There are a hundred ways to swaddle your newborn. There are a hundred products to HELP you swaddle your newborn. But in the end it really doesn’t matter.
The only thing that’s important is how to swaddle a newborn with LOVE.
How To Swaddle A Newborn With Love
Many mothers will try different things, different ways and use different blankets trying to find the BEST combination. Because, of course, the PERFECT method of swaddling is guaranteed to make your baby the happiest baby alive so you have less to do. Yeah, right.
The end result, of course, is just to keep your baby
- warm
- comfortable
- protected
You’ll find over time if your baby is super picky about being tucked in just a certain way. But generally, they just want to feel safe, and that can be provided no matter how you wrap them up.
However, it’s always nice to see how someone else takes care of their baby because little tidbits of inspiration can blossom.
How I Swaddle My Newborn
Okay, my little angel is now just over a month old. He’s the third one and I’ve mastered this dramatic concept of swaddling. When you do it at least ten times a day for months at a time, and then again with each successive child, you’ll become a pro too.
- Lay your baby’s blanket out completely flat with it running long ways from side to side.
- Fold down the top of the blanket four inches or so, all the way across.
- Place your baby just left (or right) of the center, with the top of the blanket at their ears.
- Tuck the left arm under the fold of the blanket.
- Then fold over the left side of the blanket, tucking it under their right side.
- Tuck the right arm under the fold of blanket.
- Then fold over the right side, over the top and back around underneath your baby.
- Tuck down the swaddling that’s around their head so their face isn’t blocked in any way.
- You can tuck over or under the remaining fabric around their back.
- Pick them up and LOVE them. 🙂 A swaddle blanket does NOT replace the comfort and warmth you provide.
Okay, so I added the tenth step for numerical practicality. But hey, it works just the same.
A Few Tips That Make All The Difference
There are a number of things you’ll find when swaddling that just don’t work, or do work rather well. Such can make a big difference in how your baby stays asleep or comfortable in their wrappings:
- Use a BIG swaddle blanket-the bigger the better. The larger ones may have more fabric hanging off the end by your baby’s feet. But you can wrap the extra layer around so that their weight is on top of the final fold, making them stay wrapped better.
- Use a STRETCHY swaddle blanket. Some fabrics that are fleece or other plain cotton weaves don’t have any give or flexibility to them. When your baby can stretch a little in the blanket because it’s got room to move, they’re often less likely to complain if they just want to shift position a little. If the blanket is too firm, it falls off your baby easier once they’ve gotten an arm out or rolled slightly.
- Use a THIN swaddle blanket. For one, it’s less bulky and awkward for you to wrap and carry your baby when the blanket isn’t so overwhelming. But it will also stay away from your baby’s face and breathe better in the long run. There is a point when a swaddling job is just too much and it becomes more uncomfortable for your baby than not.
Over time, you’ll find you have a favorite swaddle blanket that works the best and stays around your baby better than any others. Ours is from JJ Cole and we got it as a gift. I tried to find it for sale for you to get it yourself, but I can’t find it anywhere! So I think it’s discontinued and I’m going to hang onto it as long as I can. 🙂
But I do also like using the Halo Sleepsacks because they’re great for transitioning your baby from swaddling. And once they start rolling around, a sleepsack will stay on much better than a swaddling blanket that is bound to come unwrapped sooner or later. But, that’s just personal preference.
Now that baby is sleeping better, I sure hope that you’re doing okay with your sleep too. I know it’s a drag those first few months when your newborn is up every few hours. I’m right there with you at the moment! But hang onto your maternity pillow; it will provide you with just as much comfort for sleep as it ever did.
Get Your Leachco Body Pillow For Better Sleep
How do you swaddle your baby? Post a pic of your little gem in their snuggie on our Facebook page for extra love.
Anke says
Hi there, Thanks for your great article about swaddling a newborn. I really liked your step by step photo guide. I wished I had known about it when my now 11 years old was a baby. He was such a bad sleeper. I had discovered when I had my other two children that swaddling helps them to sleep better and longer. I am using this method with great success with my daycare children now. Some of them started when they were as little as four months old. I would recommend it to every new mom.
All the best from Anke
Hi Anke! Yes, I swaddle my babies from birth, then gradually work them into a sleeper sack, then just a loose blanket before they’re even one yet. But it really depends on the, you can gauge by how they’re sleeping and if their covers are still intact or not in the morning. Thanks!
Maria says
Hi Sarah, I love your site. I gave birth naturally at home and it was an amazing experience. This article is great. I swaddled my baby on the diagonal with the corner folded down to start, but my mom swaddled him exactly like you did it! She had more success with the blanket than I did so you may have a better technique! I also used the halo and the swaddleme sacks for night, which worked great. Your baby is just a doll, what a wonderful time - in that first few months. I will come visit again, thank you for this informative article!
Best-
Maria
Hi Maria! I don’t know if I would ever have the full courage to birth at home, but I lovingly respect those who do. I would love to hear your birth story. Feel free to put it on our Stories Page .
There a many tips and tricks to swaddling. And this is the way that I’ve found to work the best for me and mine. My husband likes to still bind their arms down at their sides and wrap them burrito-like really tight all around. It really just takes some practice and experimentation too.
Feel free to share and visit anytime, thanks!
Beckie says
Hi! I just wanted to say I LOVE the idea and especially the opening line to your site! When I was pregnant all I remember was people telling me how and what to do once my son was here. I freaked out towards the end of my pregnancy “Omg, am I gonna remember what I have to do?” I looked up all the things I needed to pack in a “go bag” for the hospital and crammed my whole bag full of weird junk people said I would need. I think I looked in my bag like 3 times the entire 4 days I was in the hospital. People taught me how to swaddle but in the end you are always going to do it the way that is easier for you, and news flash…. YOUR BABY ISNT GOING TO CARE. As long as the swaddle wraps them up tight and snug they don’t care. I LOVE the idea of this site. It would help so many new expectant mothers. You should have a post on CRAP you don’t need when going to the hospital lol!
Hi Beckie! I do have a few mentions in the Should I Pack My Hospital Bag post of things you DON’T need. But you’re right. There are tons of suggestions for things that are just a waste of time and effort. Plus hauling it with you to the hospital is worse too.
I like how you said that: Your baby isn’t going to care. 🙂 How did your birth go? Thanks for your comment.
Jezza says
Hi Sarah, I love your site and love your tips on how to swaddle a newborn baby. The pictures here are very helpful and easy to follow especially to mothers like me. I remember when I did it the first time, I really had some trouble wrapping up my baby. I didn’t know that hands must be secured in the process, I tried yours and it works perfectly with my 4 month old baby. Thanks!
I’m glad it worked for you Jezza! I always wrap their hands because it helps for a number of reasons: they don’t scratch their face when crying, they won’t suck or chew on their hands/fingers as much, their blankets stay on them better at night preventing them getting cold and uncomfortable. But sometimes it seems no matter how hard you try, those little wrigglers just get free! 🙂
Have a great day and feel free to share!
jCamden says
I rarely read an article that I don’t have any suggestions for improvement on but this is one of those. I thought it was great! Your instructions couldn’t have been more detailed! I’ve never known how to swaddle my kids (and I have three) but in reading your blog every question I thought of was answered! I’m excited to go home tonight and try it with my son to see how he likes it! I love the your website theme and all the colors match well together.
Hi jCamden. How old are your kids? Let me know how the swaddle goes 🙂
There are many different ways to swaddle, and after years of trying, this way just works the best for us and I think provides the best benefit without being overly complicated.
Thanks for stopping by. Please share!
jCamden says
I actually have three young boys myself too 🙂 The oldest is 3, followed by my 1 year old and my six month old. By now I definitely should have learned this technique but anytime I’ve tried looking it the instructions were kinda vague and not as clear as they needed to be. I think you did a great job addressing everything involved 🙂 How old are your boys if you don’t mind me asking?
-Jessica
Hi Jessica. That’s so fun! We actually have the same age of boys 🙂 I also have a three-year-old, a 22-month-old and a 3-month-old. Isn’t it great? I love having them close together. It’s certainly crazy right now, but I know it will be even better when they get older.
Glad that you liked the swaddle post. Let me know if you have any other interests you’re looking into. Best to you and your boys! 🙂
jCamden says
Wow that is crazy! Lol my 1 year old is 22 months as well. He turns 2 in February 🙂 A lot of people have told me I’m crazy for having them so close together but I love it! They enjoy each other’s company so much and watch out for each other. They’re really close 🙂
Fantastic! We’ll have to keep in touch and share tips. My first two are quite different from each other though and I can already see how our parenting methods aren’t going to work the same across the boa+rd. Are you on G+? Send me a message through the Contact form if you want to join circles. Have a great night Jessica!
This is a warmly written post by someone who deeply cares about what is best for baby. It is evident in the tone of your writing style.
I am not a parent but I appreciate the role parents play in our community. Having information like on your site is so beneficial.
Thank you
Duncan
That makes me feel much better today. 🙂
Many individuals who aren’t parents seem to ‘know better’ about taking care of children than the actual parents themselves. You clearly are the opposite, someone with genuine appreciation for others. Thank you for your comment, Funkydunc. Have a good night!
Ice says
Hi Sarah
Thank you for this post , very interesting.
I’m a mum of 2 boys but has never tried swaddles as they say babies are prone to suffocating if you don’t do it the right way.
This is a very helpful guide specially for new mums out there.
P.S. Can’t handle the cuteness of your website, it’s way to adorable looking at cute baby photos and stuff.
I will be referring your website to my sis in law as she’s expecting, she’d love your website as I do.
Kisses
Ice
Hi Ice. That’s why I tuck the extra fabric down around and away from baby’s face better finishing off. That way things steer clear from their little mouths and noses when trying to breathe.
Thanks for your comment. I would love to hear from your SIL. That’s exciting to be expecting another litle gem in the family. Best!
Superfoodfamilies.com says
I’m so glad that there are people like you who can remind us all what is important for newborn babies and families. There are so many aspects to it but mama’s love is the most important factor. The baby looks so happy in mama’s arms in step 10. When are the best times to swaddle the baby? Is it only for sleeping?
You can swaddle anytime really to keep your baby warm in addition to your own body heat. But most of the time swaddling is only thought of for sleeping when you’re not there to hold them the majority of the time. But especially when they’re newborns, they may enjoy staying swaddled the entire time. You’ll learn what your baby likes fairly quickly. Thanks for your comment!
adam says
hi there,
thanks for the interesting and informative article. You clearly love being a mother and your site looks great. i always had difficulty swaddling the baby but your steps seem good and easy to follow. I’m also a fan of the sleepsacks not just for transitioning from swaddling but it also stops me from worrying about the blanket covering the baby’s face.
I really like the sleep sacks too. But when they’re so little, I don’t feel like the sleep sacks hug and snuggle the newborn as well as a traditional swaddle. Some babies cannot sleep unless they feel very supported and snug as if they’re still in the womb. Thanks, Adam!