A cocoon is a special ergonomic device for newborn babies. It is designed to increase comfort and correct positioning of the child in the crib. Some cocoons allow you to carry a child. It is important that these devices become a necessity for premature babies. This ensures proper development of the body. Many stores offer a huge range of cocoons, but not every one is suitable for a baby. Therefore, you need to know what they are.
Features of the cocoon
Studies have shown that classic mattresses for babies, even the most comfortable ones, do not ensure the correct positioning of the child. Some of them harm the development of the skeletal system, and to some extent the muscular system. Neonatologists and the first cocoon producers were able to solve this problem. As a result, a good cocoon creates the most perfect conditions for the growth and life of the baby.
For the most part, cocoons are an addition to a crib. They got their name from their shape, which really resembles a cocoon. In the middle there is a depression in which the child is located. The cocoon is needed for the first months of the baby's life. Then the children are gradually transferred to traditional mattresses, but also designed for young children.
Optimal sizes
Babies grow very quickly, so it is best to take diapers of several sizes:
- The most convenient for newborns are square ones - 100x100 cm or 110x110 cm - they can be used for swaddling and instead of a sheet for a crib;
- for three- or four-month-old babies it is better to choose a size of 120x120 cm;
- small, 80x90 cm, often used as pads or diapers.
Fabrics that are too large create many layers around the baby, which can negatively affect heat transfer: the mother will think that the chintz is “light”, and the baby will become hot.
There are no exact recommendations for the size or number of diapers. It all depends on whether the diaper will be used (disposable or reusable), how often the baby will take air baths and go to the toilet.
Cocoon against swaddling
The cocoon was also invented to serve as a substitute for diapers. Swaddling has long been a thing of the past. The main argument in favor of swaddling was that children allegedly have crooked legs, and you can wake yourself up in your sleep with your hands. But for a child such an arrangement is unacceptable, because he is absolutely constrained in his movements. This is the same as tying the hands of an adult.
Competent pediatricians gradually began to prohibit parents from tightly swaddling. Parents also begin to understand that the child needs maximum comfort. Yes, the devices are not low in price, but you are paying for the child’s health and your own peace of mind. This is especially true for premature babies, who need to be treated with increased attention.
Correct form
When the baby lies in the cocoon, it practically takes on its shape. The cocoon is made of soft material. It turns out that the child’s back bends a little, but there is nothing to worry about, everything was done correctly by experienced specialists. The position is approximately the same as it was in the womb. Therefore, it is easier for a child to adapt to life in the sleep of the mother’s belly. The cocoon “envelops” the child from all sides and supports the baby. Therefore, the baby will not be afraid of open space. Some models have retention straps.
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Note that there are a huge variety of cocoons. And they are selected strictly on an individual basis. It is advisable to consult with an experienced pediatrician who would suggest the best option for the baby.
Cocoons for premature babies
Premature babies always have a risk of abnormal development of the body. They are distinguished by their low weight and height. The risk of improper development of the body is high, so they must be under constant medical supervision. Now the safety of their condition can be increased independently by using a cocoon for sleeping a premature baby.
Initially, French neonatologists intended to create a cocoon specifically for premature babies. The first design was created by hand. And the results were amazing: the children really began to develop better, gaining weight and catching up with their peers. And then cocoons began to be used for the development of completely healthy children born on time.
Important: for a premature baby, you need to choose the right cocoon size. Otherwise, he will be uncomfortable, which means there will be no benefit from this device. Main cocoon options:
- First size. This cocoon is suitable for premature babies. The first size cocoon begins to be used directly in the maternity hospital under the supervision of doctors. Then the child can adapt to the conditions much faster.
- Second size. Designed for children whose weight does not exceed 2.7 kg. Depending on the model, it can be used both for premature babies and for babies born as twins or triplets.
- Third size. Designed for children weighing up to 3-5 kg. Babies are up to 4 months old. Their growth corresponds to general indicators, so choosing a cocoon for them is usually not a problem.
Master class on how to sew and knit a cocoon diaper for a newborn with your own hands
Making a structure for comfortable swaddling a newborn requires a little self-confidence and patience. In order to sew a cocoon diaper, you need to prepare a suitable fabric suitable for infants - find an interesting pattern, scissors, needle and thread or a sewing machine, Velcro or zipper. For a warm set you will need padding polyester or several layers of fabric. Next we proceed according to the following algorithm:
Children say! Andrey (2 years 7 months) asks for dinner: - Give me the meat that floats in the water. It turned out he wanted fish.
- take a sufficient amount of fabric (back and front), let it be 10-12 cm larger than the child’s height;
- We transfer the found pattern to the wrong side of the material. We similarly outline the second part of the fabric;
- if you are making a warm cocoon for a child, put padding polyester on both sides, and then two more pieces of prepared fabric;
- We carefully cut all this out according to the drawing and stitch it on a typewriter. To make the seams strong, it is better to make them zigzag;
- When the structure is ready, we sew Velcro or a zipper on the outside and check whether it works easily. After this, you can try out the envelope by placing a newborn in the product.
Crochet product
In order to start knitting a cocoon diaper for a newborn, you need to prepare soft yarn and choose a knitting method. Having dealt with this, we proceed to the implementation of the design.
It is recommended to start knitting from top to bottom, gradually narrowing the number of stitches to get a comfortable swaddle. Do not forget to take measurements from the baby, and add 10-15% to them, since the baby grows very quickly, and after a month the diaper will be small.
We recommend watching a video on how to properly crochet a cocoon diaper for a newborn.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a cocoon for premature babies
The advantages of a cocoon for premature babies are obvious, let’s look at them in detail:
- Reducing muscle load. On a flat mattress, the child is not in a curved position. Therefore, there is tension there. Here the load on the muscles and spine is minimal. The child feels comfortable, which means he becomes calmer. The cocoon takes the shape of the baby's body.
- Reducing the likelihood of stomach colic. It is easier for a spasm to occur when the child is on a flat mattress. In the cocoon he is already bent a little, which means his stomach also feels good.
- The possibility of developing plagiocephaly is excluded. This means that the back of the baby's head will not become flat. On the mattress, he will lie in one position, which increases the likelihood of developing an abnormal structure. In the cocoon, the baby's head is raised.
- Freedom of movement. The child can move as he pleases. His arms and legs can move freely. He will be very comfortable. Also, the baby can look in different directions, the head will not always be directed upward.
- Safety. The cocoon easily fits into a crib. If you don't use it, your child's legs and arms may get stuck between the slats. With a cocoon, the risk of injury is reduced to zero.
- Softness and tenderness. The baby will wake up much less often, because the material of high-quality cocoons is chosen wisely. This means your sleep will be much more restful.
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It would seem that such a device cannot have any disadvantages. But it’s still worth paying attention to some disadvantages:
- High price. At first glance, the cocoon looks quite simple. But the manufacturers have thought through every detail regarding the shape and materials used. Therefore, it is not cheap. This does not stop those whose children need a cocoon, but still not everyone can afford it.
- Short period of use. A child needs a cocoon in the first 3-4 months of life. It is then changed to a regular flat mattress. If you can sell it, you can ignore this drawback.
How to swaddle a baby in a newborn swaddling envelope
It will be very easy to swaddle a baby in a cocoon with Velcro; not only an inexperienced mother, but also a young father can handle this. You need to lay out the diaper on the bed and put the baby on it. Next, place the baby’s legs in the foot pocket.
Press the child’s right hand to the body and cover it with the edge of the fabric that does not have Velcro. After this, grab the left handle and also press it, covering it with the Velcro edge. Secure the clasps in their proper place and transfer the baby to the crib or stroller.
You can wear a diaper under the diaper. When the time comes to change it, you just need to free the baby’s legs and, after removing the soiled diaper, put a new one on the baby. After a little practice, you will be able to do this without even waking your baby. You can buy small diapers from 0 months in the children's online store Kinderbest.ru.
Types of cocoons
There are the following types of cocoons:
- Cocoon mattress. Provides maximum freedom for the child - arms and legs are not fixed. But the shape is as comfortable as possible and does not allow the baby to fall out of it. It is this type of cocoon that was primarily discussed in this article.
- Cocoon-envelope. It has become an excellent alternative to tight swaddling. It looks like a bag and is made of soft fabric. Soft material envelops the body. The child experiences slight tightness, not forgetting how it was in the womb, but here he is much more comfortable. The baby can raise her arms and stretch freely any time she wants.
- Cocoon-diaper. One of the variants of the cocoon-envelope. We have already talked about the disadvantages of swaddling a baby. But a cocoon diaper is still much more suitable than simple diapers. The most important thing is its material. It's best when the cocoon is knitted. This is not as confining to the baby as a simple diaper. You don’t have to worry about the quality of the material if it’s a cocoon from a trusted manufacturer. They are usually made from hypoallergenic materials that do not cause any harm to the child. Still, a knitted cocoon allows the baby’s body to “breathe” and also has good elasticity. It won’t be tight, you’ll be able to move a little.
- Cocoon-nest. It has the shape of a “slightly open” cocoon, which is why this type got its name. In general, it is similar to a cocoon mattress and has the same advantages. Can be considered a variety of it.
- Cocoon-carrying. Inside, it can be of different types, but the essence is the same: there is a strong and durable foundation that protects the child. It is equipped with comfortable straps, you can hold it in your hands and even hang it over your shoulder. This cocoon can easily fit into any stroller using universal fastenings.
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Types of Velcro diapers
Velcro diapers come in different sizes:
- From birth to 3 months.
- From 3 months to six months.
- Universal.
If the size is clearly indicated on the diaper, then it is better to buy the product strictly according to size, and not for growth. If the cocoon is larger than necessary, then it will be easy for the baby to get out of it. In this case, the whole meaning of the accessory is lost.
In addition to size, diapers are divided by type of fabric: warm (made from fleece, flannel, flannel) and thin (made from chintz, cotton, fine knitwear). By the way, fleece or flannelette cocoons can be used as full-fledged outerwear for walking outside in cool weather.
If the accessory is purchased for a newborn, then the approximate size of the diaper should be 100 x 90 cm. It should be taken into account that European diapers made of flannel and fleece should be wider and longer than those made of thin cotton.
There are Velcro diapers that have a separation for the legs at the bottom. This thing will be useful for those parents who have a personal car. The accessory will allow you to easily secure your baby in a child car seat. This will be very helpful on long trips, since the child feels comfortable in the cocoon and will sleep soundly most of the time while in the restraint device.
How to put a baby in a cocoon
Usually the child is placed on his back in a cocoon-mattress. The correct shape is taken, the child feels good. This doesn't mean he won't toss and turn. If you are afraid of regurgitation, you can lay him on his side. But there is one trick here. The baby needs to be periodically turned to the other side so that the load is the same. This must be done every three hours. Such recommendations are usually given by experienced specialists in the maternity hospital.
Observe whether the child is comfortable in a certain position. This is easy to notice: if he feels good, the baby is less capricious.
What cocoons are offered on the Russian market?
One of the most famous cocoon manufacturers is Red Castle. They produce quality cocoon mattresses "Cocoonbaby". This is a French brand that has won many awards for its developments. Woombie produces good cocoon mattresses, in which babies up to 4 months can sleep. They are environmentally friendly and always have a nice design.
Globex makes high-quality baby carriers. You can take it to the clinic, for a walk - anywhere. Rigid base, can be installed in any stroller. The maximum weight of a child is 7.7 kg.
There is also an Italian brand called Honey Mammy. The company develops mattresses for babies - for cribs, car seats, and strollers. You can pay attention to the cocoon-nest described above.
A cocoon is a thing that guarantees safety, convenience, and most importantly, the correct development of the baby. You need to think about buying it in advance and purchase it for the first days of the baby’s life. All children - born at term, premature, twins - will feel great!
