Babies love to be swaddled by a warm blanket, as it creates the same comfort they felt when they were in the womb. Swaddling your baby can help him sleep better and feel more comfortable in the crib. It's important to know if your baby is a good candidate for swaddling before you try to do so, as the exercise poses are harmful to the health of some babies. If you decide to swaddle your baby, use the right technique to ensure your baby's safety and comfort. See Step 1 to learn how to swaddle properly.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Deciding to Swaddle
Step 1. Swaddle at the right age
When a new baby is born, wrapping it in a baby blanket will feel comfortable, because it has a taste similar to when the baby was in the womb. Babies at this age are not very mobile, so babies don't mind if they are wrapped in a blanket. The best time to swaddle a baby is when the baby is still snoring, before the baby can lie on his stomach. When your baby is big enough to lie on his stomach, it's time to stop swaddling him.
Babies learn to be able to turn around at different times. After the first few months, pay close attention to how much your baby can move around in the blanket. If he tends to move around a lot, this might be a good time to stop swaddling him
Step 2. Pay attention to your baby's tendencies
Some babies are very happy with the feel of a swaddle, and you can tell because babies are calm even when the baby is angry the swaddle makes it easier for the baby to fall asleep. Other babies don't like it very much, they will cry and resist the pressure generated from the blanket. While swaddling is a technique that works for many babies, it's not something that should be forced on your baby; If your baby seems to prefer the absence of a blanket, take it off.
Step 3. Do not swaddle the baby if the baby has certain medical conditions
Because swaddling impedes movement, swaddling can irritate a baby who has dysplasia, a partial or complete dislocation of the pelvis. If your baby has dysplasia, it is not recommended to be swaddled. Talk to your doctor about whether swaddling is good for your baby if he has another type of medical condition.
Step 4. Choose the right blanket
A soft, light blanket the size of a receiving blanket is a great option for swaddling a baby. Large blankets will be oversized, leaving too much unused material to swaddle properly and can create a suffocation hazard to the baby.
Step 5. Don't swaddle too tightly
The pressure from the blanket should be just right, but not tight for whatever reason. Swaddling the baby too tightly will cause the baby to overheat and lead to breathing problems. If you need help on how to fasten a blanket, ask your doctor for a proper example.
Step 6. Always swaddle the baby on his back
Never swaddle a baby on their tummy, and stop swaddling babies when they are able to lie on their stomach. The position of the abdomen can create a risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Part 2 of 2: Swaddle Properly
Step 1. Lay out the blanket on a flat, firm surface
Make sure the surface to be used is safe for the baby to lie on. A floor with carpet is a good place. You can also use your lap or cot, changing table or mattress if you keep an eye on it at all times to prevent baby from falling. Position the blanket like a diamond with the bottom facing you.
Step 2. Fold the top corner of the blanket toward you
Grasp the ends of the corners furthest from you, and pull them down toward the center of the blanket by about 8 inches (20.3cm). Do not pull all the way into the center of the blanket. This top fold is where your baby's head will be.
Step 3. Lay the baby on the blanket with his head above the folds
The fold should be under the baby's neck. This is important to ensure that the blanket does not cover the baby's mouth and nose.
Step 4. Pull one side of the blanket over the baby
Pull the diamond-positioned side over the baby and tuck the ends of the blanket under the baby's body and hands. This will protect baby's one hand but leave the hand from the side you just protected from the blanket underneath that is free to move.
Step 5. Take the bottom corner of the blanket up over baby's feet
Make sure the baby's feet have room to move and are not too restricted. If there is an excess of blanket left that can be used to protect the baby's face, fold the bottom corners of the blanket so that the crease is on the baby's chest, or you can wrap the blanket around the baby's shoulders on the open side.
Step 6. Pull the remaining side over the baby
Wrap the blanket around the baby and tuck the bottom corner of the blanket. The dam will be tight and secure when you wrap the last side. Although babies like the feeling of being in the womb – such as the safety and comfort of a swaddle, be careful not to swaddle them too tightly, as this can cause discomfort.
