Swaddling provides a comfortable, secure feeling that mimics the womb for your newborn. It can calm your baby and help them to get the sleep they need. If you’re wondering how to swaddle your newborn, I’d love to share with you all of my tips for keeping your baby safe, snug, and secure in the swaddle. 

How do you swaddle a baby step-by-step?#anchor

Here’s my step-by-step guide for swaddling a newborn baby:

1. Use a swaddle rather than a swaddle blanket.#anchor

When you search for a swaddle for your baby, you may see large square blankets labeled "swaddle blankets." Rather than using these, I highly recommend choosing a swaddle made with velcro and only intended for swaddling, like the b.e.s.t. swaddle.

2. Assess your baby’s dress. #anchor

Be sure that your baby is dressed appropriately to remain comfortable and avoid overheating. If you see your baby is sweating or has flushed cheeks, consider removing a layer. This may mean they're wearing a light onesie or even just a diaper underneath the swaddle. On the other hand, if your baby's chest or back feels cool or clammy, you may need to add an extra layer. This may look like a onesie, socks, and footed pajamas underneath the swaddle.

3. Position your baby on top of the swaddle. #anchor

To swaddle your baby, lay them on their back on top of the swaddle. Next, place their arms on their tummy or at their sides. Swaddling your baby with their arms down increases the calming benefits of the swaddle while decreasing the likelihood of breaking out of the swaddle.

4. Wrap the swaddle around your baby.#anchor

If you’re using a swaddle that has velcro, the way you wrap the swaddle will vary according to the specific brand you’re using. Using the b.e.s.t. swaddle? Find the video instructions here. You can also refer to the instructions included with your swaddle to ensure arms and body are safely secured.

5. Check the snugness of the swaddle. #anchor

You want the swaddle to be snug but not tight. You know a swaddle is appropriately snug if it’s pulled firmly and securely around your baby, and they can still take deep breaths and have the space to move their hips into a froggy position.

6. Have a plan for what comes next. #anchor

Your baby may not immediately calm when you finish swaddling them. In fact, some babies may begin to cry when they're swaddled. Why? Often it's the techniques you use after swaddling that help calm your baby and work towards longer stretches of sleep. In the mini class included with the b.e.s.t. swaddle, i’ll give you the tools for calming a fussy baby and to turn a swaddle hater into a swaddle lover. 

How to swaddle a baby using the b.e.s.t. swaddle by Taking Cara Babies

How can I be sure my baby is swaddled safely? #anchor

I have a whole blog devoted to swaddle research and safety. (Spoiler alert: Swaddling is safe when done correctly.)

Babies who are safely and correctly swaddled:

• are not at risk for having their mouth or noses covered by the swaddle.

• have space for proper hip movement.

• are securely swaddled, with the swaddle snug around the chest, but still allowing for your baby to easily take deep breaths.

• are not sweating, flushed, or showing signs of overheating.

• are safely on their backs.

• are not showing signs of rolling. 

Do you have to swaddle a newborn? #anchor

No. You do not have to swaddle a newborn. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics⁽¹⁾ says "When done correctly, swaddling can be an effective technique to help calm infants and promote sleep."

Here are some of the other benefits of swaddling a newborn:

• Swaddling gives your newborn a feeling of comfort and security similar to the snugness inside the womb.

• Swaddling also helps calm the Moro reflex, or “startle reflex,” allowing for more restful sleep.

• Swaddling calms babies, soothes pain, and actually supports their development (as found in this study from the American Academy of Pediatrics⁽²⁾).

However, if swaddling doesn’t serve you or your baby well for whatever reason, I would never encourage you to swaddle outside of your comfort. 

Should I swaddle my newborn during the day or just at night?#anchor

I recommend swaddling your newborn for both naps and nighttime sleep. Research⁽²⁾ shows that swaddling provides a comforting feeling for your newborn and promotes less disrupted sleep. 

Can I use a swaddle blanket to swaddle my baby? #anchor

I highly recommend using swaddles that have velcro closures, like the b.e.s.t. swaddle, instead of a swaddle blanket for swaddling your baby. Here’s why: it can be trickier to make sure that a blanket is secured safely. A swaddle blanket can come loose and may move upwards toward your baby’s face. Using a swaddle with velcro helps keep the swaddle in place and avoids loose bedding.

How many swaddles do I need?#anchor

Many families like to have between 2 and 4 swaddles. This makes laundry a bit easier while you have a newborn in the house. 

What is the best baby swaddle?#anchor

I’ve swaddled thousands of babies alongside their parents as a baby nurse and sleep expert, and I’ve seen so many great swaddles on the market. Armed with that knowledge and experience, I can say with so much confidence that the b.e.s.t. swaddle by Taking Cara Babies truly is the BEST swaddle out there.

Here’s what you’re looking for in a swaddle:

• Start with a product specifically designed for swaddling.

• Look for one that has a Velcro closure.

• Make sure you select the correct size or a swaddle that grows with your baby by using the manufacturer’s guidelines based on your baby’s current weight and height.

• Choose a swaddle with a fabric that is appropriate for the temperature of your home or that can be easily adjusted for the temperature of your home.

• Pick out a swaddle that is easy for you to put on and use with confidence.

What is the best swaddle for when a baby’s arms get out?#anchor

For babies who are little escape artists, you’ll want to first make sure that your swaddle is the appropriate fit. A swaddle that features a double-layer system is also helpful.

The breakout proof combination of the b.e.s.t. swaddle uses both the inner band and outer wrap to help keep your baby safely swaddled and prevent them from wiggling free.

What is the best swaddle for summer or warmer climates?#anchor

No matter the time of year, temperatures inside different homes vary. This is why it's so important to know how to dress your baby appropriately for the temperature in your home. Please know, if it's warm in your home, safe swaddling can still be possible.

When it's warmer, breathability is key to ensuring your baby stays comfortable and safe while swaddled. You’ll want to make sure that you have a swaddle with fabric that is breathable, but it can also be helpful to have a swaddle that allows your little one’s legs to be exposed.

The b.e.s.t. swaddle is made with modal fabric, which is considered highly air-permeable and moisture-wicking to help regulate your baby’s temperature. You can also use the “Breezy” option with just the inner band to allow your baby’s lower half to be out of the swaddle. 

What is the best swaddle for babies with hip dysplasia or babies in a Pavlik harness? #anchor

For babies with hip dysplasia or those in a Pavlik harness, it's important to choose a swaddle that supports healthy hip development or allows room for the harness.  

Our b.e.s.t. swaddle is thoughtfully designed to allow for natural hip flexion and abduction. When using the outer wrap or the inner band and outer wrap combination, be sure that your baby’s legs are fully able to move into the “froggy” position. The inner wrap alone leaves the hips exposed and can be a great option for babies in a Pavlik harness.

When should I stop swaddling my baby?#anchor

You’ll want to stop swaddling when your baby is showing signs of rolling. For many babies this happens between 3-5 months of age. Once your baby can get onto their tummy, their hands need to be free to push up from the mattress. 

Some babies will make the transition quickly, while others will need a little more time. With that in mind, if your baby is not showing signs of rolling over, there is no reason to rush out of the swaddle just yet. When you’re ready to transition out of the swaddle, I can help! 

Need more swaddle or sleep help?#anchor

Remember, a swaddle is a sleeping tool. When used correctly, it can be a great tool to help provide you and your baby with better sleep.

If you’re struggling with sleep problems and are (or aren’t) using a swaddle, check out my newborn class. We talk about wake windows, sleeping environment, daytime routines, understanding naps, how to get longer sleeping stretches at night, and more!