How to Make a Swaddling Blanket

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By Genae-Valecia Hinesman
eHow Contributing Writer

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Make a Swaddling Blanket

Swaddling blankets are among the most thoughtful gifts that new parents can receive. Because of its use and function, a swaddling blanket is much larger than a newborn's receiving blanket. From birth to about 3 months, the newborn infant is learning to adjust to life outside of the mother's body. Some pediatricians even describe this difficult transition period as the "fourth trimester." Many new babies are quickly comforted by being snugly swaddled, because it simulates the closeness and warmth of the uterine environment. Newborns also have an involuntary startle reflex that causes them to suddenly move their arms, disturbing an otherwise sound sleep. By being swaddled, the baby's arms remain against the body, allowing the baby to rest longer. Some parents find that swaddling eases colic. These blankets make ideal gifts for sleep-deprived new parents.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Fabric of your choice
Measuring tape
Sharp scissors
Clothes iron
Sewing machine (or sewing needle with coordinating thread)
Embroidered trim (optional)

Step 1

Select the fabric for your swaddling blanket according to the climate of the region of the recipient. Lightweight cotton is ideal for warm weather, but a thicker flannel is more desirable for frosty winters.
Step 2

Measure and cut your fabric to a square measuring 45 inches in length and width.
Step 3

Create a hemmed border around the perimeter of the blanket by folding ¼ to ½ inch of the fabric around the edges.
Step 4

Press the folded fabric with a warm iron to make a sharp crease.
Step 5

Use color-coordinated thread to sew down the folded fabric at the edges, allowing the creases made by the iron to guide you. For a more finished look, you may attach fabric trim to the perimeter of the blanket to hide the edges.

Tips & Warnings

When making the hemmed border around the swaddling blanket, you may find it helpful to use straight pins to hold the folded fabric as you sew. If you do this, remember to remove each pin before using the blanket or giving the blanket to someone else as a gift.
Contrary to what some may tell you, not every baby enjoys being swaddled. The only way to know if this will comfort your infant is to try it. If your baby resists being swaddled and becomes alarmed at being tightly confined, do not attempt to force him to accept the technique. Although some sources state that the baby's arms should be kept straight down against her sides when swaddled, this is not a natural position for a sleeping baby. Allow the infant's arms to be bent comfortably at the elbow, and let her legs remain flexed at the knees. Make sure that the baby is comfortably snug rather than tightly enfolded in the blanket. As your baby becomes more mobile, reserve swaddling only for bedtime (as long as she still enjoys it) to avoid interfering with motor development and coordination. Between the ages of 4 and 7 months, most babies no longer require being swaddled to facilitate sleep.

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