To swaddle a baby safely and effectively, follow these steps:
- Spread out a lightweight, breathable blanket on a flat surface, folding one corner down to form a triangle.
- Place your baby on their back with their neck and head above the folded corner of the blanket. The blanket should not cover the baby's shoulders or head.
- Position the baby's arms —either crossed over the chest or alongside the body, depending on what comforts your baby. Avoid wrapping the arms too tightly or straight down by the sides.
- Wrap one side of the blanket over the baby’s body , tucking it snugly under their back while keeping the blanket taut but not tight.
- Fold the bottom corner of the blanket up over the baby’s feet and tuck it under their shoulders, allowing the legs to bend naturally in a "frog" position to promote healthy hip development.
- Wrap the other side of the blanket over the baby’s body and tuck it under the back.
- Check the tightness by ensuring you can fit two to three fingers between the baby’s chest and the swaddle to allow comfortable breathing.
Always place your swaddled baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface and monitor them to prevent rolling over while swaddled. Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of trying to roll over, usually around 2 months of age, to reduce risks of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
. Swaddling helps babies feel secure, mimicking the snugness of the womb, which can reduce crying and improve sleep by limiting the startle reflex
. Use a lightweight cotton or jersey cotton blanket for comfort and breathability
. In summary, swaddling involves snugly wrapping a baby in a breathable blanket with arms secured but legs free to move, ensuring safety and comfort during sleep
