Have you ever wondered where this strange word comes from? I still remember thinking there was definitely a whole new language I was yet to learn when words like “swaddle”, “bugaboo” and “dream-feed” were being bandied about during my first pregnancy back in 2005. Well, there is a rich history of mothers swaddling their babies dating back to 4000BC with the migrating people of ancient central Asia. If you think about it we’ve all seen historical images of babies wrapped in various textiles, but until I actually witnessed the effect on my baby I honestly viewed it as more of a tradition that matronly midwives felt a duty to impart.
Of course, now we have access to Paediatric studies explaining why babies who are swaddled sleep more peacefully. With the right textile and technique, a baby’s reflex motion is prevented from waking them during the night, plus it has been proven that swaddled infants stay in REM sleep longer (the most restorative sleep). There is also growing evidence that the practice may indirectly help prevent cases of SIDS.
Swaddling is said to mimic the security of the womb for the baby, but as I pushed through those first hazy days in the hospital I think it offered me a comforting ritual too. And so began the quest for the perfect sized cloth, the right amount of stretch, the safest fibres and the cutest designs~it can become somewhat of an obsession when there’s little else going on in your life! Sadly an Alex&Ant wrap wasn’t there for me but I have been fortunate to gift this perfect swaddling cloth for friends and family. At 120cm x 120cm it is large enough for the textile to be tucked snuggly around baby without being overly restrictive and has just the right amount of give so not to unravel. This size makes the Alex&Ant wrap truly useful to mothers also as a stroller cover, nursing shield, tummy time blanket or a burping cloth.
Your Alex&Ant wrap is designed to be on display with several gorgeous designs available. Nothing cutesy, just simple shapes and soothing colours~there’s a design to match any “bugaboo”!
Love Fleur X
