a step by step guide to swaddling a baby

The beauty of swaddling a baby is in its simplicity. If you have muslin and two loving hands, you can’t go wrong. Learning how to swaddle a baby step by step requires love and attention, but how to wrap a baby is probably easier than you may think. The key to swaddling a baby is really just about finding swaddle techniques and establishing swaddle steps routine that both you and your little one are most comfortable with.
 
If you’re wondering what is the best way to swaddle, look no further than the soft muslin blankets that makes swaddling infants not just easy--but adorable, too. The answer to how to wrap a baby in a blanket doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, discovering the ins and outs of swaddling with a muslin blanket is one of the safest and most effective ways of calming and soothing a baby.
 
Pediatricians suggest swaddle techniques and proper swaddle methods so that new parents can offer their newborns and infants safety while they sleep. The best part about learning how to swaddle with a muslin blanket is that muslin is soft-to-the-touch and incredibly breathable, meaning that baby won’t overheat. Muslin also provides a bit of stretch, making it a less confining material for common swaddling methods. Following the below swaddling instructions will ensure that both baby and parents find comfort at nap time and bedtime!

Swaddling Methods in Just 4 Simple Steps

Baby laying on a swaddle blanketBaby laying on a swaddle blanket

step 1

Fold the swaddle into a triangle, and place your baby in the center with the shoulders just below the fold.

Swaddled baby with one arm outSwaddled baby with one arm out

step 2

Place your baby’s right arm alongside the body, slightly bent. Take the same side of the swaddle and pull it securely across your baby’s chest, keeping the right arm under the fabric. Tuck the edge of the swaddle under the body, leaving the left arm free.

Last step in how to swaddleLast step in how to swaddle

step 3

Fold the bottom of the swaddle up and over your baby’s feet, tucking the fabric into the top of the swaddle.

fully swaddled babyfully swaddled baby

step 4

Place your baby’s right arm alongside the body, slightly bent. Take the same side of the swaddle and pull it securely across your baby’s chest, keeping the right arm under the fabric. Tuck the edge of the swaddle under the body, leaving the left arm free.

The swaddling instructions you need to swaddle infants isn’t lengthy or complicated. In fact, knowing how to swaddle a newborn is one of the most time-honored traditions in all of parenting history. Learning how to swaddle with a blanket is an essential part to life with a newborn. And the benefits of knowing how to swaddle with a blanket allow your baby the same type of snuggly comfort they grew accustomed to in the womb. Swaddling techniques help you recreate a place of warmth and familiarity for newborns, all the while offering you, the parent, peace of mind--and hopefully some more lengthy bouts of shut-eye.

Most commenly asked questions on how to swaddle a baby

How to swaddle a baby with arms out

Swaddling isn’t one-size-fits-all, and sometimes, you might find that swaddling infants isn’t the fit for you. But swaddling with a muslin blanket might be as simple as trying a swaddling style that’s right for your baby. Learning how to swaddle with arms out might be your baby’s favored mode of swaddling. To do so, simply prepare your swaddle as you normally would, but instead of aligning the swaddle fold at the shoulders, instead move to below the armpits. From there, swaddle as you normally would.

Is swaddling safe?

Swaddling is deemed safe because it is said to prevent the likelihood of SIDS. And because babies are prone to experiencing the startle reflex, putting safe swaddle techniques into place at bedtime and naptime can create a safe and comfortable environment for newborns and infants.

Can you swaddle a baby too tightly?

It’s unlikely that you might use a swaddle method that’s too tight, but to test your swaddle, a quick swaddle technique for testing is to use the two-finger test. Simply place two fingers between the swaddle and your baby’s chest. If your fingers fit easily beneath the fabric, you’ve achieve the just-right swaddle fit.

Can you breastfeed a swaddled baby?

It’s not recommended to swaddle your baby while breastfeeding, but the reason might not be what you think. It’s not suggested to swaddle your baby while breastfeeding for the simple fact that your infant might get too cozy and fall asleep. And though that’s not a bad thing, it can become an issue if it means your baby isn’t getting enough food. If your chosen feeding journey is breastfeeding, try to keep your baby awake and stimulated throughout the feeding process so that they can enjoy all the nutrients they need.

How long can you swaddle a baby at night?

You can go as long as 4 to 5 months swaddling infants at night.