How to Swaddle an Infant in a Blanket
Although the nurses at the hospital make it look easy, swaddling an infant can be a tricky thing for new, sleep-deprived parents, especially when it seems everyone has a slightly different way to do it. However, with a bit of practice and persistence, you can learn to swaddle your infant quickly by following a few simple steps.
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Instructions
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Swaddling Method 1
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1
Find a square baby blanket and spread it out on a flat surface. Before putting your infant onto the blanket, fold one corner of the blanket down to about the length of your hand.
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2
Place your baby diagonally on top of the blanket. The folded corner that you created should be right under the top of your baby's neck.
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3
Take the right side of the blanket and stretch it across your baby's body tightly. The blanket should be snug enough to keep his arm tucked inside the blanket, but not so tight that he will be uncomfortable or be injured. Tuck the excess blanket under your baby's body.
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4
Take the left side of the blanket and stretch it across your baby's body tightly. This time you will simply wrap the excess material around his body instead of tucking it under.
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5
Pick up your baby, then gather the bottom part of the blanket and tuck it under his legs and back.
Swaddling Method 2
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Spread a small baby blanket out on a flat surface, and fold down a corner of the blanket about six inches.
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Place your baby diagonally on top of the blanket. The folded corner that you created should be right under the top of her neck.
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8
Take the right side of the blanket and stretch it across your baby's body tightly. Tuck the excess blanket under her body.
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Pull the bottom corner up so that it comes right under your baby's chin. Then take the left side of the blanket and wrap it around her body.
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Tips & Warnings
There are many swaddling blankets created to make swaddling easier for parents. Many of these swaddle blankets have zippers, buttons or Velcro that help keep the swaddle in place.
Parents.com and BabyCenter.com both warn against swaddling babies over one or two months of age, as it may cause developmental or motor delays. Remember not to swaddle your baby too tightly. Doing so may not only make him uncomfortable, it may also inhibit breathing or proper blood circulation.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit porcn001: SXC.hu
