Create a Valentine’s Day Tissue Paper Flower Bouquet

Create a Valentine’s Day Tissue Paper Flower Bouquet

April 12th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Celebrate Valentine’s Day and spread the love with a colorful bouquet made of tissue paper flowers in a pretty vase. This easy craft results in a cute gift any child would be happy to present to a loved one on Valentine’s Day.

What you will need:

  • Tissue paper in Valentine’s Day colors such as red, pink and white
  • Green pipe cleaners
  • Construction paper in red, pink and white
  • Scissors and glue

Making the Flowers

You can create a varied bouquet with several different types of flowers, or stick to just one style, it’s up to you! Here are three different options for beautiful tissue paper flowers.

Flower #1. Cut different colors of tissue paper into the shape of a dog bone. Stack about ten of the bone shapes one on top of the other, and fan them out so that they don’t all line up. Next, pass a green pipe cleaner through the center of your stack of bone shapes and twist it down at the top to make sure the petals don’t fall off. Pinch the bottom of the petals to push them up into a bloom. The petals will look like little hearts! Finally, wind the pipe cleaner around the pinched paper a few times to make sure the petals don’t slide down the stem and the petals stand up in a bloom shape rather than lying flat.

Flower #2. Stack four 5″ x 11″ pieces of tissue paper in alternating colors one on top of the other. Fold the stack of paper accordion style, creating approximately ¾” folds. With scissors, round off the end of the tissue paper accordion. Pinch the center of the folded paper and wrap the end of a pipe cleaner around it. Carefully fan out the pieces of tissue paper and adjust them to create the bloom.

Flower #3. Make a stack of tissue paper in either varying colors, or all the same color if you prefer. Cut out a star shape, with approximately 8-10 points to each star. Twist the stars around so that the points are spaced out and not all on top of each other. Push a pipe cleaner through the center and secure it as in flower number one, bending it at the top and pinching the center underneath the petals, then winding the pipe cleaner around the pinched off paper.

Making the Vase

Check the length of your pipe cleaner stems against a piece of construction paper, and trim it as needed so that the stems are longer. Glue the ends of your trimmed paper together to make a cylinder that will stand on its own. If it doesn’t seem stiff or stable enough, double up the paper with another sheet. Cut out construction paper hearts in various shapes and sizes, and glue them to the cylinder.

Then simply slip your flowers into the vase, and arrange them however you like! You can stand them up straight, or bend the pipe cleaners a little so that they peek over the edge of the vase. Mix different types of flowers in one vase, or make one vase for each type of paper bloom.

With this simple and pretty Valentine craft, you will create colorful flowers that will continue to bloom for as long as you want to display them!

Getting Physical: Guidelines for Children

Getting Physical: Guidelines for Children

April 10th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

We all know physical activity is important for good health, but often we forget that our children need to be physically active just as much as adults. With childhood obesity reaching near-epidemic proportions and juvenile diabetes on the rise, a warning sign is being sent to parents about the effects of lack of exercise on our children. By making physical activity a regular part of your child’s life early on, you will set her up for a lifetime of healthy habits.

How Much Exercise Should My Child Get?

The American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents over the age of two should participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, while older children and adolescents should aim for 60 minutes. This activity should be moderate to vigorous; this means that it should get your child’s heart rate up. If necessary, it’s ok to split the activity into more than one session; fifteen minutes in the morning and fifteen minutes in the afternoon will add up to 30 minutes just the same as doing it straight.

What Activities are Best for y Child?

The right type of physical activity depends on your child’s age, developmental stage and physical abilities. Your 3 year old probably isn’t coordinated enough to jump rope, but for a six year old it is a great choice. Most young children will get enough exercise just by spending an hour at a playground. Running around and climbing on play structures will increase heart rate as well as improve strength.

Older children will benefit from organized sports in more ways than one. In addition to improving their health, sports teach teamwork and increase self-confidence. Soccer is a great first sport for young children, as it is an easy sport to learn and carries less chance of injury than some other options. It’s always a good idea to choose a sport that your child is interested in playing. If they aren’t into it, they won’t have a good time and are likely to want to quit. Remember that fun is the name of the game! Children who learn that physical activity is enjoyable are more likely to stick with it through adulthood.

Your kids aren’t the only ones who should get in the habit of regular exercise. Remember that your children are much more likely to develop healthy habits if they see you engaging in the same practices; if they see you getting physical and enjoying it, they’ll want to do the same. Get involved in activities as a family; try bike riding, hiking, or throwing a ball around at the park. Good health isn’t the only benefit of exercising together; you will also get to spend quality time with your family.

General Precautions

With any physical activity, there are always a few precautions to keep in mind. Prevent injuries by making sure your child always has the proper equipment for the activity at hand. Especially on hot days, be sure there is plenty of water available and that your child consumes it. And don’t forget the sunscreen if you are playing outside; even on a cloudy day, damage can be done to the skin, so get in the habit of using it every time. Make sure your kids know to stop if something is hurting, and never keep playing on an injury.

Making physical activity a regular part of your everyday life will help your children to grow up healthy and strong. It may be the most important thing you can do to ensure your little one’s current and future health.

Spread Holiday Cheer with Homemade Cards

Spread Holiday Cheer with Homemade Cards

April 9th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Instead of store-bought cards, this year get your kids into the holiday spirit by making homemade cards. You’ll have a blast making them, and your friends and family will love to receive a special and unique card from the heart. Here are three simple holiday card ideas even young kids can help to make.

Snowman Cards.
What you’ll need:

  • Construction paper
  • Round cotton pads
  • Whole cloves
  • Black Felt
  • Glitter
  • Glue

Start by folding a piece of construction paper in half, then in half once more. On the bottom quarter of the card, spread some glue and sprinkle with glitter. One it’s dry, you can build your snowman on top of the glittery snowy ground. Take three of the round cotton pads and glue them one on top of the other. Then glue two whole cloves for eyes onto the top cotton pad (they’ll make the card smell lovely). Cut a top hat shape out of the black felt, and glue it above the snowman’s head. You can add extra glitter to create falling snow too.

Fold Out Christmas Tree Cards.
What you’ll need:

  • Construction paper
  • Tissue paper
  • Ribbon
  • Glue
  • Glitter

Fold a piece of construction paper as in the previous example. Then lay it on the table with the inside of the card open. Cut a Christmas tree shape out of green construction paper, and repeat three more times, making sure they are all the same size. Take three of the trees and fold them in half down the center. Glue the fourth flat on the center of the card, so that the crease of the folded card is directly in line with the center of the tree. For the remaining three, glue only the crease you made when you folded them to the center crease of the card, so they appear like the pages of a book.

Cut strips of green tissue paper and fold them accordion style. Glue several strips of the folded tissue paper between each layer of the tree. When you close the card, the tree will flatten, and when you open it, the tree will spread open. Decorate your tree with glitter, pieces of ribbon as garland, and construction paper gifts at the base. Be creative and let your kids think of new ways to decorate the tree as well!

Wreath Cards.
What you’ll need:

  • Construction paper
  • Ribbon
  • Colored beads
  • Glue
  • Glitter

This time, fold a green piece of construction paper in half only once. Cut out a circular shape, leaving the folded edge intact so that you end up with a round card that can be opened. Cut a circle out of the center to make a wreath shape, then trim the edges so that they appear less even and smooth and more like a wreath. Pinking shears make a great edge for your wreath, or you can cut in a wave with regular scissors. Decorate your wreath with beads, ribbon, and glitter. You can also add a piece of ribbon to the top of the card, so that recipients can hang it as an ornament or decoration.

You can also add the clove idea from the first card to either the tree or the wreath to bring that spicy scent to your card. The smell will impart a feeling of festive warmth the minute the recipient opens the envelope!

The key to great holiday cards is creativity, fun, and a little love. When these special cards arrive in the mail complete with a hand-written message, your family and friends will feel the holiday cheer from across the miles.

Tricks for Healthy Halloween Treats

Tricks for Healthy Halloween Treats

April 8th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Halloween is the holiday that children anticipate and dentists dread. While every holiday has its traditional treats, none can quite compare to Halloween for sheer sugar overload. Halloween doesn’t have to be a junk food nightmare, however. You can balance the scales a little by making some healthier treats at home to accompany the trick or treating goodies.

Naturally Sweet

Fruit may be the closest thing nature offers to candy, and it won’t be a tough sell to get your kids to eat some Halloween treats that are both sweet and healthy thanks to some spooky fruit recipes.

Make a healthy jack-o-lantern using an orange instead of a pumpkin. Hollow out a navel orange and cut out a face just like you would a pumpkin. Then fill your mini jack-o-lantern with tasty treats such as fruit salad, gelatin squares or crunchy nuts – whatever creative and healthy filling you can think of!

Caramel apples are a great way to combine a sweet treat with healthy fruit. You can buy caramel dip at the store, or make your own at home. They are delicious with just the caramel, but you can also dip them in nuts for an added touch and crunch.

Turn grapes into eerie eyeballs by cutting a small opening and pressing a raisin into one end. A bowlful of these creepy but tasty and healthy treats are sure to please your little ones!

Shape It Up

Turn all kinds of healthy foods into Halloween treats with cookie cutters. Pick up shapes like a pumpkin, ghost, and cat, and get creative. Make breakfast fun by cutting pancakes or toast into ghost shapes, and covering with a sprinkling of confectioner’s sugar to turn them white. A couple of raisins make perfect eyes!

At lunchtime, use a pumpkin shaped cookie cutter on a grilled cheese sandwich, and then cut eyes and a mouth. If you cut while the cheese is still warm, you’ll get a creepy oozing of cheese into the openings. You can do the same with peanut butter and jelly. Or make a jack-o-lantern face on a quesadilla, the round shape is perfect!

Cut Halloween shapes into pitas or another flat bread, and then bake until crispy. Serve your creepy crackers with black bean dip, or salsa. Or, cut shapes out of cheese slices for a matching accompaniment to the crackers.

Devilishly Delicious Drinks

Serve up fun Halloween beverages that will refresh without a ton of sugar. For a fizzy treat, mix orange juice with sparkling water, and add a touch of blood red by drizzling grenadine slowly into the glass.

Add fun to any Halloween drink by adding a few drops of food coloring to the water in your ice cube trays. Red and orange are great Halloween colors. Make your ice cubes extra creepy by freezing a small plastic spider into each cube!

Be Realistic

Keeping Halloween healthier is a great goal, but don’t cut out the candy altogether. Denying your kids the Halloween treats they have been waiting for won’t win you any fans. The goal for this sugary holiday should be to teach moderation, self-control, and also show kids that healthy foods can be fun and delicious too.

If you can get this message across successfully, you will raise kids who know how to enjoy a treat, but won’t turn their back on healthy snacks.

Give Thanks with a Pinecone Turkey Centerpiece

Give Thanks with a Pinecone Turkey Centerpiece

April 7th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

A turkey centerpiece made from a pinecone is a fun craft your kids will enjoy making and displaying. This Thanksgiving craft requires only a few easy to obtain items, some of which are found in nature! Here are two great pinecone turkey crafts to choose from.

Remember that gathering the supplies for this craft is half the fun! Take a stroll through your local park or nature trail with your kids to find pine cones, and enjoy the fall foliage and fresh air while you are out there. Look for the largest pinecones you can find, but gather up some small ones as well. If you’re planning to make the second type of pinecone turkey, search for the largest, most brightly colored leaves you can find.

Pinecone Turkey with a Feathered Tail

For this craft, you will need:

  • One large pinecone
  • Colored feathers, around two dozen
  • Craft goggle eyes
  • Construction paper or crafter’s foam in brown, red, yellow and orange
  • Glue

Start by laying the pinecone on the table to be sure it won’t roll away. Next, take your feathers and fluff them up by running your fingers over them. Arrange a row of 5-6 feathers in a fan shape. Glue them one by one to the back of the pinecone. Make two more rows in the same manner to create a multi-layered tail for your turkey.

Next, create a face for your turkey with construction paper or crafter’s foam. Cut an oval shape of brown paper or foam, and two teardrop shapes out of orange and red. Glue your turkey’s eyes to the center of the brown oval, near the top. Then glue the two teardrop shapes, pointed end down, to the bottom of the brown oval to create the turkey’s beak and waddle. The yellow teardrop should be a little higher and more centered to create the beak, and the orange one a little lower, forming the waddle.

When this is done, attach your turkey’s face to the front of the pinecone. Finally, make feet for your turkey from yellow construction paper or foam cut into rounded triangle shapes, and glue them to the bottom of your pinecone.

Fall Leaf Pinecone Turkey

To make this craft, gather the following:

  • Large fallen leaves in bright colors (press them for a few days for best results)
  • One large pinecone
  • One acorn or similar shaped nut in the shell
  • Craft goggle eyes
  • Construction paper
  • Yellow paint
  • Glue

To get started, follow step one above and lay the pinecone on the table to find where it is most stable. Create the tail by gluing your leaves stem down onto the back of the pine cone to form the tail. Place larger leaves towards the back and smaller ones towards the front.

Next, glue the eyes onto the acorn, and attach it to the front of the pinecone to create your turkey’s face. Cut a teardrop shape out of construction paper, and glue it beneath the acorn to create the waddle. Add a bit of yellow paint to the very tip of the acorn, giving your turkey a beak.

For added fun, use small pinecones and single leaves to make miniature turkeys for each place setting around the table. You can even use these small turkeys for place markers by slipping a small card with the person’s name into the pinecone.

With these easy Thanksgiving crafts, your holiday table will be both festive and fun!

Learning to Diaper Your New Baby

Learning to Diaper Your New Baby

April 6th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

While it might be one of the most basic baby care activities, diapering your new baby isn’t necessarily the simplest. Deciding between disposable diapers and cloth, mastering the skill of changing a baby without a mess, and dealing with diaper rash all add to the complexity of this universal baby care task.

Disposable vs. Cloth

Since disposable diapers became widely available, they have been the popular choice for new moms. Quick disposal of stinky messes, no diapers to wash, and no difficult pins to deal with are just some of the reasons moms reach for disposables. Today’s disposable diapers are highly absorbent and contain leaks very well. The downside to disposable diapers is that they are expensive and not exactly good for the environment. Because they are made of materials that don’t break down easily, disposable diapers will spend a long, long time in landfills.

Cloth diapers, once the only choice, have recently seen a resurgence in popularity due to both growing environmental concerns and the production of new, easier to use cloth designs. No more pins or folding – cloth diapers now come ready to use with advanced fasteners that won’t poke you or your baby if your fingers slip. Cloth diapers require a little more work for parents, as they need to be washed. While they will save you money in the long run, they do require an up-front expenditure that can be quite pricey, especially for some of the fancier new types of cloth diapers on the market.

Recently, some hybrid choices have appeared that combine a reusable diaper cover with a disposable liner. The G Diaper brand offers both convenience and environmental friendliness with a flushable, biodegradable liner that is used with a washable diaper.

Changing a Diaper

On the surface, it’s an easy task, but any new parent will tell you it’s not quite as simple as it sounds. Especially as your baby grows older and starts to wiggle around, changing a diaper can be a challenge. Before you start to remove the old diaper, be sure to slip a new one underneath. That way you will have it ready to put on quickly when the old one is removed. Make sure everything you need is within your reach – never walk away from a baby on a changing table, even one you don’t think can roll over yet!

There are a number of gimmicky items on the market intended to prevent accidents from getting all over the place. A simple washcloth draped over baby while you change him will serve the same purpose. After wiping baby clean, you can also use the washcloth to gently pat him dry before putting the clean diaper on.

As baby gets older, you will want to keep a few small toys in the changing area to occupy him while you get his diaper changed. It will prevent him from wiggling too much or trying to get his hands in the dirty diaper.

Diaper Rash

If your baby develops a diaper rash, you can treat it with over the counter ointments. Try to let his bottom air out as much as possible to keep the rash dry. Be sure to change his diaper frequently, and if regular wipes seem to hurt him try a warm, damp washcloth instead. If the rash does not improve with this treatment, contact your child’s pediatrician, as it could be a sign of a yeast infection that requires further care.

Changing your baby’s diaper will become easier with practice, and you will find that you can accomplish the task more quickly and will less mess the more you do it.

Choices for Feeding Your Baby

Choices for Feeding Your Baby

April 5th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

One of the most important decisions you will need to make when preparing for the arrival of your new baby is how you plan to feed her. This can be a difficult and emotional topic for many new mothers, but making the decision is a little easier when you know the facts about both breast and formula feeding.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics along with countless other medical associations all make the same recommendation: breastfeeding is the best choice for newborns. Human breast milk contains everything your baby needs to stay healthy and grow strong, including many compounds that can not be imitated by any commercial formula available today. Colostrum, the earliest breast milk that is produced in the first days after your baby’s birth, is rich in nutrients and antibodies that can’t be found anywhere else. These antibodies are crucial to strengthening your baby’s immune system.

Every mother’s breast milk is unique, and tailored precisely to the baby’s needs. Studies have shown that the composition of breast milk changes over time as your baby grows and her nutritional needs change. A mother’s body is also capable of compensating for premature birth by producing breast milk specific to the needs of a preterm infant.

Breast fed babies have a lower risk of a long list of problems later in life, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and allergies. Because of the antibodies in breast milk, breast fed infants will catch fewer colds in the first years and generally maintain better health overall.

Breastfeeding has other benefits as well. It costs significantly less than formula feeding, you won’t spend a lot of time on washing and sanitizing bottles, and you won’t have to worry about bringing a lot of gear with you everywhere you go. Recent research has also shown that mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

While some mothers are concerned that breastfeeding will leave the new dad out of the feeding process, a breast pump can easily solve this problem. This way, dad can take on some of the night feedings while you get some much-needed rest.

Formula Feeding

There are a number of reasons for choosing formula feeding for your newborn. Some mothers may have difficulty with milk supply or illnesses which could be transferred to the baby through breast milk. Mothers of adopted infants will not have the necessary hormones from pregnancy to produce breast milk. Working mothers may find pumping at work difficult or in some cases nearly impossible.

Formula feeding also offers the benefit of making the new dad an equal partner in the feeding process, without the extra work of having to pump breast milk for him to use. Dads can mix a bottle and feed the baby without ever having to disturb your much-needed sleep.

Today’s formulas offer better nutrition than ever before, and there are a number of formula choices on the market in case your baby’s stomach is sensitive and you need to try a different brand.

The Third Choice: Compromise

Many new mothers see the breast or formula feeding choice as an all or nothing proposition, but there is plenty of room for compromise. A combination of breast and formula feeding will ensure your baby reaps some of the benefits of breast milk while taking some of the pressure off of an already exhausted mom.

You may wish to breastfeed while you are on maternity leave, and then switch to formula when you return to work. Your baby will still have received many of the important antibodies provided by the early milk.

Whatever your choice, remember that a relaxed, happy mom is important to baby’s health and happiness too. Don’t let your feeding choice become a source of major stress in your life at a time when you need all your strength to care for your new baby.

Preparing Your Older Children for the New Baby

Preparing Your Older Children for the New Baby

April 4th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Bringing a new baby home doesn’t just change your life; it also changes the lives of your older children. Especially if your firstborn was an only child prior to the new arrival, it can be a time of upheaval and confusion. Preparing your child for the new role of older sibling is important to a smooth transition into life with a new addition.

And Then There Were Two

When you are preparing for a second child, your firstborn will be getting ready to lose his comfortable number one position in your hearts. Sharing mom and dad’s attention is not something he is used to, and it will take some effort to help him to understand that while the new baby is going to need a lot of love and attention, you still have plenty for him.

How you explain the impending arrival to your first born will depend on his age. Very young children may not fully understand what you are trying to say; toddlers and preschoolers may understand better if you get a few books about becoming a sibling. The pictures in the book and simple text will make it easier to explain what it means that a new baby will be joining the family.

Getting Siblings Involved

A great way to get your older children excited about their soon to arrive sibling is to get them involved in the preparations for the baby’s arrival. Let them help to pick out items for the baby, and help you to decorate the nursery. Involve them in the process of choosing a name for the baby. Young children may have some strange suggestions, but there is no reason not to put “SpongeBob” on the name list, even if it’s not really under consideration.

If you have a much older child, consider asking if she would like to take a babysitting course. She will learn a lot about how to help care for her sibling, and that knowledge will make her feel more confident in the position of big sister as well as a great help to you.

When Baby Comes

As your due date approaches, you should make arrangements for the care of younger children during your hospital stay. Make sure they know what is going to happen and aren’t surprised to wake up to Grandma’s face instead of yours. If you will need to send them to a friend or family member’s house for a few days, help them to pack a bag ahead of time and keep it with your prepared hospital bag so you can head out the door quickly. Make sure they don’t leave home without any comfort items they are used to having, such as a blanket or a stuffed animal.

Young children may find the idea of mommy going to the hospital a little frightening, so be sure they know that you aren’t sick and will be home in a few days. If you plan to have your children visit you with the new baby, check hospital regulations on young visitors ahead of time, and make sure that sick kids stay home as newborns are very susceptible to illness.

The arrival of a new baby is a source of upheaval for everyone in the home, but perhaps most for the older children. You may see some behavior that is out of character for your kids, a result of jealousy or simply an attempt to get your attention. As trying as it can be, cut your older kids a little slack in those first weeks. They are going through an adjustment period too, and will soon get used to the changes.

Baby’s Bed: Purchasing and Preparing a Crib

Baby’s Bed: Purchasing and Preparing a Crib

April 3rd, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Of all the things you will need for your new baby, the crib is one of the most important. Your baby will be spending a lot of time in his crib, and you will want to make sure he is both safe and comfortable.

Choosing a Crib

With the recent increase in crib recalls, choosing a crib should be undertaken with caution. While recalled cribs should be pulled from stores, mistakes can happen, so be sure to check any crib you are considering against recall lists. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers up to date recall information on their website at http://www.cpsc.gov. You can save money by buying a used crib, but be extra cautious. In addition to ensuring that the crib hasn’t been recalled, check it over carefully for any signs of damage or wear. Also, older cribs may not be up to current safety standards, so check with CPSC standards before buying.

There are three basic types of cribs: standard solid cribs, drop-side cribs, and convertible cribs. Standard cribs are solid and do not have moving parts. Drop-side cribs have one side that slides down to make it easier to get baby in and out. Convertible cribs are often drop-side cribs as well, but also convert to a toddler bed and sometimes also to a full sized bed. These cribs sometimes require the purchase of separate kits for the conversion.

Most of the crib recalls in recent years have involved drop-side and convertible cribs, which has led major retailers such as Toys R Us to remove drop-side cribs from their stores entirely. If you are certain you wish to purchase a drop-side or convertible crib, be careful choosing one. Stick to higher-end, well made models, and register your crib so that you will be notified immediately of any recall.

Setting Up a Safe Crib

In order to reduce the risk of SIDS, it is recommended that you keep the crib free of loose blankets, stuffed animals and other items that could cause suffocation. You should not use a standard crib bumper as they present a suffocation risk to your baby; however, a breathable mesh bumper is considered a safe choice for keeping baby’s arms and legs from getting caught in the rails. Remember that until your baby starts to roll over, there is really very little danger of this happening, so a bumper isn’t necessary. Aside from this type of bumper, the only things that should be in the crib are a securely fitted mattress cover and sheet.

Look for a firm crib mattress that fits snugly inside the crib. Although mattresses and cribs come in standard sizes these days, there is always room for error. Try to push a finger in between the mattress and the side of the crib. If you can fit more than one finger, the mattress isn’t snug enough.

When putting your crib together, follow the directions carefully. You should check all screws and bolts regularly to ensure everything is still tight.

Mobiles are a popular crib decoration, but make sure they are securely fastened. As soon as your baby is able to sit up on her own, the mobile should be removed as she may be able to reach it.

When you place your baby in her crib to sleep, you want to know she is safe. Follow all of these precautions when purchasing and setting up the crib, and you will have the peace of mind of knowing you have done everything possible to provide your baby with a safe place to rest her little head.

How to Swaddle Your Baby

How to Swaddle Your Baby

April 2nd, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

When your baby was brought to you shortly after birth, she was likely wrapped tightly in a blanket, arms inside so that only her head was visible. You may have watched in amazement as the nurses took a small square blanket and created a cocoon from it for your little one. The practice of swaddling babies is very common in hospitals, and with good reason. The tightly wound blanket mimics the closeness of the womb, which is a comfort to a newborn who has suddenly emerged into a new and frightening world.

Swaddling and Sleep

Babies who are swaddled tend to sleep better than those who are not, both because of the comforting feeling and also because the startle reflex common to newborns is less likely to wake them. Swaddled babies are also at a lower risk of SIDS as they are not in danger of suffocation due to loose blankets; however, be sure to use a lightweight blanket when swaddling to prevent baby from overheating, a risk factor for SIDS. If your baby’s face appears flushed or she feels sweaty when you unwrap her, the blanket may be too warm.

Learning to Swaddle

If you find yourself frustrated by attempts to create that perfect swaddle that appeared so easy when the nurses did it, you are not alone. Many parents find themselves stumped by how to manipulate a blanket for effective swaddling. While there are many different swaddling techniques, here is a step-by-step method for a very simple swaddle.

  1. Choose a light, thin blanket made of a fabric that is not slippery. Make sure the blanket is neither too small nor too large. Both excess fabric and not quite enough can make swaddling difficult.
  2. Lay the blanket out on a flat surface. The floor is often the easiest place to learn the technique.
  3. Take one corner of the blanket and fold it down to create a small triangle.
  4. Lay the baby on the blanket so that his shoulders line up just below the folded edge.
  5. Take the pointed piece of the blanket that is below the baby’s feet, and fold it upwards so that it points towards his chin.
  6. Take one side of the blanket and fold it over the baby’s body, then tuck it tightly underneath him so that his arms are held at his sides.
  7. Finally, pull the other side over and tuck it under baby’s body. When you lay him down to sleep, ensure this end is beneath him to keep him swaddled.

Make sure that the baby is swaddled tightly enough to keep the blankets from coming loose and to create the feeling of security, but be careful not to swaddle too tightly to avoid compressing the baby’s chest and making breathing difficult. If your baby is fighting the swaddle, it may be too tight.

Making it Easier

If despite your best efforts you just can’t seem to master swaddling, don’t sweat it. There are now a number of products available to make swaddling easier and faster. They use fasteners such as Velcro to keep the blanket in place, and are so easy to use you will probably be able to re-swaddle your baby half asleep and in the dark after that midnight diaper change.

Swaddling is a very old practice and still popular for good reason; it comforts baby, helps him sleep, and also keeps him warm without the danger of loose blankets. With a little practice you can learn to swaddle your baby safely and effectively.

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