How do I swaddle my baby?

Swaddling is the name given to the practice of wrapping babies, from the neck downwards, entirely in a cloth or thin blanket, with the aim of pacifying or calming them.

Why swaddle your baby?

Although not everyone agrees with swaddling babies, many cultures have used this practice throughout history, as it is thought that the feeling of being ‘contained’ or held tightly within the blanket can help babies to feel settled or less fretful and can also help them to sleep. It is thought that it has this effect because it in some way ‘recreates’ the restricted space of the womb and therefore stops the baby making its startle (Moro) reflex; however, it is not know what the long-term effects on a baby are of swaddling.

If the purpose of your swaddling your baby is simply to stop them thrashing around, then it may be best to use a muslin (particularly indoors), since it is important that your baby does not overheat when swaddled.

How to swaddle a baby

Place a large cot blanket on the floor, and lay it in a diamond shape, folding the top point over to create a flat edge for your baby’s shoulders to lie among. Bring one top corner across to tuck under her bottom, and bring the bottom point up to tuck into this wrap. You can wrap the other top corner around her and tuck the corner in to secure in the material at her neck (this section has been copied from ‘Babycalming’ by Caroline Deacon, by agreement).

Arguments against swaddling

Recently, some experts have reviewed studies on swaddled infants, and it has been suggested that swaddling could have implications for:

• increased risk of cot death,
• reduced breastfeeding at birth and/or
• increased early weight loss

Additional concerns raised regarding swaddling have included potentially increased incidences of developmental hip dysplasia, acute respiratory infections and overheating; however these complications may be circumvented by modifying the swaddling style used and by avoiding extra bedding.

Natural positioning

Heavily swaddling a baby in order to breastfeed may feel easier, but allowing your baby freedom of movement with hands leads to a more natural latch   - babies naturally explore with their hands when breastfeeding. Your baby may also get very warm while breastfeeding, so it's safer not to have constrictive blankets.

An infant's natural hip position is 'frog' style – with legs drawn up and thighs roughly at right angles to the body. This helps the ball and socket joint develop properly in the hip. There is some evidence that excessive swaddling with legs 'straight down' prevents this joint developing properly (hip dysplasia or DDH) . You can modify a swaddling position to allow your baby's legs to stay in a more natural 'frog' position.

Keeping safe when swaddling

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) makes the following recommendations:

• Parents should be aware of the potential risks of swaddling their infant, particularly of the use of heavy materials for swaddling. 
• Don't cover a baby's head, and only use thin materials for swaddling.
• Infants must NEVER be placed prone (on their stomach) when swaddled. 
• Secondary caregivers should be made aware of their infant’s usual sleeping environment and practices. 

Current research suggests that it is safest to swaddle infants from birth and not to change infant care practices by beginning to swaddle their infant at 3 months of age when SIDS (cot death) risk is greatest.

Further information

NCT's helpline offers practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of NCT's Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) has information on swaddling.

Babycalming, by Caroline Deacon is available from NCT shop, along with a variety of swaddling blankets.