How to Swaddle a Newborn Baby

Babies love to be swaddled. Being snuggled inside a tightly wrapped blanket keeps them warm, snug and secure because it’s reminiscent of the womb. It’s also the quickest way to get a newborn baby to sleep. Relish these few days, though, because it won’t be long before your little bundle of joy screams for freedom and kicks to be rid of anything confining, especially tight blankets. There are a couple of ways to do this. The first is a more thorough version that lasts longer for a night’s sleep. The quicker version is simpler to do and perfect for an afternoon nap, or times when you’re in a hurry.

Things You'll Need

• Large blanket

Instructions

How to Swaddle a Newborn Baby for the Whole Night

1. First, lay a square blanket on the bed. Make sure the blanket is large enough to cover the baby's whole body.

2. Fold one corner of the blanket down about the length of your hand.

3. Lay the baby on the blanket diagonally so the fold is above the top of the baby's neck.

4. Tuck the baby's hands into the fold of the blanket. The hands should rest beside the baby's shoulders or face.

5. Fold the bottom tail of the blanket up toward the baby's head, covering her feet and legs and overlapping the right-side fold. Tuck the tail under the top right edge.

6. Pull the left side of the blanket across the baby's body. Tuck it under the baby's right side.

7. Pull the right side of the blanket across the baby's body. Tuck it under the baby's left side. Voila! She’s ready for a restful night’s sleep.

How to Swaddle a Newborn Baby Fast

1. First, lay a square blanket on the bed.

2. Fold one corner of the blanket down about the length of your hand.

3. Lay the baby on the blanket diagonally so the fold is above the top of the baby's neck.

4. Pull the right side of the blanket across the baby's body. Tuck it under the baby's left side.

5. Pull the left side of the blanket across the baby's body. Tuck it under the baby's right side.

6. Lift the baby and tuck the bottom tail of the blanket under the baby's legs and back. Now your baby’s perfectly bundled and ready to nod off.

Tips & Warnings

• For the longer style wrap, if you have a particularly active baby, you can tuck the blanket under the baby's armpits, so her hands will remain mobile.

• Since swaddling is confining and may restrict a baby's motor development, older babies shouldn’t be wrapped in a full-body swaddle. It’s best to leave older babies' (two months and up) arms free.