To swaddle a baby safely and effectively, follow these steps:
- Prepare the blanket
Spread out a thin, lightweight, square baby blanket on a flat surface with one corner folded down slightly to form a straight edge at the top
- Position the baby
Lay your baby face-up on the blanket with their neck aligned with the folded edge, so their head is above the fold and the blanket does not touch their face
- Secure the arms
You can place your baby’s arms at their sides, crossed on their chest, or leave them out of the swaddle—do what comforts your baby best
. To prevent wriggling out, gently hold one arm down along their side before wrapping
- Wrap the blanket
- Take the left corner of the blanket and wrap it snugly across your baby’s body, tucking it under their back on the opposite side, going under the right arm if arms are included
* Fold the bottom corner up over the baby’s feet and tuck it down at their chest, ensuring the blanket does not cover the face and the hips and knees are slightly bent and turned out to allow natural movement
* Wrap the right corner across the baby’s body and tuck it under their back on the left side, leaving only the neck and head exposed
- Check the fit
The swaddle should be snug enough to feel secure but not too tight. You should be able to slip a hand between the blanket and the baby’s chest to allow comfortable breathing
. The hips and legs should have enough room to move freely to prevent hip dysplasia
- Safety tips
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep when swaddled
* Use thin, breathable fabrics like muslin to avoid overheating
* Avoid swaddling the baby’s head or neck
* Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of rolling over, usually around 3 months
Swaddling can help your baby feel secure and sleep better by mimicking the cozy environment of the womb and preventing the startle reflex
. This method ensures your baby is comfortable, safe, and secure while swaddled
