancient civilizations. In cultures around the world, swaddling was used to provide infants with warmth, security, and protection. It was a cozy way to mimic the feeling of the womb, which comforted and calmed babies.

The art of swaddling was often passed down from generation to generation, with grandparents playing a key role in teaching their children how to do it. Swaddling was a well-established practice for nurturing infants for centuries.

The Swaddle's Modern Revival

As times changed, swaddling gradually faded into the background. Different methods of calming babies became popular, and swaddling became less common. More recently, pediatricians and child development experts are recognizing the benefits of swaddling. This ancient tradition was found to offer numerous advantages for babies, particularly in the areas of soothing and sleep.

Swaddling for Soothing and Sleep

Babies, especially newborns, require a substantial amount of sleep for healthy growth and development. Unfortunately, they can be easily disturbed by their own startle reflex. This involuntary response, known as the "Moro" reflex, causes a baby to suddenly wake themselves with flailing arms and legs. Swaddling helps contain these movements, preventing the baby from waking and promoting longer, uninterrupted sleep.

Moreover, swaddling provides a sense of security and warmth that can help soothe a fussy baby. When snugly wrapped, babies often feel safe, as if they are back in the womb. This sense of calm and comfort is not just beneficial for infants; any method that calms a fussy baby is a huge help to exhausted parents.

Swaddle Safety Concerns

While swaddling is safe and effective when done right, it must be done properly. Improper swaddling techniques, using thick blankets, or swaddling too tightly can be dangerous. In some cases, incorrect swaddling has been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is why it's vital for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers to learn how to swaddle safely and follow recommended guidelines.

Proper Swaddling Techniques

If you're a grandparent eager to support your children in their parenting journey, learning proper swaddling techniques can be incredibly valuable. Ask parents if they’ve learned about swaddling. They may have resources to share with you. Practicing together can be a great way to share the excitement of this new chapter in your lives.

While the arms are generally wrapped securely, it's crucial to allow room for hip movement when swaddling to promote healthy hip development. Watch this video to see a demonstration of proper technique.

While the swaddling technique shown in the video works well for most newborns, there are several other methods. Depending on your grandbaby’s age and disposition, you may want to learn about options for swaddling. You can find other swaddling techniques (and when to use them) on the 7 Swaddles website.

Best Swaddles

There are a wide variety of swaddling blankets on the market. It’s important to find blankets that are large and lightweight. There are also garments specifically designed for swaddling. You can find some that come highly recommended by new parents and new parent educators in our Amazon shop.

Talking to Parents about Swaddling

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of respecting your adult children’s parenting choices, even if they seem unfamiliar to you. The key to navigating these generational differences in parenting practices is open communication. As a grandparent, it's incredibly important to have regular, open conversations with your children who are now parents. Swaddling is just one area that you may need to learn more about to understand. You can find more of these areas in the Trends in Parenting section of New Grandparent Essentials.

Though you may have raised your children differently, showing interest in learning what’s changed will make parents feel supported and understood.

Alternatives to Swaddling

Swaddling may not be your grandchild’s parents' choice, or it may not work for their baby. (I know I had one baby who wanted to be as stretched out and free to move as possible from the day he was born!) There are other options, such as wearable blankets or sleep sacks, which offer some of the benefits of swaddling while allowing more movement. Whatever new parents decide is right, a grandparent’s job is to support that decision.

While grandparents’ experience can be a source of wisdom, your willingness to embrace and adapt to new parenting practices is equally important. That flexibility will ensure that your guidance remains a valuable and cherished part of your family's journey.

For more information about new parenting trends, check out New Grandparent Essentials, which includes everything you need to be fully up-to-date and ready to be a supportive, involved grandparent.