The Benefits And Tips For Muslin Swaddling

What is Muslin cloth used for?

Traditionally the most known use of Muslin cloths has been as Burping Cloth. For generations, most modern moms would simply drape the cloth over shoulder while burping her baby so that her clothes won’t get dribbled on. Babies dribble and posset when they eat a lot more than usual. The mom would almost always have a Muslin Swaddle when feeding her baby.

Benefits of swaddling (when done correctly and safely):

Swaddling takes a few weeks old baby back to the days in the comfort and safety of mother’s womb and this feeling may help baby get a sound sleep. Swaddling prevents unnecessary wake-ups due to the startle reflex. Swaddling prevent face-scratching. Swaddling helps maintain the back sleeping position

Useful Tips for swaddling:

• After swaddling, place your baby to sleep with face up on baby swaddle.
• Always use a light cotton blanket that is breathable and not liable to cause overheating. Signs of an overheated baby include damp hair and sweating. 100% cotton Muslin is the most ideal fabric for the purpose because it is breathable and provides ventilation.
• Never cover baby’s face as it can lead to overheating or suffocation.
• Do not wrap too tightly to avoid overheating, decreased circulation, or over-extension of their hips and knees. The baby’s natural movement of the legs/hips should be allowed even after swaddling.
• Avoid swaddling all day – Babies need freedom to move around and learn their bodies develop and hence leave the swaddling for sleep time.

How to choose between 2 layered and 3 layered Muslin Blankets?

Using Muslin fabric in multiple layers is a very practical way to increase the warmth of the blanket while retaining the unique breathable feature of the Muslin fabric. The Muslin Blankets are made in 2 or 3 layers for the moderate to cool climates and in 4 or more layers in colder climates, especially keeping their outdoor use in mind. For Indian climate, 2 or 3 layered Muslin Blankets would be best suited. For air-conditioned indoor use, 3 layered Muslin Blankets would be ideal.

What to look for in a good quality Muslin Blanket?

• Muslin Fabric: Should be made from high quality 100% cotton yarn of fine count. A delicate weave of square pattern would give the blanket a very fluffy and cuddly feel after several washes, which will be loved by the little ones.
• Size: For infants, the baby blankets should be sized above 41 x 41 inches. For toddlers and young kids, prefered size should be above 43 inches x 52 inches which can extend the use up to 6 years age.
• Number of Layers: 2 to 3 layers
• Prints: Should be both attractive and soothing to the eyes. However the most important requirement for swaddles and blankets is that the prints should not contain any harmful chemicals which can harm the delicate skin. Ideally the print quality should be tested and certified for color fastness against washing/ rubbing and saliva. ISO/ CPSC Certification from an international test laboratory would be a reassuring factor.
• Border Fabric: It is important to have a soft and durable fabric as the border fabric of the Muslin Blanket so that it lasts as long as the Muslin Fabric itself.
• Workmanship: The Blankets should be carefully crafted with soft threads.

Muslin swaddle and Blankets use a fine fabric with loose cotton weave. The soft and delicate fabric of the swaddles and blankets requires extra care during washing.

It is suggested that the swaddles and blankets are washed by hand in warm water with a little addition of Vanish.

Avoid wringing after wash as it may lead to loss of shape.