Swaddling helps babies feel secure by restricting their movements, which can reduce startling reflexes that often wake them up. It also helps maintain a baby’s body temperature and can soothe a fussy newborn by providing a snug, womb-like environment. Today, let’s take a closer look at swaddling across cultures, focusing especially on how to swaddle a baby Indian style, and the traditional swaddling baby Indian method that has been cherished for generations.
Swaddling in Indian Culture
The Indian style of swaddling is gentle but firm, with an emphasis on comfort and ease of movement for the baby.
While modern parents might reach for specialised newborn swaddle blankets or sleep sacks, traditional cultures often rely on simple, natural fabrics and specific wrapping styles that reflect their heritage.
So, how to swaddle a baby Indian style? The traditional Indian method typically uses a long, soft cotton cloth called a chaddar or gamchha. Taking inspiration from our culture, Nintara Baby’s swaddle wraps are designed to give the same unmatched comfort, just like how your moms and grandmoms like them.
Mothers and grandmothers in Indian families often pass this skill down through generations, and you will find that this simple technique is deeply embedded in the cultural rituals of newborn care.
How Indian mothers swaddle their babies
We spoke to Indian mothers and caregivers, asking about their experience with swaddling and why the Indian method stands out. New mother Ambuja told us that she had no clue about swaddling and relied on videos and articles to understand the importance of swaddling. She emphasised the Indian method because it ensured that her child slept well. “We used muslin cotton material as a swaddle, but before that, we made sure that all the swaddles were washed before use so that the material remains smooth.”
Sujata, grandmother of three toddlers, said, “What’s charming about the Indian swaddling baby method is its natural and practical approach. We used swaddle material from old cotton saris and focused on the baby’s comfort rather than complicated wrapping techniques. We ensured that the swaddle is tight and cosy enough so that my grandkids can have a sound sleep.”
Maalishwali Prabha, who specialises in post-natal child baths, told us that she ensures that the baby doesn’t overheat when she swaddles.”
One cultural aspect tied to Indian swaddling is the use of the kangaroo hold or skin-to-skin contact soon after swaddling, especially in rural areas. This combination is believed to promote bonding, regulate the baby’s temperature, and encourage breastfeeding.
Tips on How to Swaddle a Baby Indian Style
If you’re interested in trying the Indian style at home, here are a few easy steps:
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Choose the right cloth: Opt for a Nintara Baby swaddle wrap, which is breathable and soft against the baby’s skin.
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Lay the cloth: Spread it in a diamond shape on a flat surface.
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Position the baby: Place the baby so their shoulders are just below the top fold.
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Wrap the feet: Fold the bottom corner over the feet and tuck underneath the baby’s body.
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Wrap one side: Bring one side of the cloth over the baby’s body and tuck snugly underneath.
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Wrap the other side: Fold the other side over, ensuring the wrap is firm.
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Check for comfort: Ensure the baby’s hips can move a bit, and the swaddle isn’t restricting breathing or circulation.
Remember, the aim is to keep your baby comfortable, secure, and warm, just like how it’s been done in Indian homes for generations.
Swaddling Traditional Indian Style vs the World
The biggest difference in swaddling traditions between India and the world is the method of swaddling when it comes to the hips. The Indian method believes in tightly wrapping babies in cloth to restrict movement, while societies around the world promote ‘hip-safe swaddling’ in place of the traditional method to eliminate the risk of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). DDH is a frequent congenital musculoskeletal condition in newborns, and tight lower extremity swaddling is now recognised globally as a significant risk factor.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the government of India, traditional infant swaddling or binding with hips and knees extended is a known risk factor for DDH, which is a common musculoskeletal congenital anomaly occurring in newborns. The report says that DDH is an important cause of morbidity in childhood and also one of the leading causes of hip osteoarthritis in adults. The report further urged the need for targeted training in hip-safe swaddling for healthcare professionals to raise awareness among mothers and improve infant care practices.
Modern Swaddling
With modern research, parents today often combine the wisdom of traditional methods with contemporary safety guidelines. For example, many now emphasise the importance of allowing some leg movement to reduce hip dysplasia risk, aligning closely with the Indian swaddling baby method’s principle.
Swaddling is also seen as a helpful technique in managing colic and improving sleep patterns, but experts caution against overheating or overly tight wraps.
Swaddling Traditions from Around the World
While we’ve explored how to swaddle a baby Indian style, it’s fascinating to peek at other cultures’ swaddling methods too.
Europe and the UK
Traditionally, British swaddling involved tightly wrapping babies in flannel or cotton wraps. Nowadays, modern British parents tend to favour looser swaddling or sleep sacks, focusing on safety and comfort in line with current health guidelines.
Native American
Among many Native American tribes, swaddling was an important practice for newborns. Often, babies were wrapped tightly in soft animal hides or woven blankets, sometimes with additional layers for protection.
Japan
In Japan, traditional swaddling, called ‘omutsu’, involves wrapping babies in thin cotton or silk cloths. The practice was less restrictive than in some other cultures, focusing more on warmth and softness.
China
In China, swaddling has a long history, often involving strips of cloth tied snugly around the baby’s limbs and torso. The style varied depending on region and dynasty.
Whether you are curious about how to swaddle a baby Indian style or intrigued by the diverse global approaches, take a look at Nintara Baby’s wide collection of swaddle wraps. If you like them, why not gift a curated collection of Nintara Baby gift boxes to new parents? They will love it just as you do!
