How To Use a Baby Swaddle Blanket

Swaddle blankets are all the rage among parents - and for good reason! While there are many creative ways to use a swaddle, you may be wondering what is the best way to wrap your baby up using this invention? Below, we will guide you step-by-step on how to swaddle a baby and showcase some of the best baby swaddle blankets that you can buy today in Canada and North America.

Baby Swaddle Blankets Tutorial: Swaddling Your Baby

When you see a nurse swaddling your baby for the first time in the hospital you may be left in awe of the level of skill used and the pure perfection of the execution. Don’t let this dampen your spirits. Swaddling a baby can be much easier than it looks - provided you do it correctly. 

Remember, you might not get it right on the first or even third try. And that’s ok. When it came to our baby, the art of swaddling was a learned skill that we perfected over time. The first thing that you need to get right is to choose a good swaddle blanket. You are looking for one that is breathable, soft and provides plenty of stretch. 

If the baby swaddle blanket is too firm or rigid, then you will find it nearly impossible to wrap securely around your baby without making it far too restrictive. Although restricting their movements is the whole point of swaddling your baby, you don’t want it to feel tight or uncomfortable. 

Once you have chosen the perfect swaddle blanket, you now need to learn how to use it on your baby correctly. Let’s take a look at how to do that below.

How to Swaddle a Newborn Baby: Step-by-Step Guide

Now it’s time to answer the burning question that is on the lips of many first-time parents across the globe: How to wrap a baby in a swaddle blanket? The good news is that there is no secret formula or technique that is being kept under wraps (bad pun very much intended). 

Swaddling a baby can be done in a few simple steps: 

1. Spread the swaddle blanket on a flat surface such as a bed, changing table, or on the floor. Once you have done that, fold over one of the swaddle’s corners and lay your baby down so that their head is lying on the folded corner.
2. Wrap the right corner over your child while keeping their right arm straight against their side. Tuck the end of the swaddle blanket beneath your baby. 
3. Next, fold the bottom corner up and over your baby’s feet. 
4. Fold the left corner over your baby similar to what you did in step two. Make sure that you leave your baby’s head and neck exposed. 
5. Make sure that the baby swaddle blanket isn’t wrapped too tightly around your baby’s hips or legs. They should still have enough space to move their lower body with ease and comfort. 

You can begin swaddling your baby for naps and at nighttime from the moment that they are born until they are approximately 2 or 3 months old. It is recommended that once your baby can roll over, that you switch to using a sleep sack. 

Why Swaddling is Important in the Early Weeks

Swaddling is an ancient method that has been used for hundreds of years. There is a reason why it is recommended that you swaddle a newborn during their early weeks. This is because the act of swaddling helps your baby to feel safe and secure while sleeping. 

It is thought that wrapping your newborn in a baby swaddle blanket will help to prevent their startle reflex from triggering - and ultimately waking them up. Swaddling also helps to keep your baby warm. During their first few weeks, babies can’t regulate their internal temperature. That means keeping your baby as cozy as possible at all times, especially during sleep. 

Mebie Baby and Mushie: Experts in Baby Swaddle Blankets

At Luca Elle Boutique, we love baby swaddle blankets. So, for that reason, we wanted to stock only the best of baby brands that create the softest and most comfortable swaddles: Mebie Baby and Mushie. 

We would be surprised if you haven’t heard of these brands before. Mebie Baby was started by a mom who wanted to provide other parents with baby clothes and accessories that were simple, modern, and affordable. The brand Mushie was also created by a mom who was looking for sustainable and safe baby essentials. 

Both of these brands excel at creating swaddles for babies that are modern, sustainable, and most importantly comfortable. Let’s take a look at two of our personal favourites:

Interested in seeing more? Browse our selection of swaddle blankets today on Luca Elle Boutique.