We have likely all seen pictures of cute little babies wrapped up in blankets like a burrito. This is called swaddling and it provides several potential benefits to your baby, but can also have some disadvantages if not done correctly. So, this month I want to talk about swaddling and how to swaddle your baby correctly.
Benefits of swaddling:
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Provides warmth for your baby
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Limits the startle reflex, which can mean more sleep for baby and parents
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Mimics the snug environment of the womb, which makes baby more comfortable
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Helps keep baby in a safe back-to-sleep position
Possible disadvantages of swaddling:
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Increased risk of SIDS if baby rolls over while swaddled
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Overheating
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Can lead to hip dysplasia or hip dislocation if long-term incorrect swaddling
Step by Step How to Swaddle Your Baby:
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Spread blanket out flat on a safe surface and fold top corner down
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Place baby on blanket with head above folded corner
- Place one arm at side or across the chest and bring that side of the blanket across baby and tuck it underneath baby
4. Bring the bottom of the blanket up over the baby's legs, allowing enough slack for baby's legs to bend/move
5. Place the other arm at side or across the chest and bring that side of the blanket across baby and tuck it in snuggly underneath baby 
Tips:
- Make sure to ALWAYS place your baby on their back when swaddled
- You can swaddle your baby with their arms down completely by their side, which will help prevent them from getting out of the swaddle
- You can swaddle your baby with their arms across their chest which is a more natural, flexed position for them
- You can swaddle your baby with their hands to their mouth - developmentally appropriate for natural eating position
- You can swaddle your baby with their arms out by tucking the blanket undeath your baby's armpits if baby prefers this method
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The bottom part of the swaddle should be loose enough to allow your baby's legs to bend up and out at the hips. This will help prevent hip dysplasia and hip dislocation. Your baby's legs should not be tightly swaddled straight down.
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You should be able to place at least 2 fingers between the blanket and your baby's chest to make sure it's not too tight
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Stop swaddling your baby once they can roll over
Suggestions for good swaddling products:
- Swaddle blanket made out of muslin, organic cotton, or bamboo. You want a fabric that is breathable to help prevent overheating. Fabrics with a little bit of stretch allow your baby some wriggle room while maintaining the swaddle.
- Swaddle sacks: These can be more beneficial than blankets if the appropriate size is chosen for your baby. Swaddle sacks stay in place better and also have more room at the bottom for your baby's legs to move around.
Feel free to browse our site for the swaddling products we sell, including swaddle sacks and bamboo fiber swaddle blankets!