How to Swaddle a Baby

When you swaddle your newborn, you are providing her with a sense of security and comfort that reminds her of her time within the womb. A baby who is wrapped tightly in a blanket is often very calm and relaxed. Follow these steps to perfect your newborn swaddling technique.

Instructions

1. Lay a receiving blanket on a firm surface and fold down one corner about 6 inches.

2. Position your baby diagonally on top of the receiving blanket with her head and neck above the turned-down portion of the blanket.

3. Place your baby's arms at her sides, and try to position her legs so that they are slightly bent.

4. Bring one side of the blanket over and across your baby, and tuck it underneath her body.

5. Tuck the newborn's feet into the bottom of the blanket, bring the bottom corner of the blanket up, and slip that corner underneath the top part of the blanket you just crossed over your baby.

6. Take the final side of the blanket and bring it over and across your baby, and tuck it underneath the back of her body.

Tips & Warnings

• Dress your baby in light clothing or pajamas before swaddling her. Some babies can get very warm while swaddled.

• While some babies only enjoy swaddling for a few weeks after their birth, others enjoy it for several months. Take your cues from your newborn and stop swaddling her when she starts to fight the blanket.

• Make certain that you do not cover your newborn's mouth and nose while swaddling her.

• Check to make sure that you haven't swaddled your baby too tightly. Most newborns are most comfortable when they are swaddled snugly, but not tightly.