SwaddleDesigns Swaddling Summer Tips and New LUSH line for baby

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review.

Swaddling Tips for Summer Time- From SwaddleDesigns

Choose a fabric that is appropriate for your environment

In Asia, where SIDS rates are very low, moms swaddle their baby with a thin blanket in the summer and a slightly thicker blanket in the winter. Lightweight open weave cotton fabrics such as marquisette or muslin are appropriate for warmer environments and summer swaddling.  Natural fibers are preferred over man-made fibers due to the natural fiber’s breathability.

 If air conditioning is used to keep the home temperature cool, consider using a lightweight flannel blanket to help keep baby comfortable. Keep baby away from direct drafts caused by air conditioning or fans, because baby could quickly become too cold.

SwaddleDesigns SwaddleDuo offers great flexibility by including one flannel and one marquisette blanket so parents are prepared for changes in environmental temperatures.

As a general guide, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends dressing baby in no more than one layer more than an adult would use to be comfortable in the same environment. For example, if it is very warm in your environment, a lightweight swaddle and a diaper may be sufficient for baby.

Baby's head should be uncovered for sleep.

Natural Position

Baby’s hips and knees should be in a flexed position in the swaddle, and have room to move. Arms and shoulders should have some wiggle room as well. Preemies and very young babies may be swaddled with hands up by face. After breast feeding is well established, and baby is several weeks old, baby’s hands may be placed down in the swaddle and offered a pacifier.

Wrap Snugly

Swaddle snugly, but not overly tight. Parents should be able to slide a hand between the blanket and the baby’s chest.

Always Place Baby on Back to Sleep

Always place baby on his or her back for sleep - for nighttime sleep and nap time sleep. The back sleeping position reduces risk of SIDS. Never place a swaddled baby on their stomach.

Firm Sleep Surface

Baby should sleep on a firm sleep surface, in a bassinet, cradle or crib near the mother's bed, without any soft toys, pillows or loose bedding. A tight fitting crib sheet should be used on the baby's mattress. Babies should not be placed for sleep on water beds, quilts, pillows, sheepskins, or other fluffy surfaces. 

Smoke- Free Environment

Always keep baby’s environment smoke-free by not smoking when pregnant, near baby, or in an area where your baby spends time or sleeps.

 Temperature Awareness

Baby’s tummy, chest and back should be warm and dry. A sweaty neck and back is a sign of overheating and a layer of baby's clothing should be removed. A cold tummy is a sign baby is too cool and an adult should hold baby skin to skin until baby is warm and an additional layer should be added.  Baby should be rechecked.  

Babies are not good at regulating their own temperature, and no blanket can naturally regulate baby's temperature for them, so parents need to touch and feel their baby to ensure baby is not too hot or too cold.

Some parents confuse “avoid overheating” to mean “keep baby cool” – this is a dangerous mistake. Baby should not become chilled or “kept cool” but rather baby should be kept comfortable.  Remember the Goldilock’s Guide:  “Not too hot or too cold, but just right ~ comfortably warm.”

Most medical experts recommend a sleep environment of 65-72°F (18-22°C).

Consider offering a Pacifier

Sucking is the most organizing behavior of the newborn – it helps baby with sleep/wake control. Consider using a pacifier at sleep time once breastfeeding is established. A pacifier should not be reinserted if it falls out and baby is asleep.

Do not use Positioners

The AAP discourages use of positioning devices for sleep.

Keep all Cords Away from Crib

Electrical cords from video monitors, cameras, fans and window treatments should be kept a minimum of 3 feet from baby’s crib and secured out of child’s reach. Cords are a strangulation hazard.

SwaddleDesigns recommends that parents have a conversation and review Safe Sleep and Safe Swaddling guidelines with their baby’s caregivers to ensure that everyone caring for their baby understands the important guidelines to reduce risk and provide baby with a safe environment to sleep, grow and thrive.

SwaddleDesigns large swaddle blankets may also be used as a sunshield over the stroller, as a privacy throw for breastfeeding or a playmat

Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swaddle-Designs/75007265931?fref=ts

Information about SwaddleDesigns New LUSH Collection:

Lightweight, Breathable, Open Weave, Pre-washed, Baby Soft Cotton Swaddling Blanket

SwaddleDesigns 100% Cotton Marquisette (Mar-kwiss-et) has wonderful quality due to long and smooth cotton fibers

Ideal for warmer climates and environments

Easy to follow swaddling instructions sewn on the blanket

Multi-use and versatile - sunshield, playmat for tummy time, privacy throw for breastfeeding

So soft

46 by 46 inches

Our Thoughts:

When I received the blanket, I wasn't sure what to expect. . . and then I opened it! I was in love with how light weight it is and that it's not a tiny little blanket. Having long babies, most blankets used for swaddling don't exactly "fit" my sweet kiddos. This was a pleasant surprise to know that we can swaddle for a while, AND they won't be too long to fit inside the blanket.

I received the blanket in lavender, and it's perfect. So subtle and demure. I love that about this blanket, the colors aren't so bright that you have to shield your eyes! The quality is amazing, and the fact that it's big enough to be so versatile is a huge plus, especially if you're on a budget.

Which brings me to my next point. . . Affordability! This blanket won't break the bank! So many baby gear sites claim to be affordable, but aren't. This is such a nice quality to have it be something that someone on a budget could actually afford to buy!

Reviewed by Steph

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***