Swaddling
Traditional blanket swaddle
The baseline swaddle: snug across the chest and arms, loose at the hips, secure enough that it cannot ride up over the face.
Diamond and fold
Illustrated frame placeholder
Top corner folded down about 6 inches.
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
- ·A large square thin blanket (about 44 inches)
- ·A flat firm surface
- ·A calm, awake baby if possible
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.
- Two fingers should fit between the blanket and the chest.
- Hips and knees must be free to bend and spread.
Step by step
- 1Lay the blanket in a diamond and fold the top corner down about 6 inches.
- 2Place the baby on their back with the shoulders just below the fold.
- 3Hold the right arm straight down along the body.
- 4Bring the left side of the blanket across the chest and tuck it under the opposite side of the body.
- 5Fold the bottom corner up, leaving room for the hips and legs to bend outward.
- 6Hold the left arm down and bring the remaining side across, tucking it snugly beneath the baby.
- 7Check chest tightness with two fingers, and check hips can still move.
- 8Place the swaddled baby on their back on a firm flat sleep surface with nothing else in it.
Common mistakes
- Tight straight legs, which risks hip dysplasia
- Loose tail of blanket near the face
- Swaddling over a hot room or heavy sleepwear
How do I know I am doing this correctly?
- Two fingers slide in at the chest
- Hips flex and spread freely
- The swaddle stays put through a nap
- The baby's neck and back are cool, not sweaty
Interactive safety check
0 of 7 confirmed. Do not leave the baby until every item is checked.
When this technique is not appropriate
- · Once rolling attempts start
- · During skin-to-skin or feeding
- · If the baby has a hip condition unless your pediatrician approves
When to stop and seek help
- · Baby is showing signs of rolling: stop swaddling entirely
- · Persistent overheating, sweating or flushed skin
- · Any concern about hip clicking or asymmetry: call the pediatrician
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.