How to Properly Swaddle Your Baby
The first weeks of life are new and frightening to your baby. They’ve spent 9 plus months in the comfort of your womb, snuggled in tight and warm with lots of restful white noise. Swaddling mimics the secure feeling of being in the womb and when done correctly, can dramatically reduce newborn crying.
You might notice that your newborn startles himself awake or seems frightened by his own movements. He may cry for what seems like “no reason”. Your baby feels lost in this big wide open world and he is struggling trying to find the snug comfort he needs.
So how do you do it?
Step 1: Lay a blanket on a bed (or soft and safe surface) and fold down the top-right corner about 6 inches. You will want a blanket slightly larger than the average receiving blanket because you want your swaddle to stay bundled and not unfold when the baby moves. Some blankets, such as the Miracle Blanket (pictured above) are specifically designed for swaddling.
Step 2: Lay baby down on his back with his head on the fold.
Step 3: Pull the corner near your baby’s left hand across his body, and tuck the leading edge under his back on the right side under the arm.
Step 4: Pull the bottom corner up under your baby’s chin.
Step 5: Bring the loose corner over your baby’s right arm and tuck it under the back on his left side.
This tight full body swaddle is great for the first month or so, but as time goes on you may notice that your baby is more comfortable with his arms free. Also, after the first month you will want to loosen the swaddle around the hips so you do not interfere with your baby’s normal growth. Watch an instructional clip on how to swaddle below.
Be very careful that you do not over dress your baby. Check your baby to make sure he is not too warm. Never, ever place your newborn or infant on his stomach, especially when he is swaddled. When you do lay your baby down, make sure that the area is clear of blankets and pillows.
If you would like to know more about swaddling and other methods for helping your baby to be content longer and sleep better, I highly recommend the book “The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Dr. Harvey Karp (Lowest Price on Smarter.com: $4.64) .
It is the single most helpful book I used when my daughter was an infant.
Good luck new moms!
Find at Smarter.com: Shop for affordable swaddling blankets and receiving blankets.
