Did you know that getting dressed promotes your baby’s head movements?
Look at those hands! Using reflection to encourage your baby to play on the floor and notice their hands
Cosy and snug – safety advice for swaddling your baby
Some research has questioned the safety of swaddling,[1] as well as potential effects on breastfeeding,[2] but other research suggests it can provide comfort and prevent a baby from becoming startled. If you decide to swaddle your baby, here is some advice from Durham University's Sleep and Infancy Centre.
- Wrap your baby firmly but not tightly.
- Your baby’s legs and feet should be able to move and bend at the hip.
- Make sure your baby‘s head is not covered.
- If you bring your baby into your bed, remove swaddling so they don’t overheat. Remember to follow safe sleeping advice if you bring your baby into your bed.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- If you are going to swaddle, it is safest to do this from birth – not when your baby is two or three months old.
You can also find more advice about swaddling a baby from The Lullaby Trust.
References:
Hide and seek – where are you, teddy?
Move a bit closer – I’d like to talk, and I think you can’t hear
Hop, jump and sing – the fun an action song can bring
Storytime conversations – build confidence with repetitious words and phrases
Showtime! – Invite the puppets to play
Who can? I can! – A fun game for the whole family
Action activities – play this simple game and practise changing tenses