Baby Burrito

Swaddling your infant

Current medical opinion supports swaddling as a comforting technique so long as the baby's limbs are not constricted beyond the first few weeks of life. The theory behind swaddling is that it simulates closeness of the womb, and of a loving adult's close embrace.

To swaddle a baby, follow these instructions:

Lay the blanket or sheet on a flat surface, such as a bed, a turn, down the top right hand corner a few inches.

Place the baby on his back, head on the fold in the blanket.

Pull the corner nearest the baby's left hand across the body, tucking in this edge under his back, on the right side under that arm.

Pull up the bottom corner of the blanket under the baby's chin.

The loose corner near the baby's right arm should now be brought up over the arm and tucked under the back, on his left side.

This leaves a securely swaddled baby. If he does not like it at first, try freeing his/her arms. Some still enjoy the security of being held close, but like freedom for their arms. In this case, follow the instructions as above but tucking the blanket under the arms rather than over them.

It might take a bit of practice, especially if you are by yourself and the baby is distressed, moving around. But it might be the technique that soothes both of you. Some babies hate being swaddled however and if the level of distress grows after swaddling, discontinue the practice. There is no point in doing something that only upsets him more. The theory behind swaddling is that it simulates closeness of the womb, and of a loving parent's close embrace. Some babies will only settle for being in mom or dad's arms, though and as this stage does not last for long you might as well go along with it.