How to swaddle a baby.
It’s scientifically proven that babies sleep better when they’re wrapped in a swaddle. The warmth and security of a strategically folded swaddle or blanket help babies fall asleep faster and sleep for longer stretches of time.
But new parents might have some questions about swaddling… like, how do you do it?! Turning your baby into a burrito isn’t as simple as winging it in the nursery at 3 a.m.
Fortunately, the basics of how to swaddle a baby are completely learnable, but each child is different and you’ll need some practical experience to figure out what works best. Sounds daunting? Don’t worry: with My Sweet Sleeper in your corner, you’ll be swaddling like a pro before your baby’s next nap, setting them up for healthy sleep habits going forward.
Swaddling 101
You’ve probably noticed product listings for specific blankets called “swaddles.” These large yet thin fabrics are specially designed for wrapping around babies, and most parents are introduced to them by their hospital staff.
Swaddles can comfort newborns by mimicking the environment of the womb. It’s a sound method for keeping babies safe and secure, as it prevents extraneous movement and helps regulate their body temperature. Of course, if your child isn’t swaddled comfortably, it could quickly become a source of frustration that prevents them from drifting peacefully off to dreamland. Here are several best practices all parents should follow when swaddling:
Always place your swaddled baby on their back instead of their stomach to avoid breathing difficulties.
It’s best to stop swaddling when your child can roll over on their own, typically around 3-4 months (but it could be as early as 2).
Use a breathable swaddle fabric that’s lightweight—no heavy blankets or quilts.
Swaddle securely, but not tightly.
To ensure you get a warm and secure swaddle, we recommend trying either of the two main swaddling styles: triangle or rectangle. Both provide your newborn with a comfortable layer for sleeping well—especially since other loose blankets and bedding won’t be age-appropriate quite yet.
The Triangle Swaddle
Parents often get a basic primer on how to swaddle a baby from a nurse in the hospital, and the triangle method is probably what they showed you (it’s often called the “hospital swaddle”). The triangle swaddle holds a baby in place better than any other method, so it’s ideal for newborns who need that structure to maximize rest. Grab a lightweight cotton or muslin blanket and let’s get folding!
Flatten out a square swaddle so that the corners point like a compass: north, west, south, and east, with the “southern” tip closest to you. Fold down the “northern” tip of the blanket to create a triangle that is slightly longer than your baby’s torso.
Place your baby on the swaddle with the nape of their neck resting on the folded tip up top. (Also, they shouldn’t be wearing too many clothes while swaddled, especially during the warmer months of the year. A diaper and soft singlet would do just fine.)
Next, you’re going to take your baby’s right arm and cross it over their body toward their left side. Pull the “western” tip of the swaddle across them and tuck it firmly under their body. Do the same thing on the other side, moving their left arm towards their right side and folding the “eastern” tip of the swaddle over that arm before tucking it there as well.
With their arms wrapped, you’ll then bring the bottom of the wrap up to cover your baby’s neck and chest. Tuck both corners of that bottom section behind your baby, right around the top of their shoulders, and transfer them to their crib.
Adjust the firmness of their swaddle to strike a balance of not too tight and not too loose; the triangle swaddling method allows for that adjustment by parents. You can begin to leave your baby’s arms unwrapped towards the end of their swaddling phase so that they have more mobility.
The Square Swaddle
Compared to the triangle swaddle, its square cousin is less secure, but it can give a wiggly child a little more comfort in the legs and hips. If the triangle isn’t working so well, a square swaddle may be the secret to improving their sleep quality.
Flatten out a square or rectangular swaddle so that it’s positioned in that regular shape in front of you. Place your baby at the top of the square with the nape of their neck resting on the edge of the swaddle.
Cross one arm onto their chest and fold the same side of the swaddle over your baby horizontally, tucking it under the opposite side of their body. Follow by doing the same thing with the other side and arm in the opposite direction.
Fold up the bottom of the blanket, leaving room for their legs to move. Remember: you’re creating a sack, not trying to force their legs into a particular position. Tuck both of the corners under your baby’s lower back and transfer them to their crib (if this is tricky for you, we cover that too!).
This technique is more straightforward than the triangle and helps get your child into a “frog-leg” position that may be more comfortable for their hips. The rectangle isn’t as adjustable either (i.e., you’ll have to redo it completely to change the firmness of your folding).
Regardless of which swaddle shape you choose, it serves as a nifty addition to your baby’s daily schedule as they grow, giving them a strong start from the crib onward.
Your Newborn Cheat-Sheet
Swaddling will become second nature in a jiffy, but if you want even more insider knowledge beyond how to swaddle a baby, look no further than My Sweet Sleeper!
We specialize in helping families achieve their goals for better sleep so that everyone gets the rest they deserve. The My Sweet Sleeper team is here for you on this exciting journey through parenthood. We can help you with all of your newborn sleep needs as well as sleep strategy guidance for older children and lifestyle coaching for the whole family.
Remember, you don’t have to go it alone: raising a baby takes a village, so reach out as soon as your little one is home from the hospital and see what our pediatric sleep experts can do for your family.
Book your consultation today for sweeter dreams tomorrow!
Related articles:
Twelve of the sweetest swaddles and sleep sacks for your babe.
How to maximize sleep with your newborn: Three easy ways.
