Instructions for Swaddling a Baby

Learn to swaddle your baby appropriately.

Babies are creatures of habit and need a routine that makes them feel safe and comfortable. Swaddling a baby is a common technique to help soothe a fussy infant or aid a little one in sleeping. Learning how to correctly swaddle a baby is important because an improper swaddle can lead to suffocation or contribute to the possibility of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Things You'll Need

• Swaddle blanket

Instructions

1. Lay a square swaddling blanket out on a flat surface. Fold one corner down a palm length to create a straight edge crease.

2. Place the baby on the blanket, her neck on the crease of the blanket so her head is off the surface of the blanket. Bring both of the baby's arms down to her sides.

3. Stretch the shorter edge (blanket corner) across the baby's body. Pull tightly and tuck in behind the baby's torso.

4. Fold the bottom section of the blanket up over the baby's torso. Make sure the blanket doesn't reach up any further than the baby's chest.

5. Stretch the remaining corner across the baby's body. Pull tightly so the blanket is secure around the baby's arms. Tuck the end behind the baby.

References

• iVillage: How To Swaddle A Baby
• Parenting: How To Swaddle A Baby