How to Make a Swaddle Wrap

Swaddling helps babies sleep soundly and comfortably.

Swaddling a baby generally makes them feel comfortable, warm and secure. Many parents and childcare providers claim that a swaddling cloth helps fussy babies sleep better. The fabric also keeps them from scratching themselves, as it ensures that the babies' hands remain at their sides. Creating your own swaddling wrap makes it easier to properly swaddle your new addition. Making a swaddle wrap requires just a few materials and a basic sewing skills.

Things You'll Need

• Two 40-inch by 40-inch flannel squares
• Scissors
• Pins
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Lay a pieces of flannel face down on the floor, turned onto a corner like a diamond.

2. Cut the top corner 2 inches from its tip. Cut the top corner about 8 inches from the tip, and the remaining side corners about 6 inches from the tips.

3. Fold the edges in about 1/2-inch and pin them into place. Fold them in again, removing the pins from the first fold and replacing them along the new fold as you work.

4. 

   Small stitches create stronger hems.

   Sew straight along the hem using a simple running stitch. When you have finished the hem along all the edges, knot the thread and snip off the excess. Remove the pins.

5. Cut 6 1/4 inches from the top and bottom of the second piece of flannel. Fold these cuts in half with the print facing inward. Sew them from the folded bottom to the top, creating a graduated point at the top. Cut away the excess fabric and cut open the bottom. Turn the pieces inside out, and lay them aside. These will be the ties.

6. Fold the cut sides of the second flannel piece about 1/2 inch and pin them into place. Fold them in again, removing the pins and replacing them in the new fold, as in step 3. Sew along the pins, creating a straight hem. Remove the pins.

7. Fold the top corners down so that they meet and form a straight line a few inches above the midway point of the fabric. Repeat this step with the bottom corners. Pin them into place.

8. Fit the ties onto the points on either side. Fold the raw edges under and pin the ties into place and then sew along the edges.

9. Place this blanket onto the first piece of flannel so that the top edges match up. Pin them together and then sew along the edges. Knot the thread and snip the excess to finish your swaddle wrap.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose material that is not stretchy, as your baby will easily slip out of material that has a lot of elasticity.

• Make sure all pins have been removed from the blanket.

• Do not use swaddle wraps once your baby is able to roll over on its own.

• Do not swaddle your baby if the act appears to cause distress.

References

• "The Rookie Mom's Handbook"; Heather Gibbs Flett, et al.; 2008