This presentation reviews the proper way swaddling should be used and illustrations as well.

1. How to Swaddle a Newborn
A safe and effective way to soothe a
newborn baby

2. What Does Swaddling Mean?
Swaddling is a
specific way to
tightly wrap a
baby in a
blanket.

3. Advantages of Swaddling
• Provides warmth and security to
newborns.
• May help to reduce the startle or Moro
reflex in babies. This reflex is the response
to any stimuli and causes the arms and
legs to jerk outward.
• May provide longer periods of sleep.

4. How to Swaddle a Baby
• Lay a blanket on a flat surface like a diamond and fold down the top corner about
6 inches to form a straight edge.
• Place your baby on his back so that the top of the fabric is at shoulder level.
• Bring your baby's left arm down. Pull the corner of the blanket near his left hand
over his arm and chest, and tuck the leading edge under his back on his right side.
• Bring your baby's right arm down. Pull the corner of the blanket near his right
hand over his arm and chest, and tuck the cloth under his left side.
• Twist or fold the bottom end of the blanket and tuck it loosely behind your baby,
making sure that both legs are bent up and out from his body, his hips can move,
and his legs can spread apart naturally.

6. How Long Should I Swaddle?
• The Swaddling technique should only be used
until the infant can roll on side or belly.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics suggest
stopping at 2 months of age.
• Experts suggest only swaddling while baby is
sleeping, otherwise development may be
hindered.

7. Things to Remember
• Learn how to properly swaddle. Hip and leg
problems may occur if swaddling is too tight.
• On the other hand, do not allow the blanket to
become loose. This can increase the risk of
SIDS(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
• There are blankets available which have Velcro
closures to make swaddling easier.
• Some babies DO NOT like to be swaddled. You
will know very soon if your baby doesn’t like it.