Swaddling Your Baby Safely

Swaddling—wrapping your baby snugly in a blanket—has been practiced for centuries and can help calm fussy newborns and promote better sleep. But like many aspects of infant care, there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. Done correctly, swaddling is safe and comforting. Done incorrectly, it can pose risks.

Why Babies Like Being Swaddled AAP

Swaddling mimics the snug feeling of the womb, which can be incredibly comforting for newborns adjusting to the big, open world.

Benefits of swaddling:

• Helps babies feel secure and calm
• May reduce startle reflex that wakes them
• Can help babies sleep longer
• May reduce crying in colicky babies
• Helps maintain back sleeping position

Not all babies love it:

• Some babies resist swaddling from the start
• Others only like their arms free
• Follow your baby's cues
• If they consistently fight the swaddle, it may not be for them

How to Swaddle Safely AAP

The technique matters for both comfort and safety.

Step-by-step swaddling:
1. Lay blanket in a diamond shape, fold top corner down
2. Place baby face-up with shoulders at the fold
3. Straighten baby's left arm, wrap left corner across body and tuck under
4. Fold bottom corner up over feet (leave room for leg movement)
5. Straighten right arm, wrap right corner across and tuck in

Critical safety points:

• Always place swaddled baby on their BACK to sleep
• Swaddle should be snug around arms but loose around hips
• Baby's hips should be able to bend up and out
• Never swaddle above the shoulders
• Use thin, breathable blankets (not heavy ones)
• Don't overheat—dress baby appropriately underneath

Hip safety:

• Tight swaddling around legs/hips can cause hip dysplasia
• Legs should be able to bend and spread naturally
• The "frog position" (bent, apart) is healthy for hips
• Swaddle sacks designed for hip health are a good option

When to Stop Swaddling AAP

Swaddling has a limited window of safety. Stop swaddling when:

Stop at the first sign of rolling:

• Usually around 2-4 months
• May be earlier for some babies
• Watch for any rolling attempts, not just full rolls
• A swaddled baby who rolls to their stomach can't protect their airway

Transition strategies:

• Try leaving one arm out for a few nights
• Then both arms out
• Move to a sleep sack or wearable blanket
• Expect some adjustment period

Signs it's time to stop:

• Baby consistently breaks out of swaddle
• Baby is starting to roll (even just attempts)
• Baby seems frustrated by restricted movement
• Baby is over 2 months old (start watching closely)

Swaddling Safety Don'ts AAP

Never:

• Swaddle baby on their stomach or side
• Let anyone swaddle baby who doesn't know proper technique
• Use heavy blankets or multiple layers
• Swaddle so tightly legs can't move
• Continue swaddling after rolling begins
• Swaddle if baby has a fever or is overheating
• Use loose blankets that could unravel

Be cautious about:

• Weighted swaddles (not recommended)
• Swaddling for every sleep (some babies need breaks)
• Assuming childcare providers know safe swaddling

Common Swaddling Questions

"What if my baby hates swaddling?"
Not all babies like it, and that's okay. Try different swaddling styles (arms out, looser wrap) or skip it entirely.

"Can I swaddle with arms out?"
Yes! Many babies prefer this, and it's a good transition step before stopping swaddling entirely.

"Is it okay to swaddle for naps too?"
Yes, the same guidelines apply for naps and nighttime sleep. Always place on back.

"My baby keeps breaking free—is that dangerous?"
If the blanket comes loose, it becomes a suffocation hazard. Switch to a swaddle sack with velcro or zipper.

The Bottom Line

Swaddling can be a wonderful tool for calming and comforting newborns, but safety must come first. Swaddle snugly around arms but loosely around hips, always place baby on their back, and stop at the first sign of rolling.

Clara is here to help with questions about safe sleep practices for your newborn.