When it comes to swaddling, the word itself can sound daunting to some parents. But here is a little secret, once you do it once, it’s smooth sailing after that.

Swaddling is a lot like riding a bike, once you learn how to do it, it’s hard to forget. So, for all you knew parents out there, this article is to teach you how to swaddle a baby and also when and why should you swaddle at all.

Swaddling is nothing new. In fact, it may be one of the oldest parenting tricks in the book. In fact, swaddling was even mentioned in the Bible when Mary first gave birth to Jesus and laid him in the manger. “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

So why do we swaddle babies?

As Intermountain Healthcare reports, swaddling a baby helps “protect them from their natural startle reflex,” which for most parents means a better nights sleep. Some say it also helps mimic a mother’s hug, which reduces an infants anxiety when they are in their crib.

When should you stop swaddling a baby?

While it is important to swaddle a newborn while they sleep, it is equally as important to know when to stop swaddling your little one. 

According to What to Expect, the best time to stop swaddling your baby is when your baby develops the ability to roll over by themselves. At the earliest this usually is around two months, but swaddling can often last up to four months! 

But How to Swaddle a Baby?

We created some some step-by-step photos to show you how to swaddle your baby with a blanket if you don’t want to buy a blanket specifically for swaddling.

• Lay out the swaddle in a diamond formation

• Fold the top corner of the blanket over

 

• Align the edge of the blanket with your baby’s shoulders

• Take the left corner of the swaddle and wrap it tightly over your baby

• Tuck the corner of the swaddle under your baby’s right shoulder blade to help keep it secure

• Grab the bottom corner of the swaddle, pull it tight against your baby’s legs 

• Take the corner and tuck it up and over your baby’s right shoulder

• Finally, tightly wrap the right corner of the blanket all the way around your baby’s torso and secure behind their back

And there you have it! Your baby is securely swaddled and ready for a delightful sleep!