How to Swaddle a Newborn

When your new baby is born, they’re experiencing the world around them for the first time! Being outside of the womb is a big change, and swaddling is one way to help your newborn adapt and prevent them from triggering the startle reflex, plus is there anything cuter than a tiny baby burrito? 

If you’re a first-time parent, swaddling can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this overview to help you learn to swaddle your baby safely.

Step 1: Use a super soft swaddle

First things first, you’ll need a swaddle that’s gentle on your newborn’s sensitive skin. Wrap your little one up in one of our buttery soft, stretchy bamboo viscose swaddles. Our signature fabric is perfect for any temperature and will keep summer babies cool and winter babies cozy! 

Step 2: Fold the swaddle

Lay your swaddle flat and fold it in half, so it’s shaped like a triangle. Align the fold at the top to create a natural space to lay your newborn.

Step 3: Lay your baby on the swaddle

Place your baby face-up on top of the swaddle with their head above the fold you created. It’s always safest to use a flat surface like the floor or the middle of a large bed!

Step 4: Wrap your baby 

Start the process of swaddling your baby by taking the bottom of the blanket and folding it up over their chest. Then take the left side of the swaddle and bring it over their left arm and body — tuck the swaddle underneath their right arm and around their back. Finish wrapping your little one by straightening their left arm, taking the final piece of fabric over their body, and tuck it under their left side.

 Step 5:  Secure excess fabric

Take any excess fabric and tuck it inside the wrap you’ve created to prevent the unraveling of your swaddle. 

 Step 6:  Practice, practice, practice

Just like any other part of being a new parent, swaddling takes practice! The more you practice, the easier it’ll become!

As soon as your baby becomes more active and mobile, it’ll be time to transition them from the swaddle. If your little one can roll over, it’s much safer for them to sleep without being swaddled. But don’t worry, once you’ve stopped using your swaddle for swaddling, it has many other uses! Our bamboo viscose swaddles are so versatile; you’ll find yourself using them throughout the first year of your baby’s life. Some of our favorites? Use your swaddle blanket as a car seat or stroller cover, changing mat, nursing cover, photo backdrop (we love seeing those camouflage shots in their matching jammies!), or play mat cover!