How to Swaddle a Baby in a Blanket

Babies love to be swaddled. It is the best-kept secret to getting a good night’s rest when you have a newborn. While you may think your baby doesn’t like being swaddled because he is squirming so much, the truth is, he loves it. It mimics the feeling of being in the womb. Keep in mind that your baby was in very tight quarters before he was born, and having all this excess space is new to him, and a bit frightening. Thiscomforting feeling helps him to feel safe and secure while he sleeps. This simple step by step guide will show you how to swaddle your baby.

Things You'll Need

• Receiving blanket

Instructions

1. Lay blanket out flat. Make sure that it is fairly large.

2. Fold one corner of the blanket to the opposite corner. You should now have a triangle.

3. Lay baby on the center of the blanket with his shoulders level with the straight edge of the triangle. The point should be below his feet.

4. Hold his left arm to his side and pull the right side of the blanket tightly over him, tucking it under his body. His right arm should still be loose.

5. Fold the point of the triangle over the baby’s feet. Make sure that everything is snug.

6. Hold the baby’s right arm to his side. Pull the left corner of the blanket over his body and wrap it behind him. Tuck it into the top of the blanket at his back. Make sure it is tight.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not worry about making the baby too tight. He is used to being in a very snug womb.

• If the blanket is loose, it will not soothe the baby.

• Babies should sleep on their backs to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.