Now that your sweet little bundle has arrived, it's time to figure out what to do with your baby!

In my in-person classes, people often ask me about swaddling. Swaddling is an age old technique for soothing fussy babies and possibly allowing for longer sleep stretches. It can be a great way to help calm the startle reflex that will often wake a newborn but it may not be best option for putting the baby to sleep, according to research. Research suggests it may increase the risk of SIDS if babies are swaddled with their arms in, get too warm, and/or move into positions during sleep such as on their side or stomach without the ability to use their hands to roll back out of that position. Swaddling can soothe a fussy baby but it is ideal, if swaddling to sleep, to do so with arms out or with supervision so that an attempt to wake, move, or squirm out of the swaddle is easier and noticed by parents. Swaddle safely, know that it’s normal and protective for babies to wake frequently, and keep baby close during sleep.

Check out this YouTube video for a swaddling tutorial.

It is recommended by most OBs and midwives that expectant families find a pediatrician or family doctor to care for the baby's medical health prior to the baby's birth. Pediatricians and family practice doctors are both great options for helping you make choices about your child's health. Most pediatricians and family practice docs will host either an orientation for expectant clients or will offer a phone or in-person interview, prior to becoming your child's primary care provider. Follow this link for a list of interview questions to help you choose the best doctor for your child. (And remember you can always switch if you wind up not feeling like the chosen doctor is a good fit once your baby arrives!)

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