Swaddling Your Baby: Benefits, Safety, and How-To

Swaddling—wrapping baby snugly in a blanket—has been practiced for centuries. It can calm newborns and help them sleep better by mimicking the coziness of the womb. But swaddling must be done correctly to be safe.

This guide covers how to swaddle properly, when to stop, and important safety considerations.

What You Need to Know AAP

What swaddling does:

• Mimics the snug feeling of the womb
• Reduces startle (Moro) reflex that wakes babies
• Can help babies feel calm and secure
• May help some babies sleep longer

Important safety points:

• Must be done correctly to be safe
• Must stop when baby shows signs of rolling
• Hips must have room to move
• Face must never be covered
• Baby must still be placed on back

Not all babies like swaddling:

• Some babies prefer arms free
• Watch your baby's cues
• Not required—it's one tool among many
• If baby doesn't like it, don't force it

How to Swaddle Safely

Step-by-step:

1. Spread blanket in diamond shape

• Fold top corner down about 6 inches
• Place baby with shoulders at fold line

2. Secure first arm

• Place baby's right arm at their side
• Pull right side of blanket across body
• Tuck under baby's left side

3. Fold up bottom

• Bring bottom corner up and over baby's feet
• Tuck into the fold at shoulder

4. Secure second arm

• Place baby's left arm at their side
• Pull left side of blanket across body
• Tuck end behind baby

Key points:

• Snug around arms and chest
• Loose around hips (hips should be able to bend up and out)
• Not so tight baby can't breathe
• Face completely clear
• Check that baby isn't overheating

Hip safety:

• Hip dysplasia can occur if legs are straightened forcefully
• Hips and legs should be able to move freely
• Bottom of swaddle should be loose
• "Hip-healthy" swaddling allows frog-leg position

Swaddle Safety Rules AAP

Always:

• Place swaddled baby on back
• Stop swaddling before baby can roll (usually 2-3 months)
• Check that swaddle can't come loose near face
• Make sure baby isn't overheating
• Use appropriate weight blanket/swaddle

Never:

• Swaddle too tightly around hips
• Cover baby's face
• Leave loose blanket in crib
• Swaddle with heavy blankets
• Continue swaddling once rolling begins
• Swaddle for tummy time

When to Stop Swaddling

Time to stop:

• Baby shows signs of trying to roll
• Baby can break out of swaddle
• Usually around 2-3 months (sometimes earlier)
• Don't wait until baby actually rolls

Signs baby is ready to roll:

• Rocking side to side on back
• Bringing feet up and rolling hips
• Arching back
• Stronger head control

Why stopping matters:

• Swaddled baby who rolls to stomach can't use arms to push up
• Significantly increases suffocation risk
• Arms-free sleep is safer once rolling begins AAP

Transitioning Out of Swaddle

Gradual approach:

• Start with one arm out
• After a few nights, leave both arms out
• May continue swaddling body only briefly
• Transition to sleep sack

Cold turkey approach:

• Some parents stop swaddling all at once
• May have a few rough nights
• Baby will adjust

Sleep sacks:

• Wearable blankets that don't restrict arms
• Keep baby warm without loose blankets
• Can use once swaddling ends
• Safe for sleep until baby climbs out

Expect some adjustment:

• Sleep may be disrupted temporarily
• Startle reflex may wake baby more
• Usually settles within 1-2 weeks
• Stay consistent

Types of Swaddles

Traditional blanket:

• Versatile—any lightweight blanket works
• Requires learning technique
• Can come unwrapped
• Very affordable

Swaddle wraps with velcro/zippers:

• Easier to use
• Stay secure better
• Different styles for different babies
• Some allow one-arm-out option

Arms-up swaddles:

• Allow hands near face
• Some babies prefer this
• Good for babies who fight traditional swaddle
• Still provides containment

What to avoid:

• Weighted swaddles (not safe)
• Very thick or heavy materials
• Anything that could cover face

Common Swaddling Questions

"My baby hates being swaddled":

• Not all babies like it—that's okay
• Try different techniques or products
• Try arms-up position
• If baby consistently fights it, skip swaddling
• Other soothing methods work too

"My baby keeps breaking out":

• Check your technique
• Try a velcro swaddle
• Baby may be ready to transition out
• Breaking out can be a safety hazard (loose blanket)

"Is swaddling necessary?":

• No—it's helpful for many babies but not required
• Many cultures don't swaddle
• It's one tool among many
• Follow your baby's cues

"Can I swaddle for naps but not nighttime (or vice versa)?":

• Yes, you can be flexible
• Consistency often helps baby know it's sleep time
• Do what works for your family
• Same safety rules apply regardless

What Other Parents Ask

Q: How tight should a swaddle be?
A: Snug around the chest and arms (baby shouldn't be able to break out easily) but loose around hips. You should be able to fit 2-3 fingers between the swaddle and baby's chest. Baby should be able to breathe comfortably.

Q: Can you swaddle too much?
A: Babies need time unswaddled for movement and development. Swaddle for sleep, but allow plenty of unswaddled time when awake for tummy time and free movement. Also watch for overheating.

Q: My baby is 4 months and hasn't rolled yet. Can I keep swaddling?
A: By 4 months, most babies should have arms free for safety even if they haven't rolled yet. Transition out by 3 months or at first signs of rolling, whichever comes first. Better safe than sorry.

Q: Can swaddling cause hip problems?
A: Yes, if done incorrectly. Tight swaddling around hips can contribute to hip dysplasia. Ensure hips can bend up and out in a natural frog-leg position. Bottom of swaddle should be loose. AAP

Q: Is swaddling safe in summer?
A: Yes, with appropriate materials. Use lightweight, breathable fabric. Watch for overheating. Baby doesn't need much clothing under a swaddle in warm weather. Check baby's temperature (chest, back of neck—not hands/feet).

The Bottom Line

Swaddling can be a helpful sleep aid for newborns when done correctly. Swaddle snugly around chest but loosely around hips, always place baby on back, and stop swaddling before baby can roll. Not all babies like swaddling—follow your baby's cues. When it's time to transition, sleep sacks are a safe alternative. AAP

Swaddle safety checklist:

• Baby on back
• Face uncovered
• Snug around chest, loose around hips
• Appropriate temperature
• Stop at signs of rolling
• Transition to sleep sack

Clara is here to help you swaddle safely.