Bath time, a special moment with baby

1/ What is a swaddled bath?

Also called a "wrapped bath," the swaddled bath involves bathing baby wrapped in a swaddle blanket. This blanket allows them to feel enveloped in a cocoon, in a fetal position, just as they were in their mother's womb.

2/ How to do it?

To use this technique, here are a few steps to follow:

• Prepare a towel, toiletries like a gentle soap, and a large swaddle blanket near the baby's bathtub;
• Lay the towel directly on your changing mat;
• Place your large swaddle blanket on this towel, with one corner up, one down, one to the right, and one to the left;
• Lay your baby on the swaddle blanket, still dressed, and undress them gradually;
• Once naked, take the time to soap your baby directly on the swaddle blanket;
• Cover your baby with the swaddle blanket by folding up the bottom corner, then the ones on each side;
• Check that the bath water is at the right temperature, body temperature (37 °C). It's best to perform the swaddled bath in a large bathtub;
• Place baby in the bath, keeping one hand behind their neck to secure them;
• Gently rock them from left to right in your bathtub and enjoy this moment of bonding with your baby;
• Enjoy this moment; talk to them or sing them a lullaby to fully experience this moment of well-being;
• Gently rinse baby with your free hand to remove the soap;
• Gently remove the swaddle blanket and leave it in the bathtub to focus on baby, then take them out of the bath when they are well rinsed;
• Wrap your baby in their towel. And dry them thoroughly, especially in the folds, neck, ears, and hair;
• Dress them quickly so they don't get cold.
• Extend this moment of bonding with a cuddle or a nap in their bed!

3/ What are the benefits of a swaddled bath?

The swaddled bath offers many benefits.

• It provides a moment of calm for baby and their parents.

Babies make many discoveries every day. These discoveries are very tiring, which usually leads to tension and crying in the evening. They need to release the day's stress. The swaddled bath allows them to soothe their tensions at this key moment of the day by helping them rediscover the sensations felt in their mother's womb.

• It offers a true moment of sharing between parents and baby.

A swaddled bath is a calming moment for baby and their parents. And this moment can sometimes even become magical! It's a timeless moment where you fully enjoy each other in a warm, gentle, and serene atmosphere. You connect directly with your baby's gaze and feel all the love you have for each other. It's not uncommon to see your baby let go and fall asleep peacefully, a sign that they are content and soothed.

• It helps keep baby warm.

Babies, especially premature ones, are very sensitive to temperatures and their variations. Taking a swaddled bath helps them maintain their body heat and avoids the shock of entering the water. Baby can thus peacefully enjoy this special moment.

NB: Don't forget to prepare your bathroom beforehand. Check the temperature and windows to create a cozy cocoon and enjoy this moment of relaxation in the best conditions!