The startle reflex makes your baby "jump" from a sound or touch.
This sudden uncontrolled movement wakes them up.
Swaddling keeps your baby asleep by stopping the arms from jumping.
The problem is - many babies are quick to escape the swaddle.
In the first couple weeks, as you build your milk supply and your baby is getting back to birth weight, the startle reflex helps them wake up and tell you they're hungry. Once they are gaining well, the startle reflex can simply be annoying!
In 1min and 37sec, this video shows you how to apply an escape-proof swaddle!
This works especially well for smaller babies who have yet to fit into the manufactured swaddles that are popular these days.
Kay Anderson MD, IBCLC
5/23