How to Swaddle (It’s All In The Snugness)

Doing a nice, snug swaddle is an essential skill of parenthood or if you work as a labour and delivery nurse.

Swaddling is beneficial for two reasons: first, it simulates the uterus’s cramped quarters. It also stops the Moro (startle) reaction from causing the baby to wake up on its own.

It helps settle a baby when they ares overstimulated, prevents them from being disturbed by their own startle reflex, and keeps them toasty until their internal thermostat kicks in.

To swaddle, you’ll need a blanket that’s the right size. Swaddle blankets are typically 40″ x 40″ or 44″ x 44″ in size. You can also use a modern swaddle blanket that has Velcro attachment.

START WITH A DIAMOND

Lay a receiving blanket on a flat surface, position it like a diamond, and fold down the top corner. Place your baby on his back with his neck on the fold.

THE RIGHT SIDE TUCK

Hold your baby’s right arm down flat at his side. Pull the left corner of the blanket over his right arm and across his body, then tuck it under his left arm and roll him to your left to wrap whatever is remaining under his back.

THE LEFT SIDE TUCK

Hold your baby’s left arm down and pull the bottom corner up over his left shoulder. Tuck any extra material around his left arm. Be sure to leave enough room at the bottom of the blanket for your baby to bend his legs up and out from his body.

THE BIG FINISH

Bring the loose right corner straight out, then pull it across your baby’s front and roll him to your right a bit so you can wrap the corner all the way around his back.

TO WRAP IT UP ANOTHER WAY: