Properly Swaddle a Baby

6 Parts:

Steps

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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Swaddling is a wonderful way to soothe an upset or fussy child. Swaddling reminds the baby of the warmth and comfort of life in the womb and makes them feel secure, while at the same time providing extra protection from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Swaddling is also said to help babies sleep for longer periods of time without waking up. There are several real health concerns, however, and you should practice at your own discretion. See warnings below.

1. 1
   Turn your blanket or towel sideways on a flat surface.
   
   

   

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2. 2
   Fold one corner of the blanket down; this is where the baby's shoulders will go.
   
   

   

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3. 3
   Lay the baby on the blanket and tuck the baby's legs up to his or her side, or chest area. Bring the bottom of the blanket up over the babies legs.
   
   

   

   
   
   

   

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4. 4
   Take the babies left arm and place on his or her chest, fold the left flap of the blanket over the arm and tuck on the opposite side of your baby's body.
   
   

   

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5. 5
   Repeat with the right side.
   
   

   

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

   

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• You can also swaddle the baby with the blanket over the top of his or her head if it's chilly outside. Make sure that the baby's airway is clear and unobstructed by the blanket at all times. Make sure not to swaddle the infant too tightly; the swaddle should be firm to the point that the baby can not free it's arms, but not so tight that the infant shows signs of discomfort.

• Swaddling too often, or too tightly has been shown to cause hip dysplasia.

• A towel, blanket or piece of cloth
• A baby
  

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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