Swaddles come in lots of shapes and sizes. Some common types are: 

• Muslin wraps – large pieces of soft cotton fabric, often with patterns
• Swaddle pods – fitted sleep bags with a zip that hold your baby’s arms in place
• Sleep sacks with arm covers – looser sleep bags with fixed or removable sleeves
• Velcro swaddles – wraps that fasten with hook-and-loop strips 

There’s no single “best” swaddle. The right one for you depends on things like: 

• how easy it is to use
• whether your baby’s likes to sleep with their arms are held up or down
• the cost
• how warm it is
• the fabric type 

It’s a good idea to try different types to see which one works best for your baby and fits your routine. 

1. Lay the wrap flat in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing up.
2. Fold the top corner down to the middle to make a straight edge.
3. Place your baby on their back, with their neck just above the folded edge.
4. Gently place your baby’s right arm next to their side with a small bend in the elbow.
5. Pull the left side of the wrap across their body on a downward diagonal and tuck it under their right side and bottom, leaving their left arm free.
6. Fold the bottom corner of the wrap up and tuck it loosely behind your baby’s left shoulder or into the fold across their chest.
7. Place your baby’s left arm by their side with a slight bend.
8. Pull the right side of the wrap across your baby’s chest to cover their left arm.
9. Tuck this edge gently but firmly under their body. 

Check: The wrap should feel snug but not too tight. Your baby’s chest should move easily, and they should be able to straighten and bend their legs. 

• Try a few different swaddles to see which one your baby likes best
• Never use weighted or heavy swaddles – they can make sleeping unsafe and increase the risk of SUDI
• Make sure there’s some wiggle room around your baby’s hips so they can move freely
• Tuck in any loose fabric to keep the swaddle snug and secure
• Dress or swaddle your baby based on the room temperature. As a guide, use about one more layer than you’re wearing
• Always put your baby to sleep on their back
• Keep your baby’s head and face uncovered during sleep. 

When a baby is swaddled, their arms cannot move.    

Once your baby starts rolling, they will need to transition out of a swaddle and have their hands free. This is so your baby can roll themselves back over if they end up face-down while sleeping. 

Swaddling keeps your baby’s arms tucked in, but there comes a time when they need more freedom to move. 

It’s time to stop swaddling your baby when: 

• they start showing signs of rolling (usually around 3 to 6 months, but it can happen earlier or later)
• they begin pulling themselves up to stand (often around 10 to 11 months, but it can happen earlier or late) 

 Letting your baby’s arms move freely helps them stay safe by allowing them to roll onto their back if needed.  

 Tips to make the transition easier: 

• try releasing one arm from the swaddle for 1-2 weeks to help your baby adjust.
• expect some sleep disruption at first. this is normal and usually improves as your baby gets used to having their arms free.