Swaddling: The age-old technique for getting your baby to sleep is making a comeback

[Snowden]

Swaddling: The age-old technique for getting your baby to sleep is making a comeback


By Daniel Bates
Last updated at 10:08 AM on 17th July 2008

If you've ever despaired of getting your baby to sleep, this could be the news you've been dreaming of.

An inventor has come up with a state-of-the-art swaddling blanket which she claims is perfect for getting children to settle.

Amie Nilsson, a mother of three, used Biblical swaddling wraps as the inspiration for her Cocooi Babywrap.

Off we go: The baby is placed at the edge of the wrap

It is made of pure merino wool, a superfine and soft material that lets the child breathe.

The wool absorbs and releases moisture away from the baby in warm conditions and insulates it when the temperature drops.

Mrs Nilsson began investigating what material is best for baby after having problems with her own daughter Lily, who developed a rash after using a polyester sleeping bag.

During test runs on the Cocooi Babywrap, a host of grateful parents found their babies settled faster and slept much better than on normal blankets.

Expert: Amie Nilsson starts to swaddle the baby in her Cocooi Babywrap

Although the age-old technique has largely fallen out of favour in the Western world, many Eastern cultures and tribal people still use it.

Swaddling creates a slight pressure around the baby's body that is said to give it a sense of security, because it mirrors the pressure it would have felt in the womb.

For some babies this becomes the trigger for them to go sleep, although not all are known to enjoy it.

Mrs Nilsson said: 'My vision is to make a difference to the lives of all families with young children by helping to provide the best start in life and give parents peace of mind about the choices they make'.

Nodding off: The rest of the wrap comes into play

The wrap costs £25 and is available on the website of Mrs Nilsson's firm, Merino Kids.

While Mr Nilsson handles the day-to-day running of the business her husband James works as an associate director of an asset management firm, although he has recently been assisting her.



For decades, wrapping a baby tightly in cloth was thought to stop its ' self-expression' and hinder it from learning how to control its movements.

But in 2005, U.S. scientists proved that swaddling helps babies sleep more deeply.

Roly poly: This baby looks ready for a snooze

It is thought to be a reminder of the comfort and security of the womb, and prevents the child disturbing itself during the night by flailing its arms and legs.

The technique has also recently become popular with celebrities.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin have been seen out with their daughter Apple swaddled in a blanket.

Model Heidi Klum has also swaddled her children Henry, Leni and Yohan.

Merino Kids has sent two of the Cocooi Babywraps to Angelina Jolie for the twins that she has recently given birth to.

That's a wrap: Comfortably cocooned in the superfine material

Swaddling: The age-old technique for getting your baby to sleep is making a comeback | Mail Online

[Woodmonkey]

Jenni swaddled Guin with a regular baby blanket and it worked like a charm. She would calm down and go to sleep.

[Snowden]

It sounds like a very good idea, if only because it helps the infant sleep. Until what age though?

[Woodmonkey]

I can't remember though, but they did it for a while while she was an infant.