Are Swaddle Suits safe for baby?
(Excerpt from NewBaby101 p102-103) Most babies enjoy being swaddled which reminds them of the confined safe environment of the womb. Using a light cotton or muslin wrap to swaddle baby will provide the feeling of security without overheating baby, and additional wraps or blankets can be added if the room is very cool. Baby’s hips and legs should always be wrapped more loosely than his upper body. See the NewBaby101 video “How to swaddle your baby” for suggested wrapping techniques (which align with Rednose/SIDs recommendations).
Another option is the various swaddle suits which are like sleeping bags which close securely around baby’s upper body keeping his arms inside. Some Mums find these easier and more effective than wrapping or swaddling baby. SIDS/Rednose have advised against using swaddle suits designed to position baby’s arms raised upwards as they are regarded as risky if baby turns or rolls over, and concerns that restriction of arm movement could impede gross motor development and affect midline orientation. (Source: SIDS Education on-line forum 2021) Wrapping should be discontinued as soon as the baby shows the first signs of being able to roll. Positioning aids that restrict movement of the baby are not recommended and have been associated with infant deaths.
Specifically, Red Nose state: “items such as these and similar that secure an infant’s arms inside by means of a zip, Velcro or ties are not recommended by Red Nose… All sleeping attire designed to cover the baby’s shoulders should have separate neck and arm holes or should ensure that they do not allow the face covering if the baby was to move their arms in different positions.” https://rednose.org.au/article/wrapping-babies #Safebabysleep #Rednose #Swaddlingbaby #Babywrapping #NewBaby101 #Birthjourney #Armsupsleepers
Baby Sleep, new parents