How to swaddle is one of the most important skills for new parents to possess, providing comfort and security to newborns. Swaddling can help your baby feel like they are still in the womb, which will aid in better sleep and calming an irritable baby. Wrap your baby snugly in a blanket to create a soothing environment that encourages relaxation. This article will guide you through the simple steps of swaddling so that your little one feels safe and cozy while maintaining safety and comfort.
What is Swaddling?
Swaddling, fundamentally speaking, is the wrapping of an infant in a tight-fitting blanket, leaving all parts of the infant exposed except for the head. All other parts are so snugly enclosed it will remind the newborn infant how he felt in the womb. Around 90 percent of infants in North America receive swaddling as an infant care practice; that practice has been practiced from time immemorial and has been studied throughout history for centuries.
The secret to a good swaddle is that the baby must be snug-fitting. Some studies even call this a type of "motor restraint" that limits the baby's range of motion so she cannot be startled into performing the Moro or "startle" reflex. A baby has this reflex from birth and up until they are around 3 to 6 months old; it causes a baby to jerk or wake up abruptly from sleep if she is jolted or startled by loud noises or sudden motions.
Swaddling is generally safe, but improper swaddling can pose risks. That's why it's important to learn how to swaddle correctly, recognize situations where it might be unsafe, and know when to stop swaddling as your baby grows.
What are the Benefits of Swaddling a Baby?
Swaddling is a practice that has been around for centuries to help secure and comfort newborns. The act of wrapping babies snugly in a blanket simulates the feeling they had in the womb and gives them a sense of safety and calm. Besides helping babies sleep, swaddling offers multiple other benefits, from preventing crying to healthy development. However, one needs to know how to properly swaddle so that it gives all the benefits without any risks. Here are some of the key benefits of swaddling a baby:
Better Sleep
Swaddling helps babies sleep more soundly by preventing the startle reflex, which can cause involuntary movements that might wake them up during light sleep.
Sense of Comfort and Security
Swaddling gives a feeling of snugness, just like that in the womb, hence giving a sense of security to the baby and calming it down if it is colicky or upset.
Less Crying
Most babies like being swaddled as it makes them feel more comfortable, thus reducing crying and fussing, especially during the early months.
No self-scratching
Secure wrappings of the babies' arms and hands prohibit babies from scratching their faces or inducing other conditions such as eczema or cradle cap.
Crib safety during sleep
Swaddling lessens the chances of infant mortality syndrome, which was then termed SIDS, by laying the baby on their back while sleeping and thus getting rid of loose linens or other objects in their cribs.
Helps in Healthy Hip Development
Swaddling should be done in such a way that there is enough space for babies' hips to move, thus promoting healthy hip development and preventing hip dysplasia.
Swaddling is beneficial, but it should be done safely, allowing the baby's hips not to be restricted, avoiding overheating, and knowing when to stop swaddling the baby as it grows.
Is it Safe to Swaddle Your Baby?
Yes, swaddling is safe for your baby when done correctly. Ensure the swaddle is snug but not too tight, especially around the chest and hips, to allow natural movement and prevent hip problems. Use lightweight, breathable fabrics to avoid overheating and stop swaddling once your baby starts to roll over, usually around 3-4 months, as this can risk suffocation. Always put your baby to bed on his back, and should never be left untended while swaddled.
How to Swaddle A Baby: 7 Different Ways
Swaddling is a comforting practice that helps newborns feel secure and sleep better by mimicking the snug, safe environment of the womb. The technique involves wrapping the baby tightly in a blanket to limit their movement so that they can be calmed and the startle reflex avoided. There are various ways to swaddle a baby, each differing in benefits depending on a baby's needs and their parent's preference. Here are 7 different ways to swaddle a baby:
- Feeding Cues Swaddle
This swaddle is best for babies who come with low birth weight or jaundice and conditions of low blood sugar levels. The Feeding Cues Swaddle should, therefore, be used less frequently immediately after birth when babies need higher body contact than swaddling, but the parents have to rest a bit post-feeding. It's nice to use it in that postpartum recovery process and when milk production is still established.
Here’s how to do the Feeding Cues Swaddle:
Step 1: Lay the swaddle blanket on a flat surface in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing up.
Step 2: Fold the top corner down over the chest of your baby, and leave the arms and shoulders exposed.
Step 3: Fold the edge of the blanket over your baby's body gently and tuck it under the baby's arm to fit snugly around the torso. Repeat with the other side.
Step 4: If you are using a big blanket, you can fold the bottom corner up over your baby's feet, so the legs have space to bend. For a swaddle sack or a sleep sack, you simply zip or secure it according to the product's instructions.
The swaddle should be tight but not constricting, particularly around the chest and hips.
- Hands Up Swaddle
We recommend using the Hands Up Swaddle during the first few weeks when babies are still tightly curled and enjoy having their hands up to their faces. When the baby stretches out her whole body fully (that's so cute!) and does not bring her hands near her face during play, it is time to wean off this swaddle.
Here’s how to do the “Hands Up Swaddle”:
Step 1: Place the swaddle blanket flat on a surface in a diamond shape with one corner pointing up.
Step 2: Place your baby in the middle of the blanket, with their head near the top folded corner and their body aligned.
Step 3: Raise both of your baby's arms and position them in a "goalpost" shape or with their hands above their head.
Step 4: Take one side of the blanket and wrap it over your baby's body, tucking it in securely under his side while leaving his arms up.
Step 5: Do the same thing with the other side, folding it over his body and tucking it in under him to keep the arms pinned in.
Step 6: Tuck any extra fabric from the bottom of the blanket up over the baby's feet. Be sure to leave room for their legs to bend when they move.
Step 7: Make sure it's snug but not too tight. The arms should remain up by the baby's face, and the chest should be pressed up with no looseness.
- Bat Wings Swaddle
The Bat Wings Swaddle is an aid to help swaddle better with two layers of blankets, keeping the baby's hands in a comfortable position. It is extremely useful for young twins since it fits snugly without the Velcro or large swaddling blankets.
This swaddle can make a huge difference in sleep duration as the baby grows and can sustain longer intervals between feedings.
Here’s how to do the "Bat Wings Swaddle":
Step 1: Place the swaddle blanket on a flat surface in a diamond shape with one corner pointing up.
Step 2: Place your baby in the center of the blanket, near the top folded corner, so their head and body are aligned.
Step 3: Fold the top corner of the blanket down over your baby's chest, leaving their arms exposed.
Step 4: Take one end of the blanket and pull it across your baby's body leaving the arm hanging out, make a "wing" shape and tuck this side of the blanket snug under the baby's body.
Step 5: Repeat with the other end of the blanket: leave the other arm hanging out and make another "wing". Tuck that side of the blanket snug into the baby's body.
Step 6: If there is excess fabric at the bottom, fold it up over the baby's feet, and make sure the legs have the room to move naturally.
Step 7: Ensure that the swaddle is snug around the torso but not too tight. The "bat wings" (arms) must be comfortable enough to move about.
- Houdini Swaddle
For those babies who can wriggle out of most swaddles but sleep best when swaddled, the Houdini Swaddle is perfect. Snug around the arms and chest, looser on the hips; this works great for helping older newborns sleep for longer stretches (usually after 6 weeks). This swaddle is an effective solution without buying something more - just as good as many of the other options to swaddle babies securely.
Here’s how to do the “Houdini Swaddle”
Step 1: Spread the swaddle blanket flat on a surface, opening it in the shape of a diamond with one corner pointing upwards.
Step 2: Put your baby in the middle of the blanket so that their head is at the top folded edge and their body is aligned with the blanket.
Step 3: Fold the top corner of the blanket down to cover your baby's chest, keeping their arms out.
Step 4: Fold one side of the blanket over your baby's body, and tuck it so that it goes smoothly around the baby's arm and torso. Take care that the side is pulled tight so that the baby cannot waggle his arm free.
Step 5: Do the same with the other side and pull tight this way across the baby's body to secure it snug under his body.
Step 6: Fold the bottom corner of the blanket up over your baby's feet and tuck it snugly under their body so that they cannot move it.
Step 7: Check the fit. The swaddle should be snug but not too tight, especially around the chest and hips, so that your baby can breathe and move properly. The arms should be secure and not be able to get out of the swaddle.
Step 8: Optionally, use a velcro swaddle sack or a specialized swaddle with extra security straps to ensure the baby stays wrapped up tight.
This method ensures the swaddle is extra secure, helping to prevent your baby from "escaping" like Houdini, but always ensure that the swaddle is snug and safe for breathing and comfort.
- Arms Only Swaddle
The Arms Only Swaddle is perfect for warm climates and babies who like having a little space for their legs but need their arms contained for better sleep. As much as it's not that popular because of its limited usage in warmer climates and for older babies, it's awesome for those hot days when you want a light solution.
Here’s how to do the “Arms Only Swaddle”:
Step 1: Lay the swaddle blanket flat on a surface in a diamond shape, leaving one corner up.
Step 2: Position your baby at the center of the blanket. His head would be near the top folded edge.
Step 3: Now fold the top corner of the blanket down on your baby's chest. Let the arms out while doing this.
Step 4: Take one side of the blanket and fold it over your baby's arm by gently putting it across her body. The arm should be held securely and not too tight.
Step 5: Now, do the same with the other side of the blanket around the other arm of your baby; ensure that both of her arms are held securely but not restricted.
Step 6: Let the bottom of the blanket remain open so that your baby's legs are not confined. You can fold the excess fabric to cover the baby's body but make sure there is enough space for the legs to move around.
Step 7: Check if the swaddle has been done right. The arms should be tight but not too tight, and the baby's legs should be free to kick and move around.
This technique allows for a balance of snug comfort from the arms and still allows for movement of the legs, so that babies who do not like their legs to be held in as tight sometimes like to have their upper bodies swaddled.
- Burrito Swaddle
The Burrito Swaddle is ideal for bigger or square blankets and can be used with a Velcro wrap for added security if desired. While many swaddling techniques use two layers, this method is simpler for some parents and works really well for their babies.
Here’s how to do the “Burrito Swaddle”:
Step 1: Place the swaddle blanket flat on a surface in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing up.
Step 2: Place your baby in the center of the blanket, with their head near the top folded edge, leaving enough space for their neck to breathe.
Step 3: Fold the top corner of the blanket down over your baby's chest, covering their shoulders and leaving their arms exposed.
Step 4: Bring one side of the blanket and fold it across the baby's body, then tuck the other side into their armpit and then over their chest. The folds should be snug but not too tight to ensure the baby doesn't wriggle out, neither so tight as to restrict the baby's breathing.
Step 5: Fold the other side over the baby's body and tuck it under his opposite side. The baby's arms should be securely wrapped but still able to move slightly.
Step 6: Bring the bottom corner of the blanket and fold it over the baby's feet, swaddling their legs and snugly tucking it in towards the sides so the baby doesn't wriggle out of them.
Step 7: Double-check to make sure that the swaddle is snugged up good on the torso and the arms while allowing space in the legs for the child to bend comfortably and move freely.
This Burrito Swaddle provides security to your little one while securely wrapping their arms and torso around, thus limiting the occurrence of startle reflexes and even enhancing sleep.
- Preemie Swaddle
The Preemie Swaddle uses the "hands at midline" position, which helps soothe and organize a baby who is still developing outside the womb. It provides warmth and insulation for babies who may not have enough body fat to maintain their temperature. It also allows for hand cues for feeding, which is crucial since preemies often sleep through feedings and need help waking up.
You will know it is the time to leave the Preemie Swaddle when your baby starts gaining weight, begins to stretch out his body, and starts moving arms more actively and eventually breaking free from the swaddle.
Here’s how to do the “Preemie Swaddle”:
Step 1: Place a soft, breathable swaddle blanket flat on a surface, preferably a smaller swaddle designed for preemies. It should be in a diamond shape with one corner pointing up.
Step 2: Place your preemie in the center of the blanket, with their head near the top folded edge. Make sure their neck is not covered and leave some space for their chin.
Step 3: Tuck the top corner down softly over your baby's chest. Leave the baby's arms out. Do not cover the baby's face to allow for easy breathing.
Step 4: Take one side of the blanket and gently wrap it around the preemie's body, tucking it snugly under the baby's arm and around the torso. Be careful not to make it too tight.
Step 5: Repeat on the other side of the blanket, wrapping it over the baby's body and tucking it under them so that their arms are secure but not restricted.
Step 6: If the blanket has excess fabric at the bottom, fold it up over the baby's feet. Make sure the legs are slightly bent and not too tightly wrapped. This is important for hip development.
Step 7: Check if the swaddle is snug against the chest and not tight enough to cause any breathing or movement obstruction. The feel of the swaddle should be secure but with some degree of natural movement especially around the hips.
How to Choose the Best Swaddling Blanket or Wrap?
To choose the best swaddling blanket or wrap for your baby, consider these key factors:
- Baby's Age and Size
Newborns: Choose a snug swaddle to keep their arms in or close to their face.
Larger Babies: Look for a swaddle with more room for movement or one that allows their arms to be free.
Preemies: Use a warm, snug swaddle that will also help regulate their temperature as well as keep their arms close to their body.
- Fabric and Weather
Warm Weather: Use light, airy fabrics such as cotton or muslin to keep them cool.
Cold Weather: Use thicker fabrics, such as fleece or flannel, for warmth.
All-Season: Cotton or bamboo can be used. Both materials are breathable and comfortable during all season
- Type of Swaddle
Traditional Blankets: Versatile, but do take practice to be wrapped up well.
Velcro or Zippered Swaddles: Conveniently quick and easy to use for parents.
Arms-Free or Hands-Up Swaddles: Great for babies who prefer more motion or are transitioning out of regular swaddling.
Adjustable Swaddles: Fantastic for babies who require added security or tend to slip out of swaddles.
- Comfort and Safety
Hip-Friendly Design: Make sure the swaddle provides enough space for hip movement, which supports development.
Breathable Fabric: Select fabrics that don't cause your baby to overheat. If your baby tends to get warm, this could be important.
Softness: A soft fabric should be easy on the skin of your baby. Momcozy Baby Swaddle is known for its soft, breathable fabric and easy-to-use design, it’s a great option for parents seeking comfort and security.
- Ease of Use
Quick to Use: Velcro or zippers are quicker and easier, whereas regular swaddles might be a little more time-consuming to work with.
Adjustable Fit: Some swaddles are designed with adjustable features that will help you accommodate your baby's changing needs.
- Durability and Cleaning
Machine Washable: You need swaddles that are easy to clean and don't fall apart after multiple washes.
Quality Materials: Select fabrics that are soft and will stay that way even after numerous uses.
The swaddle has simple Velcro fastenings that make it easy to use and machine washable for easy cleaning. The Momcozy Baby Swaddle also offers a hip-friendly design that supports healthy development, making it a safe and practical choice for your baby.
The best swaddle is one that fits your baby’s needs and is easy for you to use. You may want to try a few different styles to see which one works best for your baby’s comfort and convenience.
What if My Baby Doesn’t Like to Be Swaddled?
If your baby does not like being swaddled, do not worry because many alternatives will keep them warm and cozy. It is important to find a solution that will make your baby feel secure without causing discomfort. Here are some options to consider:
- Use a Sleepsack
A sleep sack can provide the snug, cozy feeling like swaddling but allows your baby's arms to move around freely. It is an excellent option if your little one doesn't like to feel too restricted. The Momcozy Baby Pajama is a great alternative, giving comfort and warmth while letting your baby have more movement.
- Choose Lighter Fabrics
If your baby dislikes swaddles because it feels too warm or restricted, use lighter materials. The heavier fabrics cause overheating and make the baby feel crowded, whereas light and breathable fabrics help provide comfort without excess heat. The Momcozy Baby Pajama is made of soft and breathable fabric that allows your baby to stay comfortably warm and not feel claustrophobic.
- Massage Your Baby
Sometimes, a gentle touch is all your baby needs to relax. A gentle baby massage can be soothing, especially before bed or after a bath. Massaging can help your baby wind down and may ease the transition to sleep without needing to be swaddled.
- Check the Room Temperature
Ensure that the temperature in your baby's room is appropriate for sleep. Select the sleepwear for your baby based on the room temperature, not the outside temperature, to avoid making your baby too warm or cold. The Momcozy Baby Pajama is designed with adjustable warmth in mind, so it is an ideal choice for keeping your baby cozy regardless of room conditions.
- Use a Properly Sized Blanket
If you are using a blanket, make sure it's the right size. If it is too small or too large, it could easily come undone and leave your baby exposed. Go for a light blanket with a minimum square size of 44 inches.
When to Stop Swaddling Baby?
It is important to know when to stop swaddling your baby for their comfort and safety. While swaddling can be soothing for newborns, there comes a time when it’s no longer appropriate or necessary. Here are some key signs that it’s time to stop swaddling:
- When Your Baby Starts Rolling Over
One of the most significant signs to look out for is when your baby starts rolling over, which is often at 2-4 months. Swaddling can be dangerous at this point because your baby could roll onto their stomach in the swaddle and become prone to suffocation. It is a clear indicator to stop swaddling and switch to a safer sleeping option, such as a sleep sack.
- When Your Baby Can Break Free
If your baby begins breaking free from the swaddle, then it's probably time to stop. Babies develop more significant motor skills as they age, and swaddles may no longer work when they are no longer holding your baby securely. Instead, you can consider alternatives like a Momcozy Baby Pajama, which gives your baby comfort and security without restricting movement.
- When Your Baby Shows Signs of Discomfort
If your baby begins resisting the swaddle by rolling over or pulling out of it, it's time to let it go; therefore, listen to the baby's cues and introduce alternative forms of sleepwear that still keep the baby warm and comfortable.
- Once Your Baby Begins to Reaching and Grabbing Things
As babies grow a little older, they look for things to reach at or suck on their hands to self-soothe. If your baby is starting to use their hand to explore or is simply grabbing at things, wrapping them up might not permit them to discover their space. It's time now to stop swaddling and let them have wider movement.
- At around 3-4 Months
At around 3-4 months, children tend to grow out of swaddling. As their motor skills develop and they require some space, they will move and stretch. Around this age, babies can move on from swaddling to something else, such as sleep solutions like a wearable blanket where babies can sleep while remaining secure.
Conclusion
Swaddling can be a highly beneficial practice in soothing your baby, encouraging better sleep, and giving them a sense of security. However, it is very important to ensure proper technique to avoid potential risks such as overheating or hip issues. Be attentive to signs that your baby may be ready to stop swaddling, such as rolling over or resisting it. Always prioritize your baby's comfort and safety as they grow and develop.
