I remember when a midwife first showed me how to wrap my baby, I never thought I'd master it. The curious thing is how much I revered her expertise. She was like some alien being with special secret powers passed down to her from generations of midwives before her. I was intimidated and I felt inadequate. Bathing a baby? Terrifying. Patting to sleep? Harder than learning CPR. Picking up and walking with my baby? Highly risky Wrapping them securely for sleep? Origami nightmare.
Roll on some years and I cannot for the life of me conjure up this feeling again. Wrapping a baby in a L'il Fraser Collection swaddle wrap is one of the simplest things you'll ever do, way easier than breastfeeding (well, in my experience) and a lot simpler than putting on a baby carrier (all that adjusting buckles and whatnot).
For a start, baby is lying down. Just this time, lie them down on top of the swaddle.
Secondly, we no longer wrap the legs and bottom area tightly, so you are a champion if you do a sloppy wrap! What a winning thought that it!
Thirdly, a quick check of any online video including those on this site, shows it's the simplest of methods - really it's just a 1, 2, 3 system - and you're done.
Fourthly, your baby will be all finished with swaddling by about four months or when they begin to roll over. So why not just dress them in a onesie and let me roll about happily, and use your L'il Fraser swaddle wrap for a million and one other uses?
For example, wrap your L'il Fraser over your shoulder when breastfeeding, it's an instant nursing shawl. You could buy some of those plastic pram clips to keep it from slipping off your shoulder.
Or, drape it over the seat of your baby capsule in the shopping trolley. It will be much nicer than the grotty vinyl.
Or, use it as a pram blanket or sheet. Being pure cotton, L'il Fraser swaddle wraps are beautifully breathable and cool, but can be tucked in to make babies feel secure.
Try it as a nappy changemat. Let's face it, most nappy change mats are a little small. L'il Fraser swaddle wraps are 120 cm x 120 cm and can be thrown in the wash quickly and easily.
Use it as a tummy time blanket. Tummy time on a scratchy rug or kilm is no fun and you don't want carpets soiled with dribble or worse.
Drape it over a car window to stop the bright sunlight getting in, and when baby is older, they can cuddle it while you drive.
Put it in the bed with your toddler to remind them of their babyhood. It will be the softest comforter blanket you can own. Or buy the L'il Fraser puppy comforter on this site and swap them around when one is in the wash.
Enjoy having a large soft cotton L'il Fraser for all the myriad uses when out and about, from holding up while a toddler has a roadside toilet stop, to making up a temporary bed for a nap while visiting.
The little sleeping bag is popular, but L'il Fraser swaddle wraps are far and away more versatile. And these days, a multi-tasker is surely more valuable?
]]>Life InStyle is Australia's boutique trade event showcasing emerging trends, brands and products that are on the cooler side of style and design.
L'il Fraser has always been the choice of stylists and bloggers for their babies, and many of L'il Fraser's favourite influencers will be at Life InStyle.
If you're going to be at Life InStyle, we'd love to welcome you to see the L'il Fraser range at the Kids InStyle section on Stand K416.
We're excited because this will be the first chance many of you will have been able to touch and feel the new L'il Fraser cotton interlock cot linen.
The fitted and flat cot sheets in single or set form have already been well received, with the smooth hand feel and pared back designs setting them apart from most sheeting on the market.
While the 100% cotton interlock stretches to easily fit standard or Boori brand cots, each sheet can be tucked under a bassinet mattress to make a statement Moses basket.
Life InStyle also will showcase the versatility of the L'il Fraser swaddle wraps. These oversize wraps swaddle a newborn to ensure a good night's sleep. They're also ideal as a pram blanket or top sheet. The 120 cm x 120 cm sizing makes a generously-sized tummy time rug or breastfeeding shawl. And, we heard of an ingenious idea recently from a mother of a two year old - L'il Fraser wraps make great sarongs!
Swaddling is recommended for babies until they are four months old, or until they can roll over. Many brands of baby sleeping bags or swaddles are then rendered unfit to use, but the L'il Fraser wrap can be repurposed for years.
A comforter to take to pre-school, a "blankie" to tuck into a school camp, a cover for a pillow at a sleepover. L'il Fraser swaddle wraps remain an important and comforting link to babyhood for many years of a child's life.
We are going to be demonstrating the swaddling techniques designed to ensure Healthy Hips using L'il Fraser swaddle wraps at the Life InStyle show, specifically the technique recommended by Karitane, a product partner of L'il Fraser wraps.
The video to watch is in the settling section of http://karitane.com.au/mybabyandme/
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This is despite the myriad warnings from health care providers and public education campaigns - such as that in Australia presented by Sids and Kids.
The study reported that researchers videoed infants for one night at ages 1, 3 and 6 months in family homes. Most parents were seen placing babies at risk "by positioning them on their sides or stomachs, using soft sleep surfaces or loose bedding or sharing a bed with a parent".
Similar to Australian rates, U.S. statistics show sleep-related infant deaths are the most common cause of death for babies between one month and one year of age.This could include sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.
The study involved more than 160 infants with some dropping out. Videos show that duing the three nights of sleep that were videoed, 10-21% of babies were placed on a non-recommended sleep surface, 14-33% were placed in non-recommended positions and 87-93% had potentially hazardous items on their sleep surface.
L'il Fraser recommends that all items be taken out of cots or bassinets before placing baby inside.
The study backs this up with risky items named as loose blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, bumper pads and sleep positioners.
About 12-28% of the infants were moved in the middle of the night, mostly it was the younger babies, and these were were often placed "in an even riskier environment", according to the study, "such as sharing a bed with an adult."
The study was of a group of predominantly white and highly educated parents, a group pediatricians often think of as being at lower risk.“It reminds us that this is something for all people to be aware of regardless of socioeconomic background or education levels,” an American Academy of Pediatrics fellow is quoted as saying. “This is a group of people you’d assume have access to resources and knowledge and are still not following the advice.”
The U.S. has been asking parents since the early nineties to place babies on their backs for sleep. As well, authorities warn of the dangers of loose items on the sleep surface.
“We are getting the word out but people aren’t acting on that,” said Catherine Spong, acting director of the National
Perhaps it's information overload.
"Families with infants are often inundated with recommendations while leaving the hospital or at a check-up" says
“Perhaps we have to make it even simpler,” he said. “We need to be extremely clear and unambiguous in our advice and we need to make sure we model safe sleep environment when babies are in the hospital.”
L'il Fraser swaddles are recommended for safe sleep positioning by Karitane parenting advice support network, with the proviso that parents cease swaddling after baby can roll over (around 4-5 months). This advice is in line with that offered by SIDS and Kids.]]>The International Hip Dysplasia Institiute acknowledges specific products as "hip-healthy" to help educate the public. Here is their method for healthy swaddling:
It is important to leave room for the hips to move.
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She says:
In the early days when a strict routine is less likely, what are some ways you can make your days easier? Is there anything you can start to do to get your baby to nap better during the day?
Here are Natalie's top tips:
Natalie Herman
]]>There has been much media coverage recently of a South Australian study https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2016/204/6/increase-late-diagnosed-developmental-dysplasia-hip-south-australia-risk-factorsThis generated headlines such as ‘ Doctors Warn Against Swaddling Babies’ in the media, attracting significant social media activity.
L’il Fraser supports healthy swaddling methods, and supports the authors of the study in their efforts to tell parents about healthy swaddling techniques. What the study actually says is: “ The incidence of late DDH has increased in SA despite an ongoing clinical screening program. Increased awareness, education, and avoidance of inappropriate lower limb swaddling are necessary to reverse this trend.”
We agree. The swaddling techniques L’il Fraser recommends follow the Karitane guidelines and do not restrict babies’ lower limbs. Using proper swaddling techniques, it is easy to both swaddle a baby for good settling and sleep AND leave the lower limbs free to move for proper hip health.
The study further states: “There is abundant epidemiological evidence for the negative effects on hip development of wrapping, swaddling or carrying susceptible babies with hips tightly adducted and extended, as well as confirmatory animal studies. There is growing concern among the orthopaedic fraternity in North America, the UK and Australia that a resurgence in the popularity of swaddling, including the increased use of “swaddling cocoons” (which force the lower limbs into extension), places children at risk of late diagnosed DDH.”
Again, we agree. This excerpt further explains what is meant by ‘inappropriate lower limb swaddling’. It is most important to avoid cocoon-style swaddling, just as it is important to avoid babywearing in positions that flatten and extend a baby’s hips.
It is worth noting that this study does NOT provide new information on the risks of inappropriate swaddling. It considers a number of risk factors for late developmental dysplasia (DDH) including mother’s ethnic background, which type of hospital the baby was born in, the type of delivery process, gender, gestation period, maternal age and whether the baby was first, second or third born. It did not consider whether or how the babies were swaddled when they were young – although that would be very interesting. The risks associated with inappropriate swaddling are covered in two studies cited as references, one from 2008 and one from 2014.
We at L’il Fraser are dedicated to spreading the message of healthy swaddling and hip development. We therefore welcome attention on this important issue from academics and health professionals.
L’il Fraser is the ONLY swaddle wrap endorsed by Karitane Australia, and it is also endorsed by recognised sleep expert Tizzie Hall. Please swaddle safely, with legs free to move as at https://www.lilfrasercollection.com.au/pages/learn-how-to-wrap-your-baby and seek advice if you're not sure.
Happy wrapping,
Katie
]]>Because, according to Sids and Kids (the safe sleeping organisation) wrapping your baby is safe and a great effective way to help babies sleep on their back during the first 6 months of life. In fact it goes so far as to say "Some studies have shown that wrapping in infants sleeping on their back is associated with reduced Sudden Infant Death risk".
As well, those wrigglers smack themselves in the face and throw off their covers, so effective wrapping in a really large and stretchy wrap such as L'il Fraser is a useful way to help babies settle.
The Sids and Kids Safe Sleeping brochure points out that "Scientific studies have shown
that wrapping can have a calming, sleep-promoting
effect on young babies."
And...."studies have shown that wrapping can promote more sustained sleep and reduce the frequency of spontaneous awakenings." That's got to be good!
The stretch and size of L'il Fraser swaddles make them particularly ideal for wrapping wriggly babies. There's plenty of chat on Insta and FB about how well L'il Fraser works for this very purpose.
So, what's the trick? First, follow the safe wrapping guidelines from Sids and Kids (Infant must be placed on their back with the face and head uncovered. The wrap should be firm but not tight. Infant must not be bed-sharing if wrapped. Wrap should be of muslin or light cotton material (all L'il Fraser swaddles are 100% lightweight jersey cotton).Infant must not be overdressed under the wrap).
Remember, a wriggly baby might be an early mover and milestone reacher, so discontinue wrapping once your baby can roll from back to tummy to
back again during play (usually 4-6 months).
How to wrap Little Houdini using L'il Fraser:
Place baby off-centre with top of the L'il Fraser swaddle wrap level with their shoulders.
Fold baby’s arm across chest and bring the shorter side of the very generous L'il Fraser wrap across baby’s arm and tuck firmly under baby. Because there's a good amount of softest jersey cotton to work with, that fabric will sit really well under baby's whole body.
Bring the larger side of your L'il Fraser swaddle wrap across and tuck right under your baby.
Keeping healthy hips in mind, so retaining the froggy position of the legs, bring the bottom of the L'il Fraser wrap on top of baby.
And then lightly fold the bottom of the L'il Fraser under baby. Baby should be able move their legs a bit, and keep them in a nice natural frog position.
Little Houdini is now secure and happy, wrapped firmly in a stretchy, lightweight L'il Fraser swaddle, and ready for a good night's sleep.
So finally, position your baby, on their back, at the bottom end of the cot, with their feet positioned close to the bottom of the cot or bassinet, and you can use another L'il Fraser as a light cot blanket/cot sheet to stretch over baby and tuck in firmly (under the sides of the mattress).
A calm and settled baby, ready to sleep. At least, that's the idea! Nite nite.
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My inspiration came from my own sense of style, which is based on the relaxed yet chic Sydney beach environment. Designs reflect the openness and informality of the beach lifestyle, while blending with high end nursery and home decor. A very Sydney combination!
L'il Fraser needed to have perfect function as well as form. For me, this meant a generous size for secure wrapping, great 2 way stretch - again helping to wrap securely, fabulous feel and quality so babies could be softly cocooned with only the highest quality fabric against their tender skin. And as a bonus, L'il Fraser can be used as a light pram blanket, play rug or throw.
I knew I was on the right track when many mums asked me where I got my swaddles and could they have one too! So perhaps there was the germ of a business?
Confident from the huge encouragement I received from friends and mums, I launched L'il Fraser onto the market, insisting on beautiful packaging so that receiving L'il Fraser as a gift would be a joyful occasion.
Over the years, many mums have confided in me, and I've been able to help them settle their babies. Still, parents keep telling me there’s still not enough clear information on baby sleep available. So this blog will be filled with useful tips, tricks and techniques for baby settling, baby sleep, comforting, wrapping, swaddling and related baby health issues.
Mums who are thrilled with their L'il Fraser swaddles keep asking me to design other products. Some of the most common requests are 'Why don't you do a comforter that matches the wraps?' and 'I wish I could get sheets in the same fabric!'
So, by popular demand, in May we'll be launching Fraser, the cutest, cuddliest little dog you ever did see, and in June our superb cot sheets arrive in their wonderful gift boxes. We can't wait!
More on that soon...
Katie
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