Perfecting your swaddling technique might be one of the last things on your mind, especially in those last few weeks of pregnancy when the focus is on finishing the nursery and picking up some more newborn diapers. But there’s a reason why swaddling is #1 on Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s for Soothing Babies list - swaddling is one of the best ways to calm a crying baby. It recreates the warmth and snug packaging of the womb for baby, and allows other soothing methods to work more effectively because baby can’t wriggle around.
To get the perfect swaddle, first you have to decide on what you’re using. The three swaddling blankets that I see mommas use most often are the Halo SleepSack, muslin swaddling blankets, and thermal swaddling blankets.
A Halo SleepSack, a Swaddle Designs muslin swaddle blanket, and a thermal swaddle blanket (from left to right).
While swaddling may seem intuitive, it isn’t always so easy. I always recommend that new mommas practice on a relative’s or friend’s baby, or even a baby doll, that way they’re not rushing to learn once baby arrives. I also recommend trying out a few different swaddling blankets, that way you can find what you’re most comfortable and confident in.
Here are the 4 steps to getting a perfect swaddle every time:
1. Place your swaddling blanket on a flat surface so that each corner of the blanket are oriented as top, bottom, left, and right. Fold the top corner down so there’s a straight edge at the top of the blanket. Lay baby down on the blanket so that their ears are lined up with that straight edge.
2. Take the right corner and pull it across baby’s body over the left arm, then tuck the excess blanket under baby’s body. Make sure the left arm is inside the blanket and unable to move. Pull the left half of the blanket taut under baby to make sure there’s no bunching. THIS IS THE SECRET SAUCE! Keeping that first wrap of the blanket taut is the biggest secret to getting a great swaddle that doesn’t fall apart!
3. Take the bottom corner and pull it up and over baby’s body, then tuck the corner under baby’s right shoulder. Make sure the right arm is under this portion of the blanket, and that there’s no bunching.
4. Keeping the remaining loose blanket snug against baby’s right shoulder, take the left corner and pull it across baby’s body to create a “seat belt.” Tuck the excess blanket into the swaddle to make it secure.
And that’s it! Of course, you can reverse the left and right corner orders depending on what feels best to you. I’m a lefty so I like to start with the right corner going over the left shoulder, but that’s just what works for me.
I definitely prefer to use a thermal swaddle blanket because the give and stretch of the material allows for a tighter swaddle overall. I find that with a muslin blanket there’s not enough stretch and I end up with the fabric loose around baby’s shoulders and neck, which can lead to an escape from the swaddle. And, I find that the Halo SleepSack is too big to keep baby’s arms at the side, which can also lead to an escape.
Close up of the muslin swaddle blanket gapping at baby’s shoulders and neck (left), and baby escaping the Halo SleepSack (right).
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