Swaddling
Hands-to-face swaddle
A middle option: arms bent with hands resting on the upper chest, contained but able to reach the mouth for self-soothing.
Hands on chest
Illustrated frame placeholder
Elbows bent, hands below the chin.
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
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.
Step by step
- 1Diamond, top corner folded down, shoulders below the fold.
- 2Bend both elbows so the hands rest on the upper chest, just below the chin.
- 3Wrap the first side across the forearms and tuck under the body.
- 4Fold the bottom up loosely for hip movement.
- 5Wrap the second side across and tuck securely.
- 6Check that the top edge sits below the chin and cannot ride up.
Common mistakes
- Top edge too high near the mouth
- Hands trapped so tightly they cannot reach the mouth
How do I know I am doing this correctly?
- Baby can bring hands to the mouth
- Chest two-finger check passes
Interactive safety check
0 of 7 confirmed. Do not leave the baby until every item is checked.
When to stop and seek help
- · Rolling attempts
- · Overheating
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
- R. Okafor, MSN, RN · Registered Nurse
- 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.