Swaddling mimics the baby’s cozy environment in your womb and can be done from birth until they start preparing to roll (typically between 2-3 months old). A properly wrapped swaddle feels like a tight hug, making it an ideal soothing technique for sleep. It can also prevent their startle reflex from waking them up.
Know these essential safety tips:
Swaddle with lightweight fabrics such as cotton muslin to prevent overheating.
Make sure your baby’s legs have room to wiggle. It should be snug but not too restrictive, with the top of the swaddle away from their face.
Always place your swaddled baby to sleep on their back. Swaddling is not safe if you are lying next to your baby.
How to swaddle with a blanket:
Lay the blanket out in a diamond shape.
Fold the top point about ⅓ of the way down.
Place your baby face-up on the blanket with their neck along the top edge.
Hold one arm down by their side, and pull the corresponding corner of the blanket across your baby’s body, tucking underneath the other side of their body.
Pull the bottom corner of the blanket over baby’s legs, tucking underneath the shoulder.
Straighten baby’s other arm and pull the remaining corner snugly across, tucking the fabric behind baby’s body.
Know when to stop.
Stop swaddling at signs of rolling, which include reaching for their feet when lying on their back, shifting from their back onto their side, or moving their face toward the floor while on their side.
P.S. Still finding a swaddle difficult? You have options! Many companies have designed swaddle products with velcro or zipper enclosures, like the Ollie, that allow you to skip the guesswork.