Whiny Wednesday: Safe Swaddling ~ I Heart Heels

I just found out it's Baby Safety Month (yeah, I know a liiiiiittle late since it's almost over, Jules), but shouldn't we practice it all year long anyway? That's why I'm happy to share the news on safe swaddling. Since everyone is pretty much doing it these days (hey, it does wonders for baby soothing, take it from me), it's so important to make sure you're doing it right (because it's not like any of know going into it, right?).

Obviously, you want to avoid suffocation, but more recently in the news, you want to also prevent Hip Dysplasia. According to the press release I received, Hip Dysplasia is one of the most common conditions among newborn babies, affecting about 75,000 North American newborns per year. And according to a recent survey conducted by HALO Innovations, 82 percent of parents choose to swaddle (wow!), and swaddling improperly can lead to Hip Dysplasia or dislocation. Treatment ranges from wearing a harness or brace to undergoing surgery. These conditions can get worse with age and are linked to early adult arthritis and hip-replacement surgery. Eek!

So what can you do? The American Academy of Pediatrics, says try not to extend your baby’s frog-like legs straight when swaddling. (There’s a temptation to stretch the legs out and that needs to be resisted.) They need to be able to straighten themselves out naturally and gradually. You should allow for room in the swaddle – or sleepsack – for baby to bend at the hips. Here's a video by Dr. Tanya Altmann, pediatrician and mother, about swaddling safely.

P.S. little C. LOVED his HALO Sleepsack Swaddles (the only products on the market approved “hip healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute), so I'm giving you a chance to win one by commenting on this post. That's it...so easy! Good luck, little mamas!! xoxo

[For more info on the HALO brand, visit the HALO Sleepsack Facebook page and follow HALO Sleepsack on Twitter.]

Giveaway ends Wednesday, October 5 at 5:00 p.m. CST. Winner will be contacted via email. If no response within 3 days, a new winner will be chosen. U.S. only.