How And When To Safely Swaddle Your Newborn
Welcome to the world of swaddling, you’re probably reading this because you want to know a bit more about swaddling your newborn.
Swaddling has been around for centuries and is a worldwide practice used in many countries. And for good reason – it positively impacts sleep, helps regulate baby’s temperature and helps them to feel safe.
As a sleep consultant, I'm here to guide you through the art of swaddling, covering when and how to do it safely, as well as what you should avoid.
When to Swaddle
Swaddling can be a game-changer for many babies, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. We all have our own personalities and sensitivities and so do babies. Sometimes babies just don’t enjoy the pressure and prefer to have their arms out. Totally fine, do what feels right for you and your baby. If swaddling is enjoyed by your baby, here are some optimal times to use it:
The First Few Months: Swaddling should only be used during the first few months of life, up until your baby is showing signs of rolling over. This is usually at 2-3 months old. It is beneficial to use in the fourth trimester because babies have a strong startle reflex (Moro reflex) and often wake themselves up during sleep. Swaddling therefore helps them to feel safe as it replicates the tightness of the womb; their safe space for the last 9 months.
Signs of Overstimulation: If your baby appears fussy or overstimulated, swaddling is a great tool to use. Are they crying incessantly despite a recent feed and winding, not needing to be changed and don’t quite need sleep yet? Most likely your baby is overstimulated. Swaddling is a great tool in these moments to help create a calming and comforting environment. Where this is the case, I suggest swaddling and placing them in a quiet, darkened room whilst comforting them. They may need a nap or, they may just need some quiet 1:1 time.
Nap and Bedtime: Swaddle your baby for naps and bedtime but allow for plenty of unswaddled time during wakeful periods for movement and exploration. Swaddling when it is time for sleep during the newborn stage helps to calm your baby down ready for sleep. They are too young at this age (below 4 months) to develop sleep associations so do not worry if you are swaddling every night. If it is calming your newborn baby down, you’re doing exactly what they need.
When NOT to Swaddle
While swaddling has numerous benefits, there are situations where it should be avoided:
Rolling Over: Once your baby begins to show signs of rolling over (typically around 2-3 months old), it's time to stop swaddling. It is unsafe to leave a baby unattended whilst fully swaddled (with arms wrapped) when they have begun showing signs of rolling. This is because your baby may roll over and without the use of their arms, they will not be able to roll back, increasing the risk of suffocation. Swaddling can also impede a baby's ability to roll over, which is a crucial milestone in their development.
Overheating: Avoid swaddling in hot weather or when the room is warm. Aim for a room temperature of 16-20 degrees. Ensure your baby is dressed appropriately beneath the swaddle to prevent overheating. If the room temperature is adequate, this should be a vest, a baby grow and then the swaddle. Either a thin muslin-type material or a specific swaddle blanket. Never swaddle a baby in a thick wool blanket due to the risk of overheating.
Tightness: Never swaddle your baby too tightly. The swaddle should be snug but allow for natural hip movement. Overly tight swaddling can lead to hip dysplasia. The natural position for a baby’s hips is frog legs; allowing movement up and out, not straight down.
How to Safely Swaddle
Swaddling, when done correctly, can provide a safe and cosy sleeping environment for your baby.
Here's how to do it:
Choose the Right Cloth
Use a lightweight, breathable, and preferably muslin or cotton cloth for swaddling. Avoid heavy or bulky materials.
Position the Blanket
Lay the cloth flat with one corner folded down. Place your baby on their back with their head above the folded corner. The swaddle should start at the shoulders. Never swaddle a baby’s head or neck. There shouldn’t be excess material, it should be neatly wrapped and tucked in.
Wrap Securely
Fold one corner over your baby's body and tuck it under the opposite arm. Then fold up the bottom of the blanket, leaving room for your baby to move their hips. Finally, fold the last corner over the front of your baby and secure it.
Leave Space for Hips
Make sure there's enough space for your baby's hips to move freely. A tight swaddle around the hips can lead to hip dysplasia.
Check for Comfort
Ensure your baby's arms are snugly wrapped but not overly constricted. Your baby should be able to move their arms to some extent within the swaddle. They should start to settle down after being swaddled. If they don’t begin to settle, don’t worry. They may be overtired and need some extra comfort to help get them to sleep. Try some gentle patting and shushing. A dummy can be helpful here too.
Recommendations for Swaddle Products
There are so many options when it comes to buying products for your baby. It can be overwhelming to know which are safe to use and which are going to do the job properly. Below are my recommendations for swaddling, with links provided. (Affiliate link).
Swaddle using a Muslin: For years I have used muslins for swaddling babies when caring for them in the hospital environment. They work very well and are lightweight so you can be reassured that you are not overheating the baby. The larger-sized muslins like these make swaddling a bit easier to do. Using a larger size ensures it won’t unravel and become a suffocation risk.
Swaddle Sleep Sacks: These are excellent for parents who may be concerned about blanket safety. They are designed to keep your baby snug and secure. Regulating their body temperature and come in many different togs so your baby is not at risk of overheating. You can also transition your baby from full swaddle to arms out in a gradual manner. For example - Love To Dream Sleeping Bag, click here to purchase from Mama’s and Papa’s website.
Remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Think about whether you like to wear long pyjamas to bed, short ones, a nightie, or nothing! Everyone is different; some newborns really take to being swaddled, but others do not like the restriction and prefer to sleep for instance, with their arms above their heads!
Go with whatever works for you and your baby. My best advice would be to try it out a few times with a muslin - if they seem to settle and calm down, brilliant. If not, you have not failed. In fact, you are winning as you are getting to know your little one’s personality.
If you have concerns or questions about swaddling, do get in touch. You can send me an email at katie@athenasleep.co.uk, or send me a message on Instagram or Facebook.
Happy swaddling and sweet dreams!
Katie x
Founder of Athena Sleep Co.
Paediatric Nurse.