Why swaddle your baby

Ages and Stages. Healthy Living. Safety and Prevention. Family Life. Health Issues. Tips and Tools. Our Mission. Find a Pediatrician. Text Size. Swaddling: Is it Safe? Page Content. Know the Risks Parents should know that there are some risks to swaddling, Dr. The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician.

There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Follow Us. Back to Top. Formula Feeding. Young Adult. Swaddling can also indirectly benefit new moms, since cozy, secure babies sleep better and cry less, which can lead to more — and better quality — sleep and less stress for moms.

In many ways, swaddling creates a win-win situation, but there are some risks, too. Because getting the baby wrapped correctly in a swaddle can be difficult, parents and caregivers may end up swaddling their babies in ways that do more harm than good. Incorrect swaddling can lead to:. Signs of overheating include:. When swaddled babies are put to sleep on their stomachs — or if they roll onto their stomachs while they sleep — their risk of SIDS is 20 times greater than for non-swaddled babies.

These steps can help you swaddle your baby correctly, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Check out our infographic to find out how to swaddle a baby. There are different ways to swaddle a baby. Additionally, instead of using a blanket , you can try products like the Ollie Swaddle or swaddles with Velcro fasteners or snaps that make it simple to swaddle correctly. Another option is a sleep sack, which provides the snug feeling of a swaddle without all the hassle. Sleep sacks can be helpful if your baby has trouble transitioning to sleeping without a swaddle.

All babies need some tummy time every day. In short, there are lots of good reasons to try this age-old practice. Getting your swaddling skills down-pat may seem a little daunting, but wrapping up your baby only takes a few steps. Fold the top corner down about 6 inches. Her head should sit above the folded edge of the blanket, and her body should extend straight down toward the bottom corner.

Then take the left side of the blanket and wrap it over her left arm and chest. Tuck the blanket underneath her right arm and her back. A few important things to keep in mind: The swaddle should be snug, but not too tight. If your baby is too wiggly for you to get a snug swaddle, take a break and give your little one a few minutes to get her squirmies out before trying again.

But if it seems like your baby is always trying to wriggle out of her swaddle, she simply might not be a fan not all babies are! Is the method for how to swaddle a preemie any different? Swaddling is just as soothing for premature babies as it is for full-term newborns. But consider bringing her hands together on her chest in front of her instead of straightened at her sides, which can be more comforting for some preemies.

Swaddle wraps with Velcro tabs or zippers are as safe as blankets and deliver the same benefits without the need for any folding or tucking. The specific instructions vary depending on which wrap you buy. But they generally tend to be easier to master than blankets, and are much less likely to come untucked. The risk is compounded by the fact that swaddled babies tend to sleep extra soundly. So if their faces do get covered by swaddle blankets, they might be less likely to wake up and change positions.

Tight swaddles force her legs into an unnaturally straight position that can damage her hips, joints and cartilage. Wrapping your baby the right way will encourage your little one to sleep more soundly while giving you peace of mind so you can get some sleep yourself! Some important swaddling safety tips to keep in mind:. Swaddle snugly, but not too snugly. Always put your baby to sleep on her back. Be sure to tuck the bottom of the blanket underneath your baby too. Keep your baby cool.

Swaddling could cause overheating, which can raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome SIDS.