How to Swaddle

How to Swaddle (and so much more)

Learning how to swaddle a baby is an important skill for new parents to master, and with a little practice soon you can swaddle like a pro. Swaddling your baby can be greatly beneficial to you and your baby because swaddled babies sleep better. Swaddled babies should always be placed on their back for sleep. Each of our swaddle blankets includes our exclusive pictorial 123 Swaddle label sewn to the edge of the blanket to guide you in 3 easy steps to properly and securely swaddle your baby. Created by an experienced nurse.

How to Swaddle

Get Ready

Place blanket on a flat surface in a diamond position in front of you with the 123 Swaddle Tip Tag visible on your upper right hand side.
Fold the top corner down about 6 inches, and place baby in the center of the blanket with their neck at the fold.

Step One

Starting on your left, bring the 1st corner over and tuck snugly behind baby.
Ensure baby’s hips and knees are in a flexed frog-like position inside the swaddle.
Do not straighten or over extend your baby’s joints.

The bottom corner goes over baby’s left shoulder and behind baby’s back. The weight of the baby on the tucked under corners will help to keep the swaddle secure. Ensure baby’s hips and knees are in a flexed froglike position inside the swaddle. Do not straighten or over extend your baby’s joints.

Take the 3rd corner across and all the way around behind baby, tucking the tail of the blanket into the fold in the front. Avoid having the blanket touch baby’s cheek. This can stimulate baby’s rooting response and wake baby.

Back to Sleep

Always place baby on its back to sleep - for nighttime sleep and nap time sleep. The sleeping position reduces risk for SIDS.

How to Swaddle Video

Natural Position

Experts recommend swaddling baby in a natural position with elbows, knees and hips flexed for proper joint development, and with baby’s hands within reach of mouth so baby can suck on his or her fingers to self-console.

You may also choose to wrap baby with one or both hands down inside the swaddle with baby’s elbows in a flexed position and offer baby a pacifier once breastfeeding is established.

Wrap Snugly

Our swaddling blankets are designed with good stretch when they are in the diamond position for swaddling.

A loose swaddle is ineffective, so wrap baby snugly, but not so tightly as to impede baby’s breathing. You should be able to slide your hand between the blanket and your baby’s chest.

Custom Fit

SwaddleDesigns large square blankets allow for a custom fit swaddle for your baby.

Every baby is unique

Ask your baby’s pediatrician about swaddling your baby.