How To Swaddle A Baby: A Step-By-Step Guide

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Swaddling is an ancient technique designed to help your child sleep peacefully and calm down. But swaddling can be difficult for new parents and caregivers to manage. From when to swddle a newborn to how to swaddle a newborn, here's everything you need to know.
Genevieve Titov, Sleep Angel
5 min read |
01 September, 2025

What is swaddling?   

Swaddling, also known as wrapping, is a strategy parents and caregivers use to help their newborn baby to settle and sleep on their back during the first few months. Swaddling imitates the warmth and comfort experienced in utero and makes the post-birth transition smoother.  

Why should you swaddle your baby?

Why do you swaddle a baby? Swaddling is a technique used by parents and caregivers to help their little one settle and sleep.  
It’s a great way to prevent your child from waking up due to the startle reflex. The startle reflex causes a child’s arms and head to jerk which can cause them to wake them up. Swaddling calms this sudden movement and helps them to settle faster.  
Below, find other common reasons why parents and caregivers choose to swaddle: 

  • Swaddling helps your baby to sleep in a familiar, warm, and comforting environment. 
  • Swaddling helps your baby to stay calmer for longer periods of time.  
  • Swaddling prevents your baby from scratching their face.  
  • Swaddling helps to lay the foundations of a safe sleep routine. Your baby will slowly begin to recognise swaddling as a cue to sleep. 

When should you start swaddling your baby?    

It’s up to the parent or caregiver to decide when to swaddle. If swaddling is something you’d like to try, it’s recommended that you start from birth in order to establish a safe sleep routine that will last for years to come. Your little one will slowly recognise swaddling as a cue to sleep.  
You must stop swaddling once your baby starts to show signs of rolling over or pulling up onto their hands. Every child is different, but this usually happens between three to four months old.   

How to traditionally swaddle a baby: A step-by-step guide  

  1. Step one:  Lay the blanket out on a flat surface such as a changing table and fold over one of the corners.
  2. Step two: Lay your baby face-up on the blanket with the head positioned at the folded corner.
  3. Step three: Bring the bottom corner of the blanket up over their feet.
  4. Step four: Wrap the left corner over your baby, with their left arm by their side, leaving the head and neck outside of the blanket. 
  5. Step five: Make sure the blanket isn’t too tight around the hips and legs and ensure that their body can still move around. 


    How to use the Swaddle Up swaddle bag

    Our award-winning Swaddle-Up™ is designed to help your child sleep in a more natural arms-up™ position thanks to its unique wings. Discover the comfortable, hip-friendly design and convenient zipper closure for easy diaper changes without disturbing your baby's sleep. Much easier than a traditional swaddling: simply place your child in the swaddle-up, close the zipper and lay your baby on his back to sleep. Always follow the guidelines for safe sleep.

    What to keep in mind when swaddling your baby

    From monitoring the room temperature to carrying out safety checks, you should keep the following steps in mind when swaddling your baby.

    Temperature

    It is important to monitor the room temperature to ensure a safe and comfortable sleep for your child. Our clothing guide will help you find the right sleep product depending on the season and room temperature.

    You can also check your baby's temperature by touching his head and tummy, which should be warm to the touch. If your child is too hot or too cold, it can increase the risk of SIDS. If you are concerned about your child's temperature, please consult a doctor.

    Security check

    It is important that you always follow the guidelines for safe sleep. The following are safety checks that you should do before bed:

    • Red Nose Australia recommends that your child sleep in the same room as you for the first six to 12 months.
    • To sleep, always lay your baby on their back on a clean, firm and flat mattress that is the right size for the cot/bassinet. Never use thermal blankets, hot water bottles or pillows/bedding.
    • Always remove all loose objects, toys and blankets from the cot/bassinet before going to bed.
    • Make sure that there are no hanging cords, such as curtains or blinds, near the cot/bassinet.

    How to choose the right swaddle bag

    At Love To Dream™, we offer a range of swaddle bags with different prints, colours and materials. The first thing you should consider is the time of year and the temperature of your baby's sleeping place and use our clothing guide to find the right product. In winter, for example, we recommend our 2.5 TOG or 3.5 TOG. In summer, you should opt for our 0.2 TOG.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do newborns need to be swaddled to sleep?
    No, swaddling is a personal decision. If you choose to swaddle your baby, it's best to start from birth to establish a sleep routine that will last for years to come. Always follow the guidelines for safe sleep and choose the right TOG value for the season and temperature.
    Why do babies like to be swaddled?
    Babies like to be swaddled for the following reasons: Swaddling creates a familiar sleeping environment like in the womb. The Love To Dream Swaddle-Up™ is designed to promote safe self-soothing. Swaddling allows your child more hip movement and freedom.
    How many hours can a baby be swaddled?
    You can swaddle your baby for 12 to 20 hours a day. We recommend removing the swaddle bag for feeding.
    How long should your baby be swaddled?
    You need to stop swaddling your baby if he shows signs of rolling over or pulling up by his hands. Every child is different, but usually this is the case at three to four months. Our Transition Suits and Bags™ are designed to help your child transition to arm-free sleep, as the wings can be removed gradually. Not every baby likes to be swaddled. If your child seems restless or resists, you should stop swaddling.
    Should I swaddle my newborn during the day?
    Yes, you can also swaddle your baby during the day. Swaddling helps your baby feel calm and reminds him that it's time to sleep. Swaddling also reduces the Morro reflex and ensures that your child can sleep peacefully for longer.
    Shouldn't you swaddle your child for a nap?
    If you've swaddled your baby at night, you should also swaddle them for naps. This helps him to recognize this as a sign of sleep. You need to stop swaddling if your child shows signs of rolling over.
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    Try our Love To Dream Swaddle-Up™

    The Love To Dream Swaddle-Up™ is an easy way to swaddle your baby. It can be used from birth to establish a safe sleep routine. Its unique wingtips allow your child to sleep in a more natural arm-up™ position to safely self-soothe, while its hip-healthy design allows for freedom of movement.

    The Swaddle-Up™ is available in a range of colours and materials to suit the different seasons. Use our clothing guide to find the right product for your child.

    If your baby shows signs of rolling over, it's time to stop swaddling. Our transitional suits and sacks are designed to help your child get a more independent sleep without arms.

    At Love To Dream™, we know that every child is different, and we want to help you find the right solution for your family. Love To Dream™ accompanies you every step of the way and is convinced that the little dreamers of today are the creators of tomorrow. For more tips from our experts, check out our blog.

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