How to Swaddle a Baby Step-by-Step

Swaddling is a soothing technique that may help your newborn feel secure and sleep more soundly in those first few months. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about swaddling, including how to swaddle your newborn with step-by-step instructions and its key benefits. You'll also find answers to common questions, like how long swaddling is safe for and when you should stop swaddling your baby.

What Is Swaddling and Why Is It Important?

Swaddling is a simple and time-tested technique where you gently wrap your little one in a swaddle blanket to help them feel safe and secure. This practice mimics the cozy environment of the womb, which is why many newborns find it so soothing. When you swaddle your baby, it can provide a sense of comfort and security.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What does swaddle mean?”, it all helps your little one feel calm, especially during sleep. Think of your snugly wrapped newborn as a tiny, comforted bundle—almost like a baby burrito!

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The Key Benefits of Swaddling Your Baby

Swaddling offers several important benefits for newborns, making it a valuable practice for parents. Here’s why swaddling a baby can be so helpful:

• Helps keep your baby warm during sleep by securely wrapping them in a blanket

• Limits the startle reflex, which often wakes babies up unexpectedly during sleep

• Provides a sense of safety and security by mimicking the snug environment they experienced in the womb

• Helps keep your baby calm, possibly even when your baby has colic 

• Provides security and soothing during moments of discomfort, such as after vaccinations.

How to Swaddle Your Baby: Step-by-Step Guide

You’ll want to know the safe and proper way to swaddle your baby. Follow these swaddle instructions in the infographic below for a step-by-step guide on how to swaddle your baby.

1. Spread the blanket out on a flat surface, like a changing table or bed, with one corner folded down

2. Lay your baby face-up on the blanket, with their head just above the folded corner

3. Keep your baby’s right arm straight by their side, then wrap the right corner of the blanket over them, tucking it under their body

4. Bring the bottom corner up over your baby’s feet. Make sure to fold the blanket down if it’s close to their face to prevent any obstruction

5. Next, wrap the left corner over your baby, keeping their left arm straight down. Only their head and neck should be exposed, making sure the blanket stays snug

6. Finally, check that the swaddle is not too tight around the hips and legs. Your baby’s lower body should still be able to move freely. Wrapping too tightly may lead to hip dysplasia, so as long as you can slip a hand between the swaddle and your baby’s chest, you’re good to go

Choosing the Best Swaddle for Your Baby

Selecting the best swaddle for newborns is essential for ensuring both comfort and safety. When choosing a newborn swaddle, it’s important to avoid weighted swaddles, as they may place too much pressure on a baby’s chest and lungs. Additionally, be cautious with products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, as these claims have not been proven to lower such risks.

The fabric of your baby swaddle wrap can make a big difference. Look for materials like cotton, muslin, linen, or other natural fabrics that promote breathability, which helps prevent your baby from overheating during sleep.

In addition to a newborn swaddle, you may want to consider swaddle wraps or sleep sacks, which are designed for convenience and ease of use. These options, along with traditional receiving blankets—like the one you may have used to bring your newborn home—can all be great choices when deciding on the best newborn swaddle for your baby.

When Is the Right Time to Swaddle Your Baby?

Swaddling can be especially helpful when your baby needs extra comfort at bedtime or naptime. You may swaddle your newborn for sleep, or when they need calming, such as when experiencing colic. Knowing when to swaddle a baby is important, as it helps your little one feel safe, warm, and secure.

Swaddling your newborn for sleep may promote better sleep, making it a great addition to your baby’s sleep routine.

When Should You Stop Swaddling Your Baby?

Although swaddling is generally safe during your baby’s first couple of months, it's important to know when to stop swaddling. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you stop swaddling once your baby is able to roll over, which typically happens around the age of 4 to 7 months. 

If you're wondering when to stop swaddling your baby, it’s important to make this transition to ensure your baby’s safety. Be sure to consult your baby’s healthcare provider if you have concerns about when it’s time to stop swaddling.

Swaddling with Arms Up or Down: Which Is Best?

When learning how to swaddle your baby, you may wonder if you should swaddle them with their arms up or down. Using the proper swaddling technique, your baby’s arms should be placed straight down by their sides, not crossed over their chest or sticking out of the swaddle.

Some parents may opt to swaddle with arms out as their baby grows or shows signs of rolling. If you're interested in how to transition or how to swaddle a newborn with their arms out, it’s important to ensure that your baby is still secure and safe, while also allowing freedom of movement.

Is It Okay Not to Swaddle Your Newborn?

You may wonder if babies have to be swaddled, but it’s not a requirement. While swaddling may provide comfort for some babies, it’s perfectly fine if you choose not to swaddle your baby. Some experts suggest that newborns don’t need to be swaddled, and it may not be necessary for all babies.

If you need a demonstration on how to swaddle your newborn to make an informed decision, your baby’s healthcare provider or the hospital nurses may be able to show you how it’s done.

Safety Tips for Swaddling Your Baby

For your little one’s safety, keep these tips in mind when you swaddle your baby :

• Always place your baby on their back in their crib, whether they have been swaddled or not. Placing your baby to sleep on their back is crucial as it may help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Also, make sure there are no blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, or any additional bedding or soft items in your baby’s crib. Since your baby will be warm and cozy in the swaddle, they won’t need an additional blanket.

• Swaddling may be safe but be mindful that it may reduce your baby’s ability to wake themselves easily from sleep, which could increase the risk of SIDS. If you’re concerned that swaddling may cause SIDS, consult your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

• Can you swaddle too tight? Yes—ensure that you can fit two to three fingers between your baby’s chest and the swaddle to allow for proper movement and breathing. Swaddling your baby too tightly may cause them to develop hip problems.

• Ensure that your baby isn't too warm when they’re swaddled. If you see that they’re sweating, have damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, or rapid breathing, they are most likely overdressed.

The Bottom Line

Swaddling your newborn offers many benefits, like comforting your baby and potentially promoting better sleep. However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks as well. If you're uncertain about whether you should swaddle your baby, it’s a good idea to consult your baby’s healthcare provider to weigh the pros and cons.

Once you decide to move forward with swaddling, you'll quickly get the hang of it. You can follow our step-by-step guide or ask a nurse or your little one’s healthcare provider for a demonstration. Before you know it, you'll be a pro at wrapping your little one into a snug and secure swaddle.

For even more ways to make parenting easier, download the Pampers Club app, where you can access digital offers and exclusive discounts on Pampers products.

For more advice and assistance on keeping your baby safe and comfortable while they sleep, download the Smart Sleep Coach app by Pampers. It's jam-packed with videos and classes covering everything from how to settle your baby before bedtime to how to set up their room for optimal sleep. Transform your baby's sleep today by taking this FREE sleep assessment.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}