Swaddling Revisited

By Carolee Gifford, Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
4/18/2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

How a Very Old Way of Comforting Babies is Gaining Scientific Respect

Swaddling has long been known as a comforting measure to babies. Referred to in the Nativity narrative, Luke 2:7, finds Mary wrapping Jesus in swaddling clothes.

A baby swaddled and held for vaccinations.

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The practice has continued to this day and is highlighted in "The Happiest Baby on the Block." a book by Dr. Harvey Karp.

Swaddling is joined by placing the baby in a side or stomach position in the holder's arms, gently swaying, having the baby suck on a pacifier, and making a shushing sound in the child's ear.

Together, the steps calm the baby by mimicking the sensations of being in the womb, according to Dr. Karp, and can be used anytime a caregiver needs to comfort a fussy or colicky baby.

The method recently highlighted in the journal, "Pediatrics," described a 230-baby study that observed infants receiving inoculations.

Babies that received the "Five S's" exhibited less of pain revealing characteristics than conventionally-comforted babies.

Watch the video above, of Madeline Agnes Shively getting her shots and being comforted in the traditional manner.

Please visit Carolee on her blog: www.CaroleeGifford.blogspot.com

� 2012, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

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Keywords: babies, baby, swaddling, Dr. Karp, Pediatrics, Carolee Gifford

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