Swaddling has been around for thousands of years as a way to hold, protect, and calm babies. You might notice that the nurses at the hospital wrap your baby up like it’s second nature and they might even show you how to do it. But once you’re home, running on little sleep and trying to remember everything, swaddling can suddenly feel like a distant memory. You might find yourself wondering: What was the point of that again? And how exactly do I do it?
In simple terms, swaddling means wrapping your baby tightly in a soft fabric, often referred to as the “burrito wrap.” It’s one of those tricks that can really help when baby is having trouble settling down. Swaddling can help them feel secure, a bit like they’re back in the womb.
You can start swaddling from day one, for both naps and nighttime sleep. It helps them feel calm and compact. Keep reading for how to swaddle, when to stop, and a few tips to make it easier.
Why should I swaddle my baby?
Swaddling can be a simple way to help your baby feel more secure in those early weeks. It recreates the snug feeling of being in the womb, which can be incredibly comforting when the outside world is still so new.
One of the biggest reasons parents choose to swaddle is because it can support better sleep. Newborns often wake themselves up with sudden arm or leg movements, known as the startle reflex. A well-wrapped swaddle can help reduce that, making it easier for babies to settle and stay asleep, especially when placed on their backs for safe sleep.
Swaddling can also help keep baby warm, prevent accidental scratching, and in some cases, offer extra comfort for babies with colic or certain neurological conditions. While it’s not a must for every baby, many parents find it to be a helpful tool in those early days.
How to swaddle your baby safely
To swaddle your baby, you’ll need a proper swaddle tool. Blankets are most common, but not all blankets are made for swaddling. In fact, many of the “receiving blankets” sold in stores are actually too small to wrap securely. It’s best to use a blanket that’s specifically designed for swaddling, giving you enough fabric to wrap your baby comfortably and safely.
Step-by-step guide:
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Lay out the blanket: Place the blanket on a flat, secure surface in a diamond shape, with the corners pointing up, down, and to the sides.
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Fold down the top corner: Fold the top corner down to create a straight edge. The size of the fold depends on your baby’s size. This means a larger fold for smaller babies, and a smaller fold for bigger babies.
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Position your baby: Gently place your baby on their back, with their shoulders aligned just below the folded edge of the blanket.
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Wrap the first side: Straighten your baby’s right arm (left from your view), then pull the left corner of the blanket across their body. Tuck it snugly under their left side, making sure the arm stays in place.
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Fold up the bottom: Bring the bottom corner of the blanket up over your baby’s feet. You can either tuck it into the fabric across their chest or gently around their left shoulder. Make sure their legs have room to move and bend — too-tight wrapping around the hips can cause problems with development.
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Wrap the other side: Now, straighten your baby’s left arm (right from your view), and pull the right corner of the blanket across their body. Tuck it under their side to finish the swaddle.
Other ways to swaddle
Some babies seem to resist swaddling, but that doesn’t always mean they dislike it. In the womb, babies often kept their arms up near their faces, so when you try to wrap their arms down by their sides, they might push back. This reaction is totally normal. Even if it feels like your baby isn’t a fan of swaddling, it can be worth sticking with the classic technique and giving it a fair shot.
That said, if your baby continues to fuss or seems uncomfortable, there are a few variations you can try. One option is to swaddle with the arms bent and hands near the face, which can be soothing for some babies. Another is to leave one or both arms out completely, especially if your baby prefers a bit more freedom. Just keep in mind that exposed hands might lead to scratching, but soft baby mittens can help prevent that.
Some babies are perfectly happy without any swaddle at all, and that’s okay too. But if your little one is extra fussy or struggling to settle, swaddling can be a helpful tool to offer comfort. If it doesn’t work instantly, don’t give up. Sometimes it takes a bit of experimenting to find what works best for your baby.
Tips for swaddling safely
If you decide to swaddle your baby, it’s important to follow a few key safety guidelines to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and support healthy development.
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Always place your baby on their back to sleep: This is the most important safe sleep rule, whether your baby is swaddled or not. Sleeping on the back significantly lowers the risk of SIDS.
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Choose light, breathable fabrics: Use thin, breathable swaddling materials like muslin or cotton. Avoid heavy blankets, which can cause your baby to overheat.
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Dress baby lightly underneath: Swaddling acts as a layer of warmth, so keep your baby’s clothing minimal, usually just a diaper or a lightweight onesie underneath is enough.
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Monitor your baby’s temperature: Check their chest, back, or neck to make sure they’re not too warm. Sweating, flushed skin, or rapid breathing can be signs of overheating. A comfortable room temperature (around 20–22°C or 68–72°F) is ideal.
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Wrap snugly, but not tightly: The swaddle should feel secure, but not restrictive. Avoid wrapping too tightly around the chest, hips, or legs, as this can interfere with breathing and hip development. At the same time, make sure the swaddle isn’t so loose that it can come undone as loose fabric can pose a suffocation hazard.
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Allow freedom of movement in the legs: To support healthy hip development and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia, your baby’s legs should be able to bend and move naturally. If you're swaddling for extended periods, consider a swaddle-style sleep sack that allows for leg movement.
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Know when to stop swaddling: Swaddling is only safe for babies who cannot roll over. As soon as your baby starts showing signs of rolling it’s time to stop swaddling altogether. Rolling while swaddled can increase the risk of suffocation. We’ll cover more on how and when to transition out of the swaddle later in this article.
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Supervised swaddling only while awake: Swaddling should be reserved for naps and nighttime sleep. When your baby is awake and alert, they need time to move freely to help with motor development and bonding.
When to avoid swaddling
While swaddling can be a soothing and helpful tool for many newborns, there are certain situations where it is best to skip it altogether.
If you are bed-sharing with your baby, swaddling should be avoided. When a baby is swaddled, they have limited ability to move around themselves, which increases the risk if they end up too close to an adult, pillow, or blanket. For safety reasons, swaddled babies should always sleep in their own separate space such as a cradle with a firm, flat surface.
You should also avoid swaddling if your baby has a fever or is feeling unwell. Swaddling can make it more difficult for your baby to regulate their body temperature, and overheating can make symptoms worse. During times of illness, it is important to dress your baby lightly and ensure good airflow to help them stay comfortable.
Some babies simply do not enjoy being swaddled. If your baby seems more distressed than soothed when swaddled even after a few tries it is completely fine to skip it. Many babies settle just as well with alternative calming techniques like bouncing, a pacifier or skin-to-skin contact.
In some medical situations such as babies with hip dysplasia, respiratory concerns, or other health conditions, swaddling may not be advised. If you have any concerns or your baby has a diagnosed condition, it is always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before swaddling.
When to stop swaddling
As your baby grows, their need for swaddling naturally decreases. A good way to start the transition is by trying alternative swaddling styles, such as leaving one arm free. If your baby fusses or struggles to sleep with one arm out, they likely still need the full swaddle. However, if they seem comfortable and settle well for about a week with the one-arm method, it may be time to begin moving away from swaddling altogether.
It is very important to stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of being able to roll over. At this stage, swaddling can become unsafe because a baby who rolls onto their stomach while swaddled cannot use their arms to lift or reposition themselves. This increases the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Although your baby might protest the change at first, it is essential to prioritize their safety over temporary fussiness. Helping your baby adjust to sleeping without a swaddle is an important step in their development. You can read more about their developmental patterns here.
Swaddling products
Choosing the right swaddle for your newborn is very important in keeping your baby comfortable and safe.
One key factor is the material. Natural fabrics like cotton, muslin, or linen are ideal because they allow air to flow freely, helping to keep your baby cool and preventing overheating during sleep. It is also important to be cautious of products that claim to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome since these claims are not supported by strong evidence. Additionally, it is best to avoid weighted swaddles because they can put too much pressure on a baby’s chest and make breathing more difficult.
Here are some common types of swaddling products:
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Traditional swaddle blankets: These are simple, lightweight squares of fabric that you wrap around your baby. They offer flexibility and can be folded in different ways to suit your baby’s comfort and size.
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Swaddle sacks: Designed like wearable blankets, swaddle sacks fasten up to keep your baby snug without the risk of loose fabric. They’re easy to use and great for parents who want a quick and secure swaddle.
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Sleep sack: Sleep sacks are wearable blankets with arm holes that keep your baby cozy while allowing free movement of the arms, offering a safe and comfortable sleep option as they grow.
Conclusion
Swaddling isn’t something every baby needs, but it can be a helpful way to soothe and comfort your little one by recreating that snug feeling from the womb. It’s safe when done properly, but remember to stop swaddling once your baby starts trying to roll over to keep them safe while sleeping. Make sure the blanket is wrapped securely enough that it won’t come loose, but not so tight that it restricts your baby’s leg movement.
Learning to swaddle takes a bit of practice, but with patience and the right technique, you’ll find a rhythm that works for you and your baby.
