The Ollie Swaddle and Neurodevelopment

2017-01-20

Swaddling provides many benefits for your little one. Some of these benefits may seem temporary – like providing comfort and calm – but these can lead to lifelong benefits as your little one is growing and learning. 

 First, let’s talk about what neurodevelopment is. 

Neurodevelopment is the growth of the nervous system – a process that begins at conception and happens all the way through the final stages of life. 

Brain development is especially important in the first few years of life because synapses in the brain are being formed that will create the wiring of the brain. While large portion of this development is up to genetics, the brain will fine-tune itself according to experiences and input from the senses. 

How does the Ollie Swaddle assist in promoting neurodevelopment? 

The Ollie Swaddle will help your little one to stay in a calm sleep state. A better quality of sleep means that he is also more calm during his awake time. Don’t you feel better during the day after a great night’s sleep? It’s the same for your little one. 

Swaddling helps to decrease your baby’s irritability and fussiness. As mentioned above, this means longer periods of a calm, alert state when awake in which your little one is able to take in their surroundings. When baby is fussy and irritable, he can’t focus on anything. 

This means better attachment. When baby is calm, well rested and able to focus, he is more receptive to interaction. Even simple things like making eye contact or listening to your voice can be interrupted by irritability. Early on, these interactions are important as baby is learning from their relationship with you. 

Babies will also learn how to self soothe. Since swaddling mimics the comfort of the womb, it eliminates a lot of overstimulation that your little one experiences. With an increased ability to focus, your little one can better process their feelings and surroundings, he learns how to self soothe. 

How is the Ollie Swaddle different? 

You might be wondering what makes the Ollie Swaddle different. Can’t you just swaddle your baby with any wrap or blanket? The answer is no. The Ollie Swaddle is designed specifically with your baby’s safety in mind. 

  • Our custom designed moisture-wicking fabric reduces the risk of overheating. We want your little one to be warm and cozy without sacrificing their safety. 
  • Since the bottom is open, additional pressure isn’t put on your little ones hips. One concern in the medical community with swaddling has been that a tight swaddle constricts the hips and affects proper hip development. However, the Ollie Swaddle’s design ensures that the swaddle is snug but not constrictive around the hips. A bonus to this design is that diaper changes are super easy via opening at the bottom. 
  • The Velcro tabs allow the fit to be individualized, meeting the needs and size of baby. You don’t have to buy multiple swaddles to fit your growing little one or worry about them growing out of their favorite wrap. These tabs also ensure that the swaddle stays secure and your little one can’t wiggle out or loosen it up. 

The Ollie Swaddle was designed to promote healthy development for your little one as he transitions from life in the womb. As always, we are here to be of support to you. Please contact us anytime Care@theollieworld.com.