Complete Guide on How to Swaddle a Baby: Instructions, Safety Tips, and Benefits
The first time your baby visited the hospital nursery, she probably came back wrapped in a neat little package, with only her fuzzy little head poking out. That’s because nurses know one of the secrets to a happy, calm baby: swaddling.
There are lots of good reasons to try this age-old technique — but figuring out how to do it yourself can be a little intimidating (especially when you’re feeling bleary-eyed). Here’s a step-by-step guide to swaddling like a pro, how to make sure you’re doing it safely, and when it’s time to stop.
What is swaddling and what are the benefits?
Swaddling is an ancient technique for wrapping newborns in a thin blanket or cloth. It’s adorable (who doesn’t love a baby burrito!), but it also serves the all-important purpose of helping your sweet pea stay calm and sleep more soundly. Here are the benefits:
A swaddle helps your baby feel safe and secure as she adjusts to life outside the womb.
Swaddling helps prevent her from flailing her arms or her legs, which can trigger her startle reflex.
A swaddle keeps the baby cozy and warm until her internal thermostat kicks into gear.
Swaddling can help babies sleep better.
How to swaddle with a blanket
Swaddling the right way may seem a little daunting, but wrapping up your baby only takes a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Spread your baby’s blanket out on a flat surface with one corner pointing up, like a diamond. Fold the top corner down about 6 inches.
Step 2: Place your baby face-up on the blanket. Her head should sit above the folded corner, and her body should extend straight down toward the bottom corner.
Step 3: Straighten your baby’s left arm. Then take the left side of the blanket and wrap it over her left arm and chest. Tuck the blanket underneath her other arm and back. At this point, your baby’s left arm will be covered but her right arm will be free.
Step 4: Fold the bottom corner of the blanket up over your baby’s body and tuck it under the first fold, under her chin. Straighten your baby’s right arm and pull the right side of the blanket over your baby’s body and tuck it under her left side.
Step 5: Loosely twist the bottom of the blanket and tuck it underneath your baby.
A few important things to keep in mind: The swaddle should be snug, but not too tight. You should be able to place two to three fingers between your baby’s chest and the blanket, and the blanket should be loose around her hips so she can move her legs freely. Finally, if your baby seems to prefer having her arms free, it’s fine to leave them out of the swaddle.
Chances are you’ll become a swaddling pro in no time. But if you’re feeling unsure, ask your baby’s paediatrician. He or she can check your swaddle skills and share some helpful pointers if you aren’t getting it quite right.
