The practice of swaddling goes back nearly as far as human history, itself. The
oldest archaeological evidence of mothers swaddling their babies begins in 4000
B.C. with the migrating peoples of ancient central Asia. The ancient Greeks and
Romans swaddled. There are even biblical references to the practice.
Swaddling’s
ability to soothe and calm babies has been known to mothers around the world for
countless generations. But while the evidence of its benefits has been clear to
women for thousands of years and across every continent, today we can turn to science
for proof that swaddling is one of the most gentle, effective, and beneficial practices
for mothers and their children.
In 2002, the medical journal Pediatrics published
a study that explained why babies who are swaddled sleep more peacefully by preventing
spontaneous movements (called reflex motion) from waking them up continually during
the night. The same year, the Journal of Applied Physiology wrote that swaddled
infants stay in REM sleep (the most restorative, deepest sleep) longer than those
who were not. There is growing evidence every year that swaddling may indirectly
help prevent SIDS, as well.
Swaddling is said to be as familiar to babies as it
is to thier moms because it recreates the secure and cozy feeling of the womb --
and using swaddles made of natural cotton muslin only enhances that blissful feeling.
Muslin is a finely-woven breathable fabric believed to have originated in Bangladesh
during the Middle Ages. It's delicate, yet durable weave, makes the fabric stretchy,
and therefore ideal for swaddling, as the natural give" allows the blanket to be
tucked snuggly around a baby without being overly restrictive.
The lightweight muslin
also permits air to circulate around the baby's body, while still providing comfort
and warmth without the worry that the baby may overheat in moderate weather. Cotton
muslin is also a workhorse fabric, in that wraps woven from this natural fiber stands
up to repeated washings only becoming softer -- and better -- with age.
Of course,
all the scientific evidence in the world is no substitute for the experience of
millions of Mothers through uncountable generations: that swaddling in muslin is
one of the most loving, gentle, restorative acts a mother can perform for her child.
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"Experts reckon that swaddling reproduces the cozy, calming environment of the womb"
Raegan Moya-Jones
Chief Executive Officer
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