Swaddling
Hip-healthy swaddling, and when to stop
About 5 min
Why it matters
A good swaddle calms the startle reflex and helps a newborn settle. Wrapping the legs tight and straight can harm hip development, and swaddling a baby who is starting to roll raises the risk of suffocation.
What you need
- A thin, breathable cotton blanket or a ready-made swaddle (not a weighted one)
Step by step
- 1 Lay the blanket out like a diamond and fold the top corner down about a hand's width.
- 2 Place your baby on their back with the shoulders at the fold; head and neck stay outside the blanket.
- 3 Hold one arm straight at their side, bring that side of the blanket across the chest and tuck it under the other arm.
- 4 Fold the bottom corner up but keep it loose: the legs must be able to bend up and out at the hips (frog position).
- 5 Bring the other side across the chest and tuck it behind them.
- 6 Check: you should fit 2-3 fingers between the chest and the blanket; hips and legs stay loose.
- 7 Always place a swaddled baby on their back. If they sweat or have damp hair or flushed cheeks, remove a layer.
- 8 Stop swaddling as soon as your baby tries to roll; this can start as early as 2 months. Switch to a sleep sack with free arms.
Common mistakes
- Wrapping the legs straight and pressed together.
- Placing a swaddled baby on their tummy or side.
- Covering the head or dressing too warmly under the swaddle.
- Continuing to swaddle a baby who tries to roll.
When to see a doctor
- Leg creases look uneven, one leg seems shorter, or the legs are hard to open during changes (hip check).
- Trouble breathing or turning blue while swaddled: unwrap at once and call 112.
This guide gives general information and doesn't replace a medical exam. If you're worried about your baby, talk to your doctor.