"This week I am happy to introduce another reader favorite product – The Zen Swaddle by Nested Bean. I love this product as it aligns perfectly with my sleep philosophies and sets the stage for having success with future sleep coaching.
The Zen Swaddle mimics touch. Touch is proven to soothe babies as it triggers a self soothing response and improves the ability of infants to regulate stress and fall asleep.
The lightly weighted parts of the swaddle apply gentle pressure to your baby’s sides and center to mimic being held. The Zen Swaddle creates a calm environment and helps to solve some common newborn sleep problems for babies 0-6 months.
The Zen SwaddleTM mimics mom’s touch through three lightly weighted areas: on each side where your hands would be if you were cradling your baby and on his or her chest where moms instinctively place a reassuring palm. This unique construction allows babies to calm, soothe and sleep for up to 2 additional hours at night.
Research shows that touch, whether person-to-person or simulated by an object:
Triggers a self-soothing response.
Increases the ability to regulate stress.
Even promotes physiological growth and boosts immune response.
There are some simple ways you can help to nurture good sleep habits for your new baby. Newborns can be taught the difference between day and night by limiting the activity levels, surrounding light, and noise levels as night time approaches. Some other tips to help encourage healthy sleep habits are as follows:
Observe your baby’s sleep patterns and signs of sleepiness
Place your baby (over 18 weeks old) in the crib when drowsy but awake
Place baby to sleep on his or her back in your favorite swaddle blanket
To ensure a safe sleep environment for your baby remove loose blankets or soft items near baby’s face or head
Create a sleep haven for your baby with white noise"
- Kim West, Infant Sleep Expert