Helping you with the gift of sleep.

The art of swaddling babies is not new; in fact, it’s an age-old practice. It offers security to transition life outside the womb and helps prevent moving arms or legs that can set off the startle reflex. Most importantly, it keeps babies snug and warm until their internal temperature develops.

Start swaddling from birth, as at 2 or 3 months, the period where the risk of SIDS is greatest. Swaddle your baby in a thin, lightweight cotton or muslin sheet or shawl, not a heavy blanket or a thick sheet. Swaddles with Velcro or zippers help ensure security too.

To keep sleep consistent and familiar, swaddle every naptime and bedtime. See to it that the baby’s head is not covered and don’t swaddle about the shoulders. Head lifting and turning is important to avoid suffocation.

Swaddle your baby firmly but not too tightly—although it should be snug, there should still be room for a hand to slide in. Use swaddling techniques that ensure your baby has room to move their hips and kick with their legs. The baby’s legs should be able to fall into a frog’s natural leg position. Show others caring for your baby how to swaddle safely.

Check your baby’s temperature every now and then to make sure that they are not too hot. Be mindful of the weather when dressing your baby to prevent them from overheating.

Babies sleep better when swaddled. Just make sure to position them on their back to sleep, not on their side or front. As soon as the baby starts to roll over on their side or tummy, stop swaddling. They will need to use their hands and arms freely to adjust their position.

If you co-sleep with your baby, it is also safer not to swaddle as bedclothes are enough to keep them warm. They might also be unable to move their arms and legs to alert you when you are too close to them.

“If your baby is beautiful and perfect, never cries or fusses, sleeps on schedule and burps on demand, an angel all the time, you’re the grandma.”

- Theresa Bloomingdale