Swaddling; Why Swaddle your baby?:
Swaddling is an age- old technique used to help your baby sleep by making him feel secure. The theory is that as your baby is securely swaddled he feels as though he is still safely in his mothers womb. Not only that, it also restricts arm and leg movements thus lessening the chance of your baby startling itself awake therefore you would hope that your baby would sleep longer and have fewer arousals. Swaddling has become popular again with the help of Companies such as Aden & Anais who have a huge range of swaddle blankets with lots of different colourful designs. These blankets are made from 100% cotton muslin a material that that helps your babys body temperature to adjust naturally which basically reduces the chances of your baby overheating whilst at the same time keeping him warm and snuggly.

Swaddling how to do it.
Some parents may be put off swaddling their baby as they are not sure how to do it. It isnt difficult and just takes practise (plus its well worth it if it means that your baby will sleep more soundly meaning you will also get a better nights sleep!). Below are some basic step by step instructions on swaddling:

Step 1 Lay the swaddle blanket in a diamond shape, then fold the top corner down to form a triangle.

Step 2 Place your baby in the centre of the folded area with his or her head just above the fold of the blanket.

Step 3 Wrap the left corner of the blanket over his body and tuck it beneath him, then bring the bottom corner over his feet and tuck it into the top (it is also fine to skip this part and leave your babys feet free if they prefer it.) Then finally bring the right corner across his body and tuck it under.
There you have it one secure happily swaddled baby!

Funky Baby Sleeping bags:
Swaddling however isnt for everybody, some parents prefer to use baby sleeping bags, there are many of these on the market today from various different designers. Both Ella & Otto and Olli & Lime have designed some really funky baby sleeping bags, their patterns are fresh and new (but at the same time, really quite retro!). They are all beautifully well designed and you would be sure to find a pattern that suited both you and baby. With a baby sleeping bag no blankets, sheets or top sheets are required you all you would need would be the bag itself. Similar to the swaddle blanket the sleeping bag gives your baby the feeling of safety and security, and at the same time keeps your baby at the correct temperature as the bag has room to allow air to circulate.

So whether you are a funky sleeping bag fan, or a swaddle lover there is plenty of choice out there for you!