There’s something almost magical about watching a fussy newborn settle into calm the moment you wrap them up snugly. Swaddling has been practiced across cultures for centuries, and for good reason. It mimics the cozy containment of the womb, helping babies feel secure during those overwhelming first weeks of life outside.
But here’s the thing: swaddling isn’t as simple as folding a blanket and hoping for the best. Done incorrectly, it can actually pose serious risks to your baby’s hips, breathing, and overall safety.
The good news is that when you understand the guidelines, swaddling becomes a beautiful tool in your newborn toolkit. These seven rules will help you swaddle with confidence, keeping your little one safe while giving everyone a better chance at rest.
1) Always place your swaddled baby on their back
This one is non-negotiable. Every single time you lay your swaddled baby down to sleep, they need to be on their back. The Safe to Sleep campaign has been clear about this for decades: back sleeping dramatically reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
When a baby is swaddled, their ability to move and reposition themselves is limited. If they were to end up face-down, they wouldn’t have the arm mobility to push up or turn their head effectively. This makes back sleeping even more critical for swaddled babies than for unswaddled ones.
I remember being so nervous about this with my first. I’d tiptoe into the room multiple times a night just to check positioning. Over time, I learned to trust the process, but I never got casual about it. Back sleeping isn’t just a suggestion. It’s the foundation of safe swaddling.
2) Keep the swaddle snug around the arms but loose at the hips
Here’s where many well-meaning parents go wrong. The instinct is to wrap everything tightly, creating that perfect little burrito. But your baby’s hips need room to move, flex, and develop properly.
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has raised awareness about the connection between improper swaddling and hip problems.
When babies’ legs are forced straight and pressed together, it can interfere with healthy hip joint development. Instead, the swaddle should allow the legs to bend up and out at the hips, maintaining that natural frog-leg position newborns naturally assume.
Think of it this way: snug up top, loose down below. The arms can be wrapped securely against the body to prevent the startle reflex from waking your baby, but from the waist down, there should be plenty of wiggle room. A good test is whether you can easily slip your hand between the swaddle and your baby’s chest. If you can’t, it’s too tight overall.
3) Stop swaddling at the first sign of rolling
This is the rule that catches many parents off guard because it can happen sooner than expected. The moment your baby shows any indication that they’re learning to roll, swaddling needs to stop. For most babies, this happens somewhere between two and four months, but some start showing signs even earlier.
As noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, a swaddled baby who rolls onto their stomach is at significant risk because they cannot use their arms to reposition themselves or clear their airway.
This is why pediatricians recommend transitioning out of the swaddle at the first hint of rolling, not after your baby has fully mastered the skill.
Watch for signs like increased leg strength during tummy time, attempts to shift weight to one side, or that telltale hip twist that precedes rolling. When you see these cues, it’s time to start the transition. Many families find success with one arm out for a few nights, then both arms out, before moving to a sleep sack.
4) Never swaddle a baby for supervised tummy time or feeding
Swaddling is specifically a sleep tool. During awake time, your baby needs their arms and legs free to explore, strengthen muscles, and develop motor skills. This is especially important during tummy time, when babies need their arms to push up and build the neck and shoulder strength that will eventually help them roll, crawl, and sit.
Feeding is another time when swaddling can actually work against you. Babies use their hands as cues during breastfeeding, often bringing them to their mouths or touching the breast. These movements are part of the natural feeding dance. Restricting them can make feeding more frustrating for everyone.
I learned this the hard way when Milo was tiny. He’d fall asleep nursing while swaddled, and I thought I was being efficient. But our lactation consultant gently pointed out that his hands-to-mouth cues were being missed, which was affecting his latch. Once I started unswaddling for feeds, things improved noticeably.
5) Use only thin, breathable fabrics
Overheating is a real concern with swaddled babies, and it’s been identified as a risk factor for SIDS. When you’re choosing a swaddle blanket, opt for lightweight, breathable materials like muslin or thin cotton. Skip the fleece, the thick knits, and anything that feels cozy-warm to you as an adult.
Remember that the swaddle itself adds a layer of warmth. Your baby likely doesn’t need much underneath, perhaps just a diaper or a thin onesie depending on the room temperature. A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one layer less than you’d wear to be comfortable.
Check your baby’s temperature by feeling the back of their neck or their tummy, not their hands or feet, which tend to run cool naturally. If they feel sweaty or their chest is hot to the touch, they’re overdressed. A comfortable baby should feel warm but not damp.
6) Make sure the swaddle stays secure and cannot come loose
A swaddle that unravels during sleep becomes a loose blanket in the crib, which is a suffocation hazard. This is why technique matters so much, and why many parents eventually switch to velcro or zipper swaddles that stay put more reliably than a traditional blanket.
If you’re using a blanket, practice your technique until it’s second nature. The fabric should be tucked securely so that even a wiggly baby can’t kick or squirm their way out. Some babies are little Houdinis from day one, and for these escape artists, a purpose-made swaddle product is often the safest choice.
Check on your swaddled baby periodically, especially in the early days when you’re still perfecting your wrap. If you notice the blanket has shifted up toward their face or come loose around their body, it’s time to either re-swaddle or consider a different swaddling method that stays more secure.
7) Follow your baby’s cues and don’t force it
Here’s the truth that sometimes gets lost in all the swaddling advice: not every baby likes being swaddled. Some infants fight the wrap from day one, arching their backs and crying harder when contained. Others love it for a few weeks and then clearly communicate that they’re done.
Your baby is the ultimate authority on what works for them. If swaddling consistently leads to more distress rather than calm, it’s okay to try alternatives. Some babies prefer having their arms up by their face. Others do better with just a sleep sack from the start. There’s no prize for forcing a technique that isn’t serving your family.
Ellie was a swaddle-loving baby who slept so much better wrapped up tight. Milo tolerated it for about three weeks before making it abundantly clear he wanted his hands free. Both approaches were right for each child. Parenting is so much about reading the individual in front of you.
Closing thoughts
Swaddling can be a wonderful way to help your newborn feel secure and sleep more soundly during those intense early weeks. But like so many parenting tools, it works best when used thoughtfully and safely. These seven rules aren’t meant to make swaddling feel complicated or scary.
They’re simply the guardrails that let you use this technique with confidence.
Trust yourself as you learn what works for your baby. Pay attention to their cues, stay flexible, and remember that this swaddling season is brief. Before you know it, your little one will be rolling, reaching, and ready for the next phase.
Until then, may your swaddles be snug, your baby’s hips be free, and your nights be as restful as possible.
