How to Swaddle a Baby: Steps, Benefits, and Safety Tips

• Introduction
• What Is Swaddling?
• Advantages Of Swaddling A Baby:
• How To Swaddle A Baby?
• Is Swaddling A Safe Practice?
• Which Is The Best Swaddle For A Newborn Baby?
• Tips You Might Want TO KNOW
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs
• Message From SuperBottoms
• Reference Links

Swaddling babies is an age-old traditional practice followed by our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, whom we have adopted. But before we get to "How do we swaddle a newborn baby and baby swaddle benefits?" - Let's understand what swaddling is in this SuperBottoms article.

What Is Swaddling?

Swaddling means gently wrapping a baby in a soft, light, and breathable cloth to help them feel calm and sleep better. The baby or newborn swaddle is wrapped around the body, leaving the neck and head out. The aim is to make your baby feel snug and secure, just like in the mother's womb, making the transition from the womb to the world easier.

Advantages Of Swaddling A Baby:

1• Babies are born with the Moro reflex, the startle reflex. It is a neurological response that causes a newborn to feel as though they are free-falling. Babies experience this all the time during the first 3 to 6 months. While it is very typical and is a sign of a healthy baby, this reflex can often disturb a baby's sleep.

If you swaddle the baby, it helps prevent those spontaneous movements and significantly reduces the Moro reflex's effect, allowing for much more relaxed, uninterrupted sleep for your precious little one.

2• Baby swaddle wraps for newborns keep them snug and warm while sleeping.

3• The babies are snug and feel secure while inside their mother's womb. Swaddling mimics this warmth and helps the baby feel the same safety and security outside the womb.

4• Many babies are bothered by colic pain that continues until they start solids. Swaddling also helps colicky babies feel comfortable and calm.

5• Wrapping in a cosy and comfortable swaddle on stricter days for babies, like vaccination days, sick days, etc., can calm them and help them sleep better.

How To Swaddle A Baby?

Method 1 - Simple Swaddle

So, now the question is, how to swaddle a baby? Your search for the best way to baby swaddle ends here! Here is an easy reference video and a step-by-step baby swaddle technique to help you follow and understand the baby swaddle style better.

Step 1 – Find a flat, safe surface with no sharp edges or corners from where your baby is at risk of rolling over or falling.
Step 2 – Fold the baby swaddle from one corner and place your baby face up. The head should be above the Swaddling Cloth over the folded corner.
Step 3 – Straighten your baby's arms and place them over their body. Bring the baby swaddle wrap from one side over the body and tuck it under the body on the opposite side.
Step 4 – Repeat the process on the opposite end and then secure the tail, as shown in the video.

Method 2 - Burrito Wrap

Step 1 - Lay the baby swaddle on a flat surface.
Step 2 - fold the swaddles from one side a few inches inwards to give it a diamond shape.
Step 3 - Lay the baby on its back with the folded portion below its neck.
Step 4 - Tuck your baby's hands under the swaddle fold so they are placed by their shoulders or faces. Alternatively, you can leave their arms out and tuck the swaddle underneath their armpits as per their comfort.
Step 5 - Take the right side of the swaddle and cross it across their body, tucking it underneath their left side.
Step 6 - Fold the bottom tail of the swaddle upwards towards the baby's head and securely tuck it into the top right side of the fold.
Step 7 - Finally, take the left side, wrap it across their body, and tuck it underneath them on the right-hand side.

Method 3 - Hands-Up Baby Swaddle Wraps

This baby swaddle technique does not work when the baby starts to move or wiggle much, as the risk of the swaddle coming off or the baby becoming uncomfortable is high.

Step 1 - Place the swaddles for babies on a flat surface and fold them inwards a few inches to create a diamond shape
Step 2 - Place the baby on its back over the cloth, with the folded side below its neck.
Step 3 - Put their arm above their shoulder on their side and pull one side of the swaddle over the baby's body, leaving the arm out. Tuck it under the baby.
Step 4 - Repeat on the opposite side, then tuck the excess cloth under the folds of the swaddle or the baby.

Best Timing for Swaddling:

Is Swaddling A Safe Practice?

As parents, we always weigh all the pros and cons before deciding on anything for our little bundle of joy. Thus, it is also essential to know if there are any safety considerations or precautions to take while using a SuperBottoms Dry Feel Swaddle wrap for newborns.

Here are some tips one must keep in mind:

1• Swaddles for babies are recommended for babies who cannot roll over yet.

2• In the summertime, avoid using a blanket or covering sheet if your baby is swaddled, as the swaddle is the first layer, and more layers can make your baby's body temperature rise. However, in the cold winter, you can opt for the Baby Blankets, as winters can be harsh on your little one.

3• Do not use synthetic or heavy material to swaddle your baby. Instead, opt for a light, breathable swaddle, such as the SuperBottoms Mulmul 100% Cotton Swaddle.

4• Please ensure that the swaddle is snug enough but not tight. That might make your baby uncomfortable.

5• If your baby prefers their hands to be out of the baby swaddle wraps, let them lead and do what makes them comfortable.

6• Ensure that you do not stretch your baby's legs and that they are in a natural infant position while swaddling.

Which Is The Best Swaddle For A Newborn Baby?

1• Old cotton sarees of moms and grandmas in the family were always kept aside to be cut into squares and used as swaddles, towels, wraps, and other items for the next baby that would arrive.

2• With time and our societal fabric changing, the way we dress has also changed.

3• Unfortunately, as an aftereffect, many of us lost out on those soft, broken-in cotton sarees to swaddle our babies in.

4• But what if we said it is still possible to swaddle your babies in the softest, gentlest Mulmul cloth, with the bonus of them looking just like our grandma's sarees?

5• SuperBottoms has introduced 100% Cotton Mulmul Swaddles, which have many baby swaddle benefits. These incredibly soft, square pieces of cloth are available in beautiful traditional Indian prints and earthy colours, just as loving as grandma's snuggles.

Here Are Some Quick Tips You Might Want To Know About Swaddling:

1• When should a newborn baby be swaddled? At night, while putting them down for a nap, to calm or comfort them when needed. However, before swaddling, ensure your baby wears UNO Cloth diapers to avoid a later mess.

2• How long can one swaddle the baby? You should stop swaddling your baby before it starts rolling over from supine to prone (back to tummy).

3• Can you breastfeed a swaddled baby? Swaddling makes the baby very comfortable, and thus, it can doze off to sleep. Although there is no risk or harm in breastfeeding a swaddled baby, it is better to let the baby feed first, then swaddle it and put it down for a nap.

4• To conclude, there are many benefits associated with swaddling. So go for nothing but the best swaddles for your little one—the snuggle is real.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Swaddling is a centuries-old practice of wrapping newborns in a soft, light, and breathable cloth to help them feel calm and snug.

2. Reduces the startle reflex, which can disrupt your baby's sleep.

3. Ensure that your child is not swaddled for too long and that there is a 2-3 finger gap between their chest and the swaddle.

FAQs:

Q1. What are the advantages of swaddling a baby?

Ans. Swaddling can help soothe newborns, reduce crying, and promote better sleep by preventing the startle reflex from waking them up. It can also provide security and comfort for babies as they transition to life outside the womb.

Q2. How to swaddle a baby while they sleep?

Ans. Yes, swaddles for babies can be safe for sleep when done correctly. Ensure the swaddle is snug but not too tight, allowing your baby to move their hips and legs. Always place your baby on their back to sleep and avoid overdressing or covering their head.

Q3. When should I start swaddling my newborn?

Ans. Swaddling can be started from birth and is often used in the first few months of a baby's life when the baby has a strong startle reflex and may have difficulty settling down.

Message from SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! SuperBottoms brings you doctor-recommended cloth diapers — the best rash-free diapering solution for your baby’s sensitive and delicate skin. Unlike disposable diapers loaded with chemicals, our newborn cloth diapers, when used and washed properly, can help eliminate the risk of diaper rashes. SuperBottoms offers a wide range of safe, skin-friendly essentials for the whole family — including Reusable Cloth Diapers, Diaper Pants, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, Padded Underwear for potty training, SuperSoft Underwear for everyday comfort, Joggers for playful days, and Period Underwear for women. Not just for everyday use, SuperBottoms products also make the best gifting choice for babies — thoughtful, eco-friendly, practical, and loved by parents. Now available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit

Reference Links:

1. babycenter.com/swaddling-newborn-baby2
2. webmd.com/baby/swaddling