LEARN TO SWADDLE!

Fold one corner DOWN* and place the baby with shoulders at the fold.

Arms can be at side or across chest.

*About shoulder width across. It depends on both the size of your baby and the size of the blanket. You will get a feel for it the more swaddling you do.

Bring the LEFT corner DOWN, across the chest and AROUND.

Tuck it behind the RIGHT side.

*The arm on your right can be out or inside the tuck. Outside the tuck ensures the baby's hands don't touch which eliminates another potential stimulus to baby.

*If you have a squirmy baby you may need to keep a hand here until the next step is done.

Bring the TAIL UP and OVER.

Tuck it behind the RIGHT shoulder

*Older babies may require the tuck be behind the back instead of over the shoulder. The tail can also be left free for the freedom of movement that older babies often prefer.

Bring the RIGHT corner DOWN, across the chest again and AROUND the back.

*The weight of the baby will hold it in place or, if your baby is small enough you can tuck it in under the LEFT shoulder of the swaddle

Warnings:

{ Be sure to dress your baby appropriately when swaddling. Overheating may be linked to SIDS.

{ All babies should be laid to sleep on their backs.

{ Do not swaddle after child can roll over.

{ Never place loose blankets in bed with your baby.

{ Successful swaddling takes practice!

Additional Help

Swaddling takes lots of practice! Techniques vary here and there but essentially accomplish the same task, to restrict babies movement so she can feel comforted. If this technique doesn't work for you, keep trying!

Here are some additional resources online that may be of help:

Here is a link to a YouTube video (not made by Growth for Life) demonstrating the same technique that I recommend: How to swaddle your baby

Another YouTube video showing a neat hospital technique: Instruction of how to wrap up a new born

Bambino Land is a great resource for learning how to swaddle (also sells swaddling blankets - muslin only)

aden + anais is also an amazing resource for all things swaddle (also sells swaddling blankets - muslin only)