Swaddling a Baby: Benefits and How to Swaddle Your Baby Safely

Key Takeaways:

• Swaddling helps babies feel secure, reduces startle reflexes, and can promote longer, calmer sleep.
• Always follow safe swaddling practices — snug but not tight, hips and legs free to move, arms positioned comfortably, and baby on their back.
• Alternatives like sleep sacks, gentle rocking, white noise, and infant massage can be just as effective for soothing babies who resist swaddling or after swaddling is no longer safe.

Have you ever wished there was an easy way to help your baby feel calm and sleep a little longer? I know for sure that many new parents struggle with soothing a fussy newborn, especially in those first few weeks. Swaddling can be a simple and effective solution for helping your baby rest more peacefully.

In this article, we’ll cover what swaddling is, how it can help your baby, and other helpful information for parents who have questions!

What is Swaddling?

Swaddling is the practice of wrapping a baby snugly in a soft blanket so that their arms and sometimes legs are gently secured. This technique can help babies feel safe and cozy, similar to the feeling of being in the womb.

For many families, swaddling is a useful calming-down tool that can reduce fussiness and help babies settle more easily for sleep or quiet time.

Note that swaddling is different from babywearing. While swaddling wraps your baby in a blanket, babywearing keeps your baby close in a sling, carrier, or stretchy wrap.

Benefits of Swaddling

When done properly (which we’ll go over step by step later), swaddling can offer meaningful benefits for both babies and parents. For now, let’s look at some of the advantages:

Promotes better sleep

Many babies cry because they feel overwhelmed by their new environment. Swaddling can act as a calming-down tool by giving babies a gentle sense of containment.

Parents may notice that a fussy baby relaxes their arms and legs, and sometimes even stops crying, when wrapped securely in a soft blanket.

Paying attention to your baby’s sleep cues (like rubbing their eyes, yawning, or turning their head away) before swaddling can help make this calming effect even more effective.

Reduces the risk of startle reflex

Newborns have a natural startle reflex (also called the Moro reflex) that can cause them to flail their arms and wake up suddenly [*]. Swaddling helps limit these sudden movements safely.

Supports safe sleep practices

When done correctly, swaddling keeps a baby on their back. This is a position recommended by pediatricians to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is the leading cause of sleep-related infant death [*].

When Can You Start Swaddling a Baby?

Good news for new parents: you can start swaddling your baby right from birth! This is a great time because newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb, and swaddling can help them feel safe and secure.

However, keep in mind that you should stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling over.

Choosing a Swaddling Blanket or Wrap

Choosing a swaddling blanket or wrap doesn’t have to be complicated. Below are a few of my personal tips to help you keep things simple.

• Look for a soft, breathable fabric that feels gentle on your baby’s skin and helps prevent overheating. Natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or muslin are popular choices because they allow air to flow.
• Choose a swaddle that’s easy to use, especially for nighttime changes, so wrapping doesn’t feel confusing or stressful. (Some swaddles even have zippers or snaps at the bottom for quick diaper changes without fully undoing the wrap.)
• Make sure the size fits your baby well — not too loose and not too tight around the hips.
• Choose a swaddle that can be used with your baby’s arms either in or out. Some babies feel more comfortable with their arms snugly wrapped, while others prefer to have one or both arms free.

How to Swaddle a Baby Safely

Safety is always the most important thing. Follow these simple steps to swaddle your baby correctly and reduce any risks:

Step 1: Lay out the blanket

Spread a lightweight, breathable swaddle blanket on a flat surface in a diamond shape and fold the top corner down about 6 inches. This creates a safe, snug starting point for wrapping your baby.

If you’re using a pre-shaped swaddle wrap: Lay it flat with the Velcro, snaps, or fasteners open and ready. Make sure the inside is facing up, and any stretchy panels are smooth. This makes it easy to position your baby securely without extra folding.

Step 2: Position your baby

Place your baby on their back in the center of the blanket, with their shoulders just below the folded edge. Make sure their head is above the blanket so it stays away from their face.

Step 3: Wrap the first side

Take the left corner of the blanket and bring it across your baby’s chest, tucking it under their back on the opposite side. Keep the wrap snug but not tight. Your baby should be able to move their hips and legs slightly.

Step 4: Fold the bottom

Fold the bottom corner of the blanket up over your baby’s feet and tuck it gently behind their shoulders or under their back. This keeps their legs in a natural “frog” position to protect their hips.

If you’re using a pre-shaped swaddle wrap: Fold or pull the bottom panel up over your baby’s feet and fasten it according to the wrap’s design.

Step 5: Wrap the second side

Bring the right corner of the blanket across your baby’s chest and secure it under their back. Make sure the arms are comfortably positioned — either in or out, depending on your baby’s preference.

Step 6: Check the fit

Make sure the swaddle is snug around the chest but loose enough around the hips and legs for natural movement. Always ensure the blanket isn’t covering the baby’s face or neck, and that your baby stays on their back while swaddled.

Common Swaddling Mistakes to Avoid

When I was new to swaddling, I got kind of obsessed over every little detail to make sure I wasn’t doing anything wrong. I completely understand that this can feel stressful for parents who are totally new to the practice.

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Wrapping too tightly: Make sure the swaddle is snug around the chest but loose enough around the hips and legs so your baby can move naturally.
• Incorrect arm placement: Swaddle with arms in or out, depending on your baby’s comfort, but never force them into a position that seems uncomfortable.
• Overheating: Keep the room at a comfortable temperature (around 68–72°F / 20–22°C) and use a lightweight, breathable fabric to prevent your baby from getting too hot.
• Covering the face or neck: Always make sure the blanket or wrap stays away from your baby’s head to prevent suffocation risks.
• Swaddling once baby can roll: Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling over, as keeping them wrapped at this stage can be dangerous.

When to Stop Swaddling

The most common sign is when your baby starts showing attempts to roll over, usually around 2–4 months of age. At this stage, keeping your baby swaddled can increase the risk of suffocation or other sleep hazards.

Always remember that the safest sleep position for your baby is on their back, without blankets or loose items in the crib.

Signs a Baby Dislikes Being Swaddled

Parents can watch for signs that their baby dislikes being swaddled. These include consistently breaking out of the swaddle, fussiness, or crying soon after being wrapped.

If you notice these behaviors, it’s worth checking that the swaddle is snug but not tight, that the baby’s arms and hips can move comfortably, and that the blanket or wrap is correctly positioned.

Sometimes, a few small adjustments or leaving one arm out can make swaddling more tolerable — or you may find your baby prefers alternative soothing methods entirely.

Swaddling Alternatives

Even after your baby stops swaddling — or if your baby resists being swaddled — there are several alternatives you can rely on that will still help them settle for sleep:

• Sleep sacks or wearable blankets
• Gentle rocking or swaying
• White noise or soft music
• Gentle strokes or infant massage

Using these swaddling alternatives can also support sleep training by helping your baby learn to settle independently while still feeling secure.

The Takeaway

Swaddling can be a wonderful tool to help your baby sleep more peacefully. If you’re a new parent, it’s normal to feel nervous or uncertain at first. But you can practice swaddling a few times before your baby arrives, and soon it will feel like a natural part of your routine.

And remember, safety is always the top priority.