Best parenting practices change with the weather. For years swaddling your baby, “burrito-style” was a must. But all of that changed seemingly overnight after a new licensing standards banned wrapping babies in blankets. And according to an article in Huffington Post, many childcare providers aren’t happy about it
"Young babies that were sleeping an hour [or] an hour and a half are now sleeping 20 minutes," said an employee who chose to be identified only as J. "I have some babies who are not sleeping at all."
Workers (no pun) have their hands tied when it comes to doing what they feel is best for the babies they care for.
In 2011 the National Resource Center on Child Health and Safety, together with the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Public Health Association, published the third edition of "Caring for Our Children," replete with safety guidelines—one of which effectively rules out swaddling.
Aside from increased safety risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), swaddled infants may experience hip dysplasia or dislocation.
Needless to say, many advocates and pediatricians, like "The Happiest Baby on the Block" author Dr. Harvey Karp are speaking out against the swaddling ban.
"They're changing something that is a very entrenched standard of care of the community," Karp told HuffPost. "The burden of proof on their shoulders to change something that is such a well-used—universally-used—intervention is rather high."
Safety concerns aside, Karp claims the benefits of swaddling are “robust.” But the proof is in the pudding. Caregivers maintain that babies sleep better and cry less when swaddled.
Though swaddling does have a host of benefits, the American Academy of Pediatrics cautions against using it in settings where there are multiple carers and techniques may not be safe.
"Our teachers are very committed to what they do, and they're feeling very frustrated that they can't do what they know helps the baby," said J. "There's more crying. The babies are not as happy or content when they're awake. It makes
everything a lot more stressful."
Is the AAP wise in erring on the side of caution, or is the swaddling ban taking policy a step too far?
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