8 minute readWhat is swaddling?
Swaddling is when you wrap your baby up in a thin blanket to help them feel super safe and secure — essentially mimicking their pre-birth experience of life in the womb.
Some parents opt for purpose-made swaddle blankets, while others may choose a thin muslin blanket or cot sheet. In any case, the underlying technique behind the swaddle stays much the same. As long as the blanket used is thin and breathable, it should work just fine.
Specially-made swaddle blankets do have the added benefit of velcro fastenings though, which help to keep the blanket in place — handy if you’ve got a particularly wriggly tot on your hands.
What are the benefits of swaddling your baby?
Newborns are born with something called the Moro reflex — an involuntary movement that can cause them to startle awake, often leaving them restless. By snugly wrapping your little one, you can limit this reflex, helping them to stay settled and asleep for longer stretches.
Another key benefit of swaddling is the comfort it provides. The sensation of being tightly wrapped mimics the cosy confines of the womb, which can be deeply reassuring for your little one. This sense of security often translates into reduced fussiness, as babies feel calmer and more content when swaddled.
Of course, the parental benefits are fairly obvious — a calm, sleeping baby is the dream come bedtime, and swaddling can be a lifesaver during those inevitable crying spells. Many parents find that wrapping their baby helps soothe them when nothing else works.
And last — but by no means least — swaddling can serve as a gentle introduction to the concept of self-settling. While newborns rely heavily on their parents for comfort, swaddling helps lay the groundwork for sleep independence.
How to swaddle your baby safely — a step-by-step guide
Swaddling might seem simple, but just like rolling the perfect burrito, it requires a certain level of finesse. However, unlike rolling a burrito, getting it wrong may lead to an unsafe situation, so it’s well worth learning the correct steps!
1. Lay the blanket flat
Start by spreading a thin, breathable blanket out on a flat surface. Fold one corner down slightly to create a straight edge. This will form the top of the swaddle, where your baby’s head will rest.
2. Position your tot
Place your baby on their back in the center of the blanket, with their neck aligned with the folded corner. Ensure their arms are in the desired position — either by their sides or bent up near their face, depending on their preference and comfort.
3. Wrap one side snugly
Take one corner of the blanket and wrap it across your baby’s chest, tucking it under their body. Make sure it’s snug but not overly tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the blanket and your baby’s chest.
4. Bring up the rear
Fold the bottom corner of the blanket over your baby’s legs, ensuring their hips can move freely. This step is crucial for healthy hip development.
5. Wrap it up!
Finally, take the remaining corner of the blanket and bring it across your baby’s body, tucking it securely under their back. Double-check that the swaddle is secure but not restrictive, and that your baby can still wiggle their legs.
Swaddling safety tips
When swaddling your baby, be sure to always follow these guidelines so they’re as safe as they are cosy and secure:
Use a thin, breathable material like cotton muslin or cotton blankets. Avoid over-layering your baby.
Avoid swaddling too tightly, as this can restrict your baby’s hip and knee movement, which can lead to hip dysplasia — the swaddle should be loose around the hips specifically.
Position your baby with their hips bent and knees apart so they can move freely.
Don't swaddle above the shoulders. Your baby’s neck and head should never be covered.
Double, triple, and quadruple-check that the swaddle is secure before leaving your baby to sleep.
Always lay your baby to sleep on their back, never on their front or side.
Keep the room where your baby sleeps at a cool temperature, no higher than 72°F.
How to choose the best swaddle for your baby
Truth be told, choosing a blanket for your swaddling needs isn’t all that tricky. The only factor you need to consider is the material itself. You’ve got two choices — cotton or muslin. Both are perfect for swaddling, as they allow air to circulate, reducing the risk of overheating.
However, if you’re new to swaddling, you might also consider a purpose-made swaddling blanket. These come equipped with velcro fastenings or baby-safe zips, making it much easier to achieve a snug fit without the risk of a mid-snooze unraveling. They’re also great if you’re still concerned about your swaddling technique.
However, for a more traditional (and cheaper) approach, a simple rectangular blanket works just fine. Just ensure it’s large enough to wrap securely, but not so large that it could easily become loose and cause a suffocation risk.
When should you stop swaddling your baby?
Most babies outgrow the need for swaddling between two to four months of age, but the exact timing varies depending on your child’s development. A key milestone to watch for is when your baby starts to roll over. This typically happens around the three- to four-month mark, but some babies may roll earlier.
Once your baby can roll onto their stomach, swaddling becomes unsafe. At this point, they need their arms free to push themselves back or adjust their position. It’s recommended that you stop swaddling your baby altogether by 16 weeks.
Which is best — swaddling with arms up or down?
The arms-up versus arms-up versus arms-down debate is one of the most common among new parents. Arms-down swaddling, where the arms are tucked snugly against the sides, is typically viewed as the ‘default’ method. It’s great for minimising the startle reflex, and it tends to be the most widely accepted position for most babies, too.
On the other hand, some babies prefer to have their arms up, especially if they like to suck on their hands for comfort. Many swaddle blankets are designed to accommodate this position, with special arm openings or flaps that allow babies to keep their hands near their face.
There’s even a third option: arms across. This mimics the way many tots position themselves when they’re self-soothing, and it’s a strong choice for babies who resist the arms down position, but don’t seem too happy with arms up either.
Ultimately, the best position depends on your baby’s preferences. Some babies may like to have their arms down, others feel most at ease with them up, and still others might find the arms-across position to be the perfect compromise. Since you can’t ask them, your best option is to experiment — sooner or later you’ll find a position that works!
Is it okay not to swaddle your baby?
Of course! While swaddling can be beneficial, it’s by no means mandatory. Some babies simply don’t enjoy being swaddled, and forcing it can cause more distress than comfort. If your baby seems happier sleeping without a swaddle, that’s perfectly fine.
There are plenty of other ways to help your baby feel secure and promote good sleep. Skin-to-skin contact, soothing bedtime routines (such as baby massage or white noise), and using a baby sleep sack are all excellent alternatives. The most important thing is to follow your baby’s cues and do what works best for you both.
Can you breastfeed a swaddled baby?
You wouldn’t want to eat your lunch in a straitjacket! Your baby should always be unswaddled for feeds — whether you’re feeding them via breast or bottle — as it’s often not possible to achieve a good position or nipple attachment, while swaddling could also restrict your little one’s digestive system.
Feeding is also a sensory experience for babies, so it’s important for them to be able to move freely — even during night feeds when removing them from their swaddle can seem like an unwanted effort!
How do I know if my baby is swaddled too tightly?
The finger check.
To check if the swaddle is secure but not restrictive, try slipping two fingers between the blanket and your baby’s chest. If this is difficult or impossible, the swaddle is too tight.
Pay attention to your baby’s behaviour as well. If they seem unusually fussy, have trouble breathing, or show signs of overheating, these could be indicators that the swaddle needs to be adjusted.
Whether you choose arms up, down, or across — or even decide to skip swaddling altogether (not all babies like being swaddled!) — what matters most is that you follow your baby’s cues. With a little practice and often buckets of patience, you’ll find a swaddling method that works best for your little one, ensuring they’re able to make the most of their slumbertime — and you’re able to get a little shuteye of your own!
Reviewed by Rosey Davidson, Sleep Consultant, founder & CEO, in December 2024.