How to Swaddle an Infant
Swaddling an infant mimics the close quarters a baby experienced in the womb. Too much range of motion can startle newborns, so keeping them wrapped up tight helps them to feel safe and content. Swaddling can be particularly helpful for colicky babies. You can use almost any blanket to swaddle an infant, but be sure that it isn't too big.
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Instructions
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Open a blanket on the floor and fold down one of the corners.
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Place the baby on that folded corner, with his head sticking out of the folded portion.
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Lower the baby’s arms and wrap the left corner of the blanket around him tightly.
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Bring up the bottom corner so it meets the baby’s stomach.
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Fold the right corner tightly around the baby, tucking any remaining blanket into one of the creases.
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Tips & Warnings
The key word here is tight—you want to mimic the womb environment the baby is accustomed to.
If your baby keeps kicking out of the swaddle, you should probably stop trying to swaddle. It's advised to keep cribs free of loose blankets and pillows for the baby's first year.
