INFOGRAPHICPREGNANCY

A 6-Step Guide to Swaddling

By Kerry Weiss
Reviewed by Terri Major-Kincade, M.D.
March 07, 2023
Swaddle Your Baby in 6 Steps Swaddling is a blanket-wrapping technique used to make a newborn feel safe and secure. It can remind them of being in your belly. Here’s how to do it: 1. Use a light receiving blanket. Fold the top corner down. [Illustration: A receiving blanket laid out flat in a diamond shape, with the top corner folded down.] 2. Lay the baby face up, with their head above the folded corner. [Illustration: A baby lying on the blanket, with their head above the folded corner.] 3. Wrap one corner of the blanket over the baby, covering the arm on that side, and tuck it under the arm on the opposite side. [Illustration: The baby with the left corner of the blanket wrapped over their body, including their left arm, which is down at their side. The right arm should be uncovered.] 4. Wrap the other corner over their free arm and tuck it underneath them on the opposite side. [Illustration: The baby with the right corner of the blanket now also wrapped over their body and arm. The bottom of the blanket is still a bit loose.] 5. Fold or twist the bottom and loosely tuck it under the baby. [Illustration: The baby is fully swaddled and happy, with the bottom tucked underneath.] 6. Check: Your baby should be able to move their hips. You should be able to get two fingers between their chest and the swaddle. Stop swaddling around the time your baby starts rolling over on their own. This is usually between 3 and 4 months of age.

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