Swaddling
Arms-down swaddle
The most containing version, useful for a strong startle reflex in the early weeks.
Arms flat
Illustrated frame placeholder
Palms toward the thighs, not crossed over the chest.
Transcript and media source
Full transcript available. Placeholder media for the prototype; production media is sourced only from hospitals, university medical centers, government health agencies, professional medical organizations and certified lactation professionals.
Reviewing clinician: R. Okafor, MSN, RN · Reviewed 2026-05-14 · Captions available
Supplies needed
- ·Square swaddle blanket
- ·Flat firm surface
Safety warnings
- Stop swaddling when the baby shows signs of attempting to roll, and always place a swaddled baby on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface without loose bedding. Weighted swaddles and weighted sleep sacks are not recommended.
- Arms down does not mean arms squeezed. The chest must never be compressed.
Step by step
- 1Diamond position, top corner folded down about 6 inches, shoulders just below the fold.
- 2Place both arms straight alongside the body, palms toward the thighs.
- 3Bring the first side firmly across the chest, keeping that arm flat, and tuck under the body.
- 4Fold the bottom up loosely so the hips stay free.
- 5Bring the second side across and tuck it under.
- 6Confirm two fingers fit at the chest and the baby can still expand their belly with each breath.
Common mistakes
- Crossing arms tightly over the chest
- Pulling so tight that the belly cannot rise
- Using a thick blanket in a warm room
How do I know I am doing this correctly?
- Belly visibly rises with each breath
- Startles no longer wake the baby fully
- Two-finger chest check passes
Interactive safety check
0 of 7 confirmed. Do not leave the baby until every item is checked.
When this technique is not appropriate
- · Babies who fight arms-down and become more distressed
- · Once rolling begins
When to stop and seek help
- · Rapid, laboured or grunting breathing: loosen immediately and seek care
- · Any rolling attempts: stop swaddling
This app provides education and decision support. It cannot rule out a medical emergency.
Finish this tutorial
How confident do you feel doing this on your own?
Clinical review
- Author
- Partnered Postpartum clinical content team
- Reviewer
- M. Chen, MD · Pediatrician
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-14
- Next review
- 2027-05-14
- Version
- 1.2
- Applies to
- United States and Canada
Evidence sources
- · American Academy of Pediatrics, Caring for Your Baby and Young Child
- · AWHONN postpartum and newborn care standards
- · NHS newborn care guidance
Version history
- · 1.0 initial publication
- · 1.1 cord-care wording aligned to AAP
- · 1.2 added safety-check steps
This app provides education and decision support. It cannot rule out a medical emergency.
This app provides education and decision support. It cannot rule out a medical emergency.