Swaddling your Baby: My “Top 8” Tips for Safe Swaddling

Mar 27 2023 | Babies, Benefits, Guide, Help, Mothers, Protection, Recommendations, Safety, Security, Settled, Sleep, Swaddling, Technique, Tips | 0 comments

Swaddling babies was a normal practice before the XVII century, and it remains a common practice in many cultures around the world. For cultures such as Oriental, African, and Latin-American, swaddling and carrying babies is a part of their lifestyle, as they believe it offers security and protection to their infants.

Now, let’s talk about what swaddling means and my top tips for doing it safely.

What is swaddling?

Swaddling is the ancient practice of wrapping your baby in a thin blanket to help them feel settled, safe, and secure, and reduce excessive crying. This technique reminds your baby of being in your womb and can help them to stay calm.

Studies have shown that swaddling babies can help them sleep longer periods and have fewer awakenings. When they wake up and start moving their arms and legs, they find limits, similar to the ones they experienced in their mother’s womb.

While the decision to swaddle your baby is yours, there are some risks to be aware of (which I will cover in another post).

My TOP 8 Tips for safe swaddling of your baby

Follow my top 8 tips for safer swaddling:

Use a thin and light material, such as muslin or a blanket.
Swaddle your baby firmly, but not too tight. Use hip-healthy swaddling techniques to reduce the chance of hip dysplasia (which I will also cover in another post)
Place your baby’s hands over their chest before wrapping or use an already-made swaddle sack that conforms to safety standards.
Leave your baby’s head uncovered; never swaddle their neck or head.
Always place a swaddled baby to sleep on their back and never on their front or side.
Stop swaddling your baby as soon as they start showing signs of rolling over onto their side or tummy.
Swaddle your baby during their sleeping time (day and night) so they become familiar with it and associate it with sleeping.
Consider your baby’s temperature and their environment to prevent overheating. Regularly check your baby’s temperature by touching the back of their neck.