How Do I Swaddle My Baby Safely?

Do you swaddle your baby with thin breathable materials such as cotton receiving blankets, cotton muslin wraps, or cotton-winged baby swaddles?

Do you know that you should not swaddle your baby over its shoulders?

Do you know that your baby's neck and head should never be swaddled?

Do you swaddle your baby so that you are able to fit two to three fingers between the blanket and your baby’s chest?

Do you swaddle your baby so it can move its hips, knees and kick freely?

Do you always put a swaddled baby to sleep on its back?

Do you check your baby's temperature regularly to make sure it's not too hot?

Do you avoid swaddling your baby in extra layers?

Do you keep your baby's room temperature around 20 degrees Celsius all year round?

Based on your answers, here are a few more facts you should consider when swaddling your baby. You should swaddle your baby in thin, breathable materials. Swaddling too tightly is not recommended, because in this way your baby's legs will be forced into an unnatural position, which can interfere with the proper development of your baby's hips. A swaddled baby must be able to move its hips and knees freely, that is, to keep its legs in a natural position (like a frog's legs). You should also avoid swaddling the baby over its shoulders. Your baby’s neck and head should never be swaddled.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to swaddle your baby safely. You should avoid swaddling your baby in extra layers as this can cause overheating. Your baby is probably too hot if it sweats, its hair is damp or its cheeks are flushed. Your baby needs to wear appropriate clothes for the weather too. Usually, a pair of pajamas, and the swaddle blanket are enough to make your baby comfortable. Also, keep the room at a comfortable temperature. It is best to put a swaddled baby to sleep on its back. Also, don't forget to push the bottom of the blanket under your baby.