Swaddling or tightly wrapping your new baby mimics the feeling of them being in the womb and makes them feel safe and secure. Having their arms swaddled down reduces the startle reflex and can help your baby to sleep longer.
There are different ways to swaddle your baby and you may find they like one way more than the other. This is the way I find most effective and easy to achieve.
Step 1
Create a triangle by either folding the swaddle in half or bring a corner down half way for a larger wrap.
Step 2
Place baby in the middle of the wrap with their head and neck above the swaddle.
Step 3
While holding baby's right arm down, bring the right corner over your baby's shoulder and tuck under their torso. It can help to gently roll them to get the corner under easily.
Step 4
Hold your baby's left arm and bring that corner over their shoulder. Tuck corner firmly under your baby. You can leave the bottom, tuck it under the mattress or fold back up over your baby.
Swaddle Check
You want the swaddle to be well away from your baby's face. You should have a nice V shape at the front of their chest. (if its too high, start again with baby higher)
It should be firm across the arms and body so your baby cannot wriggle out but not too tight to restrict. It needs to be loose on the hips to allow movement.
If its a cold night, you can firmly tuck a blanket over your swaddled baby. Have the blanket start mid arm so it is nowhere near their face.
*** To keep your baby safe, there should be no loose blankets or toys in their bed. Remove all hats and headband prior to baby sleeping ***
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