September is Baby Safety Month : Are you Swaddling Safely?

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baby safety month

September is Baby Safety Month and there are a few things about swaddling your baby that I would like to share with you.

Are you swaddling your baby safely?

There are two aspects to swaddling safely:

1) Avoiding suffocation and 2) Preventing Hip Dysplasia.

Hip Dysplasia is one of the most common conditions among newborn babies, affecting about 1% of North American newborns (about 75,000 per year). According to a recent survey conducted by HALO Innovations, 82% of parents choose to swaddle, 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.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging Pediatricians to watch for signs of hip dysplasia and dislocation and to warn parents not to extend their 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. Parents should allow for room in the swaddle – or sleepsack – for baby to bend at the hips.

Dr. Charles Price, Director of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, has recorded the following video about Hip Dysplasia and how to swaddle safely.

Dr. Tanya Altmann, Pediatrician and Mother, provides tips for swaddling safely in this video, specifically about avoiding suffocation.

Did you know that HALO SleepSack Swaddle blankets are the ONLY swaddle blanket on the market that is approved “hip healthy”?

Buy It:

You can find HALO Swaddle SleepSacks in cotton, fleece and an assortment of colors for $19.99 on Amazon.com

This post was not compensated and no product was received. This post was written by me and not edited by anyone else. Your opinion may vary from mine.

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