The early days with a newborn are truly magical. But they also come with a lot of questions, especially when it comes to sleep. Newborns love to feel snug and secure, a feeling reminiscent of the womb. This combined with their natural startle reflex, can often disrupt their sleep.
Swaddling is a way of wrapping babies snugly. It can help calm newborns and promote better stretches of sleep. When done correctly, swaddling can be a wonderful tool for both baby and parent. The key is to know how to swaddle correctly and when to stop.
The benefits of safe swaddling
Mimics the womb: That snug, secure feeling reminds newborns of being in the uterus, providing immense comfort and helping them feel safe in their new, bigger world.
Calms the startle reflex: Newborns often startle themselves awake with sudden arm movements. Swaddling keeps their arms gently contained, preventing these reflexive jerks from disrupting their sleep.
Promotes longer sleep stretches: By minimizing startling and providing comfort, swaddling can help babies settle into and maintain sleep for longer periods, which means more rest for everyone in the family.
The risks of swaddling
Sleeping too deeply: Decreased arousal, or ability to wake themselves up, is a contributing factor to SIDS. Be sure to follow all other safe sleep guidelines.
Swaddling too long: If a baby rolls over while swaddled, they may not be able to rescue themselves. That means a risk of suffocation.
The essential rules of safe swaddling
Always follow the ABCS of safe sleep
Baby needs to be A - Alone, B - on their Back, C - in a Crib, and S - in a Smoke-free environment.This is the golden rule of safe sleep, swaddled or not. Swaddling is only safe if your baby is placed on their back on a firm, flat surface for every single sleep, whether it's a nap or nighttime.
Following the ABCS of safe sleep significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths. Never place a swaddled baby on their stomach or side.
Ensure hips and legs are free
The swaddle should be snug around the chest and arms, but loose and roomy around your baby's hips and legs. Their legs should be able to bend up and out at the hips, resembling a frog's legs.
Swaddling too tightly around the hips and legs can force the baby's legs into an extended position, which increases the risk of hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint is not properly aligned.
Keep it snug, but not too tight
The wrap should be secure enough that your baby can't easily wiggle their arms free, but not so tight that it restricts breathing or circulation.
A swaddle that's too loose can unravel and cover your baby's face, posing a suffocation hazard. One that's too tight around the chest could restrict breathing. You should be able to fit two or three fingers comfortably between the swaddle and your baby's chest.
Avoid overheating
Overheating is a known risk factor for SIDS. Dress your baby lightly under the swaddle. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics for the swaddle itself, such as cotton or muslin. Monitor for signs of overheating, which include sweating, flushed cheeks, damp hair, or rapid breathing.
Keep the sleep space clear
The crib or bassinet should be completely bare except for a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. Any soft objects, loose blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or toys in the sleep area can pose a risk of suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation.
Step-by-step guide: how to swaddle
Always start with the ABCS of safe sleep: Alone, on their Back, in a Crib, and in a Smoke-free environment.
Whether you use a traditional square blanket or a ready-made swaddle wrap, the technique is key. Here's how to do it with a square blanket:
Materials: A large (at least 40x40 inches) square swaddle blanket made of breathable, lightweight fabric like muslin or cotton.
Lay it out: Lay the blanket flat in a diamond shape on a firm, flat surface (like your bed or the floor). Fold down the top corner about 6-8 inches.
Position baby: Place your baby on their back, with their neck/shoulders just below the folded corner.
First arm: Gently straighten one of your baby's arms down alongside their body. Take the side of the blanket closest to that arm and bring it snugly across their body, tucking it under their opposite armpit and behind their back.
Bottom up: Fold the bottom corner of the blanket up over your baby's feet, making sure to leave plenty of room for their legs to bend and move freely. Tuck the corner behind their opposite shoulder or into the first fold.
Second arm: Gently straighten the other arm down alongside their body. Bring the remaining side of the blanket across your baby's body, tucking it snugly under their back to secure it.
Check: Ensure the swaddle is snug around the arms and torso (you should be able to fit 2-3 fingers under the fabric at the chest) but loose around the hips and legs. Your baby should still be able to move their legs freely.
When to stop swaddling
This is a critical safety point that parents often miss: swaddling isn’t forever. The moment your baby shows any signs of trying to roll over, you must stop swaddling. This can happen as early as 2 months of age, but all babies are different.
Once a baby can roll, they could potentially roll onto their stomach while swaddled. If their arms are confined, they won't be able to use their hands to push up or roll back over, significantly increasing the risk of suffocation. Now is the time to switch to a wearable sleep sack, which allows a baby’s arms to be free.
If you ever have questions or concerns about safe sleep practices, remember to consult your pediatrician. A safe sleep environment supports a happy, healthy baby and more peaceful rest for the entire family.
About SIDS of Illinois, Inc.
Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc., is a not for profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the prevention of sudden, unexpected infant death by providing educational programs to families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, childcare providers, and the general public as well as bereavement services to families and any others who have experienced the tragedy of sudden, unexpected infant death. Donate here to become a Safe Sleep Supporter!
