As many of you are mothers, just like me, I know that saying the word “colic” will no doubt bring up memories of sleepless nights and a wailing infant who couldn’t be consoled, no matter what you tried.  After weeks and weeks of the same, and reaching a point of near exhaustion, some well-meaning soul would say, “He’s just colicky.  You’ll have to wait for him to outgrow it.”  Through your blurry eyes and in your weakened condition you didn’t have the strength to aim and hit your mark to actually clobber them, so in the grand scheme of things, being tired probably worked in your favor and saved a minor lawsuit.    The problem was, you still adored that little wailing bundle of endless tears; and you were eventually going to have to sleep or die.  Why isn’t swaddling taught to everyone, before they have a child?  It seems like a piece of basic information that would be high on the list of “absolutely need to know about babies”.  It should be taught by mothers and grandmothers, passed from generation to generation, as an essential skill necessary for child-rearing; and yet, there is a marked lack of understanding of this concept.  You can be the beginning of change!  With the Baby Ota, swaddling is a simple process that can bring relief to babies from newborn up to about six months (20 lbs.) and to their parents.

I wish you could touch this. It's so incredibly soft!

Think how far back the benefits of swaddling were understood.  Even the Bible refers to the infant Jesus being wrapped in swaddling clothes.  Swaddling is a method of wrapping an infant so that they feel secure and warm.  It prevents them from self-startling and helps them to fall asleep.  Swaddling should help to replicate the feelings of warmth and “snugness” that the baby experienced in the womb.  It can certainly be achieved with baby blankets or several different “swaddlers” that can be found on the market, today, but I promise nothing else will compare to this product.  I recently discovered the Baby Ota Swaddle and I am convinced that for parents, new to swaddling, and for the ultimate care and comfort of the infant, this is one of the most significant baby care tools a parent can own.

See how thick and plush the Baby Ota is? The quilted pillow liner can be removed for laundering and in summer.

When I opened the box and removed the Baby Swaddle, I literally sighed.  If these were made in an adult-size, I’d have two, because no one else would be allowed to touch mine and they would all have to fight over the extra one.  There aren’t words to describe the degree of softness of this gorgeous bamboo fabric or the plushiness of the quilted lining.  It provides warmth and the security that a baby feels from being wrapped snug, without being restrictive.  More importantly, it’s incredibly easy to use.  There’s no special folding technique to learn — just open it, nestle the baby at the top and then fold up the bottom, then the sides and tie – four simple motions.  The baby’s arms and hands are held snugly at their sides, which prevents the random flailing that startles and creates the sensation of falling.  Though the baby’s arms and hands are snug, the baby’s feet and legs are unrestricted and given plenty of room for natural movement.  As the baby gets older, their arms and hands can be left free, as well, while still providing the security of the Baby Ota.

As I mentioned, the Baby Ota is made from durable, naturally stain resistant and extraordinarily soft bamboo.  Bamboo is grown without the use of fertilizers or chemicals, is softer than even the softest cottons and is naturally antibacterial and antifungal.  It’s strong and durable, is a fabulous body-heat regulator, and is extraordinarily “breathable”.  Bamboo is truly an ideal fabric for infants.  The Baby Ota is fully double-stitched and designed to support a baby’s head and neck.  The inner quilting can be removed in one easy zip for summertime comfort.  It can also be used as a blanket, comforter or play mat as your baby grows.  Best of all, it’s easy to clean.  Zip open the lining and remove the quilted “pillows” from inside, then toss the Ota cover in your washing machine.

This beautiful, functional and unique baby swaddler is available on the Baby Ota website for only $59.  As a baby shower or infant gift, the Baby Ota will be received with delight and will certainly be passed from generation to generation.  One lucky Busy-at-Home reader is going to win a Baby Ota for the precious bundle in their lives.  Entering the giveaway is simple.

Visit Baby Ota, look around the site and let me know one thing you learned about swaddling or that you love about the Baby Ota. Leave your comment on this blog post.  After you leave your comment, use the Rafflecopter form, below, to submit your entry and open the additional optional entries1  Just click DO IT and then click Enter.  Super simple!