Wrap or swaddle - what to choose for a newborn baby?

Huggers or cones? That is the question! The third trimester brings not only a few extra centimeters in the waist of the mother-to-be, but also a lot of questions and dilemmas. Many concern the safety and comfort of the baby - a new member of the family, which we are yet to learn how to handle. One of the questions that arise most often is: what should the baby sleep in? What is the best choice? What will work better: a wrap or a horn for a newborn? Or maybe something else instead of a baby cone? Let's check!

What is a wrapper and what is its use?

Sleeping wrap for a newborn? Wrapping is a technique that has been used for decades to help babies fall asleep. It's a way of wrapping the baby so that he or she feels safe - like in mom's belly, where the ability to move that a newborn has is limited. Toddlers usually like wraps.

A cuddler creates a confined, cozy space in the crib where the baby won't be frightened by its own Moro reflex (this is the infant's natural reaction to sudden movement or sound, involving throwing its arms out in front of itself, which doesn't disappear until around 6 months). It is believed that wraps help newborns fall asleep more easily, as the wrapped state is a familiar and comforting feeling.

Baby wraps are a great alternative to blankets, especially in the summer when it's warm and muslin, bamboo or cotton wraps are breathable and airy.

It is said that the use of comforters can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Also, an advantage of the otulas is that they prevent the baby from scratching its face (a common problem for newborns), provide relief from colic, gas, bloating and any tummy aches. They prevent they also prevent entanglement in blankets while sleeping.

The blankets also help babies transition from the womb to life outside the womb, making them feel as they would in their mother's body. As such, it can be a good way to make a smooth transition from one state to another. Also from holding the baby in your arms to placing him in a crib or playpen.

How to wrap a baby in a wrap? If you're worried about whether you'll do it right, there are plenty of videos online showing you how to do it! Take advantage of the video instruction, as it gives you the opportunity to learn how to swaddle at your own pace and at the right time.

There are several ways of shrouding with a wrap, which can also be used to work with flexible types of baby blankets. One of the most popular ways of shrouding a newborn baby is adorably called a "burrito." Another, one from our parents' time, which our grandmothers probably also remember, is the so-called "blanket-wrap." Blanket-wrapping itself is sometimes called swaddling in English. It's a term you can throw into your search engine in the form of foreign instructional videos on wrapping babies.

Baby swaddling - what is it

An infant sleeping cone? A swaddle is a solution that gives the baby more space and warmth, but it is also larger and more rigid. The blanket used to form the cone usually has an anti-allergenic filling - like a thinner quilt. It is also equipped with Velcro or strings for tying, so it is much easier to wrap the baby in it.

Baby horn - what is it?

An infant bedside cone? What will the toddler like? The idea behind the use of blankets like a cone is that they keep newborns warm, while also making it easier to pick up a newborn toddler in a cone and attach to the breast.

It is often said that a cone is a kind of carrying blanket, which is designed to keep the toddler's temperature comfortable, but provide enough space for him to move around and assume, for example, his natural prenatal position.

Wrap and horn - similarities

Both solutions create a comfortable, safe space for baby to sleep. A cone, as well as a wrap, are two products suitable for babies, which make life easier for parents in the first months of a baby's life (for example, during feeding). Both the cones and the cuddlers can be made of quality, natural materials. In our store, you will find a lot of beautiful cones and wraps, which will provide your baby with a peaceful sleep, but will also look beautiful. In your search for them, take a look at newborn bedding.

- calmer sleep for baby

- calming during the day, calmer breathing

- a sense of security

- ease of recreating a safe space in a new place

- beneficial effect on the nervous system by reducing episodes of intense crying

- Protection against scratching

- Protecting baby's body

- Easier feeding

Differences between a cone and a newborn baby wrapper

The baby in a swaddle is wrapped quite tightly. The fabric of the wrapper firmly adheres to the infant's skin. The cone solution also allows you to create a safe space for the baby, but its bundling is looser and the material is thicker, stiffer and more filled. The baby inside the cone has considerable freedom of movement.

Crop or wrap - which will work better in the hospital?

Hospital wrap or cone? Many experts recommend that a newborn baby should be covered twice. First tightly in a lightweight wrapper or blanket, and then in a horn. The comforters are lightweight and do not take up much space. You can easily fit such a wrapper in your hospital bag. It may also happen that the baby does not like tight wrapping and will not accept the swaddle. It may also happen that the horn itself does not give the baby enough comfort. In the first days, when you are just getting acquainted with your newborn baby, it is good to have both solutions on hand.

Wrap or horn - toddler safety

An infant cuddler and a cone are two products with different purposes that can complement each other perfectly. Try both. You may find that for sleeping you find the baby swaddle more suitable, and during the day (carrying, feeding) the horn turns out to be safer.

In the case of wraps, it is important to observe the baby's reactions and not to envelop him too tightly. This is very important! Too much shrouding can cause discomfort, but also problems with breathing or hip development. Check if the wrapper restrains the infant's movements too much, maybe. Check if the toddler can gently change position, take a proper breath. It is also said that after the wrap, the baby should be laid only on its back.

Whether you choose a horn or a wrap, remember not to give unnecessary items to the baby's crib: extra blankets, diapers, mascots. Any additional object in the crib or cradle, in case it gets in the area of the baby's face - mouth and nose - is a potential danger.

Till when can the wrap be used? Usually until the baby starts to roll over from back to tummy on its own. Which usually happens between 4 and 6 months, but as with any developmental issue, there can be variations here. If you have any doubts about whether to continue to swaddle your baby, talk to your pediatrician.

Which to ultimately opt for - a wrapper or a horn ?

Baby wraps and cones are a great way to keep your baby warm, cozy, and sleeping peacefully. Make sure that the products you finally decide on are made of baby's delicate skin-friendly, anti-allergenic and breathable materials such as cotton, fabrics with an admixture of bamboo yarn (extra soft material), merino wool, fillings with appropriate approvals. Natural fabrics are at the same time lightweight, warm and breathable. They support proper thermoregulation of the newborn's body, in the first days of life. Both the wraps and cones are available in many beautiful designs and colors. You can choose one that matches the stroller, the decor in the baby's room or other clothing items. How about a cuddler and a cone from one manufacturer? From one collection or series?

After a few days or weeks, you will discover for yourselves which solution (a cone or a wrap) works better for your little one. You will start using solutions that will make your baby feel comfortably safe. You will recognize the right solution easily, because it will make your baby calm during naps. What about when the baby outgrows both options (baby cone wrap). What instead of a cone for a baby? We recommend changing to a practical sleeping bag! Such a sleeping bag, made of suitable materials, provides adequate thermoregulation and ensures that busy babies do not drench themselves. Sleeping bags, as well as other accessories that will complete your layette, can be found in the Noski Noski store!