A New Beginning

Dressing and Swaddling

Caring For Your Baby

Swaddling refers to wrapping your newborn tightly in a blanket. It is a simple, proven way to help your baby feel safe and warm as they adjust to life outside the womb. For your baby, being swaddled reminds them of the calm and closeness they felt inside your uterus.

SCAN + PLAY

Swaddling benefits • Swaddling soothes some babies. Your nurse can help you practice. • Don’t swaddle your baby too loosely because the blanket could come unwrapped and cover your baby’s face, increasing the risk of suffocation. • Don’t swaddle your baby too tightly because it could restrict their breathing. • Stop swaddling your baby when they are about 8 weeks old or become more active. Swaddling after this can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Unswaddled Time Be sure your baby also

spends time unswaddled. When awake, babies need time to move, wiggle, touch, and spend time skin-to-skin. These activities are important to their physical, mental, and emotional development.

SWADDLING IN 6 EASY STEPS

Spread a lightweight cotton or linen blanket out flat, with one corner folded down. Choose the right size for your baby.

Straighten the baby’s left arm, wrap the left corner over the body, and tuck the blanket between the right arm and right side of the body. It should make a “V.”

Lay the baby faceup on the blanket, with their head above the folded corner.

Fold or twist the bottom of the blanket loosely and tuck it under one side of the baby.

Tuck the baby’s right arm down, fold the right corner over the body and under the left side of the body. A small flap should come down to their upper chest to form the other half of the “V.”

Make sure the baby’s hips can move and the blanket is not pulled too tight. Wearable swaddle wraps are also available.

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Chapter 8: Caring for Your Baby