Swaddling: The Right Way and the Right Time to Stop

Tyria LockhartTyria Lockhartยท

Swaddling calms newborns by recreating the snug feeling of the womb and quieting the startle reflex. The practice is safe only when done correctly and stopped the moment the baby shows signs of rolling.

Follow the safety rules closely.

  • Wrap snug around the arms but loose around the hips
  • Always place a swaddled baby on their back
  • Stop swaddling at the first sign of rolling over
  • Leave the arms free once the startle reflex fades

Swaddling works until it does not. The moment rolling begins, the swaddle becomes a risk, and the transition out should happen right away.

The swaddle is a temporary tool with a clear exit sign. The moment a baby shows any sign of rolling, the swaddle has done its job and the next stage of safe sleep begins.