How to swaddle a baby

Bringing home a newborn can be both exhilarating and overwhelming for new parents. Among the many things to learn, swaddling often stands out as a technique that promotes comfort and better sleep for your little one. You might find yourself looking for clarity on how to swaddle properly, especially after hearing varying opinions on the method. Understanding the right way to swaddle can help ease your worries and ensure that your baby feels secure and cozy.

To swaddle a baby, lay a blanket flat in a diamond shape, fold down the top corner, place the baby on their back, and secure their arms along their sides before wrapping the blanket around their body and tucking it snugly under their bottom.

Swaddling a baby involves a few simple steps to ensure they feel secure and relaxed. Begin by choosing a lightweight, breathable blanket, ideally one that’s specifically designed for swaddling. Lay the blanket out in a diamond shape on a flat surface, with the top corner pointed down. Fold down the top corner of the blanket about 6 inches to create a straight edge.

Next, gently place your baby on their back in the center of the blanket, with their head above the folded edge. Ensure their arms are straight down along their sides, as this is important for both their comfort and safety. Take the left corner of the blanket and wrap it over their body, tucking it snugly beneath their right side.

Now, fold the bottom corner of the blanket up over their feet, creating a pocket, and then wrap the right side of the blanket across their chest, securing it under their left arm. Ensure the swaddle is snug but not too tight – you should be able to fit two fingers between the swaddle and the baby’s chest to avoid restricting their breathing. Remember to always place your baby on their back to sleep and monitor them closely while swaddled. With these steps, your baby will feel secure and calm, ready for a peaceful nap.