Swaddling 101: What every first time Mom needs to know
If you’re pregnant or holding your newborn right now and wondering, “Am I doing this swaddling thing right?”—you’re not alone. As a mom of five and a birth and postpartum doula, I can confidently tell you that swaddling isn’t just a cute baby burrito trend—it’s a tool that can help your baby (and you) sleep better. But it doesn’t always feel natural at first. Let’s break it down.
What Is Swaddling and Why Do People Do It?
Swaddling is the practice of wrapping your baby snugly in a light, breathable blanket to help them feel safe and secure—kind of like how they felt in the womb. It’s one of those age-old baby care techniques that’s been around for generations, and for good reason.
Newborns are born with something called the Moro reflex (aka the startle reflex), which causes their arms and legs to jolt randomly—often waking them up. Swaddling helps prevent those sudden jerky movements from disrupting sleep.
It can also help reduce overstimulation and keep your baby calm during naps, diaper changes, and that lovely “witching hour” in the evenings.
The Benefits of Swaddling
There are so many benefits of swaddling, especially in the early weeks:
Improved newborn sleep
Less startle reflex interruptions
A sense of security and calm
Reduced crying in some babies
Easier transition to sleep (especially after feedings)
For new moms who are running on 3 hours of sleep and cold coffee, anything that helps baby sleep better is worth trying, right?
Is Swaddling Safe?
This is one of the most common questions I hear during postpartum visits: Is swaddling safe for newborns?
Short answer: Yes—when done correctly.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, swaddling is considered safe when:
Baby is placed on their back to sleep
You use a lightweight blanket or a swaddle sack (no heavy layers or overheating)
Baby is not swaddled once they show signs of rolling over
Safety tip: Make sure the swaddle is snug around the arms but loose enough at the hips so baby can bend and move their legs. Tight swaddling around the hips can increase the risk of hip dysplasia.
When Should You Swaddle?
Newborn to around 2 months old is the sweet spot.
You can swaddle for naps and nighttime sleep.
Once your baby starts breaking free or showing signs of rolling, it’s time to transition out of the swaddle.
Some babies love being swaddled from day one. Others seem to resist it and prefer having their arms out. And you know what? That’s okay. Every baby is different. If your baby fights the swaddle, try a “half swaddle” (arms out, body snug) or use a zip-up swaddle with more flexibility.
How to Swaddle a Newborn (Step-by-Step)
If no one’s ever shown you how to swaddle a baby in person, here’s a quick breakdown. It gets easier with practice—I promise.
Traditional Swaddle with a Blanket
Lay a thin blanket in a diamond shape and fold the top corner down about 6 inches.
Place baby on their back, with shoulders just below the folded edge.
Bring one side of the blanket across baby’s chest and tuck it snugly under their opposite arm and back.
Bring the bottom corner up over baby’s feet and tuck it into the top of the swaddle.
Pull the remaining side across and tuck it under baby’s body, leaving enough room at the hips.
Or just use a Velcro or zip-up swaddle sack if that’s more your speed. No shame in the easy way—I used them with my own babies, especially in the middle of the night.
What If My Baby Hates Being Swaddled?
This is more common than people admit. Some babies resist swaddling at first. If you’ve tried it a few times and your baby still fusses, try these:
Swaddle with arms out instead of tucked in
Use white noise to mimic the womb
Try swaddling after feeding when baby is already drowsy
Give it a few days—some babies adjust with time
And remember: swaddling isn’t a must for every baby. It’s a helpful tool, not a requirement.
When to Stop Swaddling
Once your baby starts showing signs of rolling (around 8 weeks for many), it’s time to stop swaddling for sleep. A good transition option is a sleep sack or wearable blanket that keeps baby cozy but allows free arm movement.
I always remind moms in my postpartum support calls: you don’t have to do everything perfectly. Swaddling isn’t a pass/fail skill. If you’re using it safely, watching your baby’s cues, and everyone is sleeping better—it’s working.
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Just Fine
Swaddling can feel like one more thing you “should” know how to do—but the truth is, none of us were born knowing how to wrap a tiny flailing human in a blanket that somehow doesn’t unravel in 3 minutes.
It takes practice. It takes patience. And sometimes, it takes trying a few different swaddles before finding what works.
So whether you’re still pregnant and prepping your baby registry or holding a sleepy (or not-so-sleepy) newborn in your arms, I hope this post gave you some clarity, encouragement, and permission to try swaddling at your own pace.
