How to Swaddle a Baby
Swaddling can be very beneficial for a baby’s sleep if it’s done correctly. 5-Minute Crafts has put down some steps to help you swaddle your baby safely without them being at risk of overheating.
The safe way to do it
Step 1
Spread the blanket like it’s shown above and fold the top corner down.
Step 2
Lay the baby in the blanket facing upward. Their head needs to be above the folded part.
Step 3
Straighten the baby’s left arm and wrap the left corner of the blanket over the body of the baby. Tuck it between their right arm and the right part of the body.
Step 4
Tuck the right side of the blanket under the left side of the baby’s body.
Step 5
Close the swaddle by tucking the bottom corner of the blanket under the baby’s legs.
Result
This is how the final result of the swaddle should look. Make sure it’s comfortable and not too tight.
Common mistakes
1. Swaddling the baby too tightly
Swaddling that’s too tight can restrict the baby’s breathing and cause them to develop hip problems.
2. Swaddling the baby too loosely
If it’s too loose, the baby can unravel and be at risk of suffocation.
3. Leaving the baby’s arms free
Baby’s sleep better with their arms down. If they’re free, the baby will feel more awake and not sleep comfortably in the swaddle.
4. Swaddling a baby that’s older than 2 months
Babies start rolling when they’re around 2 months old. This is the time when swaddling stops working, as they can roll over and put themselves at risk.
All the information present in this article does not replace medical care. We advise you to visit your pediatrician as well, as they may recommend specific things according to circumstances.