Swaddle blankets are great to use for babies as they are soft, stretchy, and lightweight. But do you know how to make a swaddle blanket with Velcro for even easier use?
Swaddle blankets are known to have a lot of benefits for babies, and babies who sleep well have parents who sleep well, too.
Below is a step-by-step guide to helping you make a swaddle blanket for the little one.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make A Swaddle Blanket With Velcro
Step #1. Buy and cut the fabric
Using fabric made of muslin or cotton gauze is great for a soft, stretchy, and lightweight swaddle.
For two swaddles of about 44 by 44 inches, you need two and a half square yards of fabric.
You will need about three and a half square yards for a larger swaddle that is 60 by 60 inches in size.
Because muslin or cotton tends to shrink, put the fabric through the washer and dryer before cutting it. Run a small load with cold water and tumble dry on low.
After, you can iron the fabric to smooth out wrinkles and creases.
Using a swaddle pattern, cut out a 44 by 44 inches square, but you may increase or decrease the size of the fabric accordingly.
Remember to mark the placement where you are supposed to sew the Velcro in.
Step #2. Create the hem and sew the swaddle
Fold the edges of the fabric over half an inch. Smooth down the fabric as you sew along with the blanket.
If the corners come undone, you can try putting a heavy book or a paperweight to weigh it down as you sew.
Do a second fold, ironing the edges of the hem to keep the fabric in place. Be careful when using the iron, and don’t forget to turn it off after you’re done using it.
Sew along the fold to finish the hem and make sure that there is no excess fabric sticking out of the swaddle.
Step #3. Adding the Velcro
Pin the smooth side of the Velcro down on the marked areas on the swaddle and sew along the edges of the Velcro strap.
Take care not to sew along the pins to avoid malfunction on your sewing machine.
Step #4. Using the swaddle blanket
Wrap your baby in the swaddle during naps or at nighttime, fold the swaddle into a triangle and place the baby with their shoulders even along the fold.
Bring the left corner of the swaddle to the baby and tuck it under their body between their side and right arm.
Bring the bottom end of the swaddle up to their feet and tuck in the tip. Fold the right corner over the baby and fasten with Velcro.
Benefits of using a swaddle blanket
There are many benefits to using a swaddle blanket. Some of them are the following.
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It mimics the womb
Swaddling recreates a secure and cozy environment for the baby that makes them feel like they are in the womb.
This makes the baby’s transition from the womb to the world easier.
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It minimizes Moro reflex
The Moro reflex or startle reflex is a normal neurological response that makes babies feel like they are falling.
They experience this all the time in the first three to four months of life.
While it indicates a healthy infant, it can disturb the baby’s sleep as it has involuntary movements that could wake them up.
Swaddling helps prevent these spontaneous movements, making it easier for the baby to sleep through the night.
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It regulates the temperature
Swaddling helps maintain the optimal temperature for babies, so you must be using high-quality, breathable fabric.
Avoid double swaddling or using a blanket as these can be too warm for the baby.
Over bundling could lead to overheating, which can increase the risk for Sudden Infant Death (SID).
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It alleviates colic
Parenting an infant with colic can be very difficult as it makes parents feel helpless in their inability to stop their child from crying.
Swaddling can have a therapeutic effect on a baby suffering from colic, as it applies light pressure on the baby’s belly, giving a cocoon-like feeling that provides relief for the baby.
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It reduces incidents of SIDs
Newborn infants need to sleep on their back to avoid suffocating through the night.
Swaddling the baby in a supine position helps the baby maintain a safe sleeping position.
For babies who are not yet capable of rolling over, this significantly diminishes the risk of SIDs.
Conclusion
Swaddled babies tend to be happier babies, so if you know how to make a swaddle blanket with Velcro, this is a great way to help your angel adjust and transition outside the womb.
Swaddling can help soothe and settle your baby, but more than that, it also triggers a relaxation mechanism, making them happier and more comfortable.
Give yourself and your baby the gift of a swaddle blanket with adjustable Velcro tabs to make the swaddle blanket more adjustable and better fitting for all babies.