Is Swaddling Safe? A Parent's Guide to Best Practices

Every parent knows—or quickly realizes—that babies sleep a lot in those early days. From zero to three months, babies need, on average, between 14 and 17 hours of sleep ( 1 ). Given that the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) peaks between one and four months, safe sleep is often at the top of the new parent's priority list. 

When done correctly, swaddling can be a safe and effective way to ensure your newborn is getting all the restful sleep they need in those early months. Follow this guide to learn the ins and outs of how to safely swaddle your little one. 

Swaddling is a traditional practice of wrapping a baby snugly in a light, breathable blanket to help them feel calm and secure while reducing sleep-disrupting movements. This method mimics the cozy environment of the womb, which can be incredibly soothing for newborns. Additionally, it helps keep babies safe by eliminating the need for loose blankets, which can greatly increase suffocation risks during a baby's first year. 

In addition to turning your little one into an adorable burrito, swaddling offers many benefits:

• Creating a Safe Sleep Environment:  Swaddling provides extra warmth and comfort for newborns without the risk of suffocation from loose blankets.

• Helping Babies Settle More Easily : The snugness of the wrap can help calm a fussy baby, making it easier for them to settle down and fall asleep.

• Encouraging Deeper Sleep : By reducing the startle reflex, swaddling can help babies sleep more deeply and for longer stretches.

• Soothing Pain and Discomfort : The gentle pressure of a swaddle can help alleviate gas pains and provide relief from colic or other minor discomforts.

• Promoting a Sense of Security : The snug wrap of a swaddle can make a baby feel safe and secure, similar to how they felt in the womb.

Yes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), swaddling a newborn is safe as long as the appropriate guidelines are followed. Proper swaddling can help soothe newborns, promote better sleep, and reduce the startle reflex. However, it is essential to ensure that the swaddle is snug, but not too tight, around the baby's body, allowing for healthy hip development and easy breathing. Additionally, the fabric should be kept away from the baby’s head and mouth to avoid the risk of overheating or suffocation. Lastly, a swaddled baby should always be placed on their back on a firm, flat surface, such as in a crib or bassinet. 

Swaddling a newborn is generally a safe option for sleep during both the day and night. That said, parents should regularly reassess the swaddling technique and adjust as the baby becomes more active and begins to roll over. At that point, it is essential the baby transitions away from the swaddle. 

Remember, safe swaddling is key. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use a Light Blanket : Choose a breathable, lightweight swaddle blanket to prevent overheating. 

• Leave the Baby’s Face Uncovered : Ensure the blanket does not cover the baby’s face to avoid suffocation risks.

• Avoid Wrapping Too Tightly : The swaddle should be snug but not restrictive, especially around the baby's chest and hips.

• Keep the Baby’s Hips Loose : Allow for natural movement of the hips and legs to allow for proper development and to prevent hip dysplasia.

• Monitor the Baby’s Temperature : Regularly check on your baby to ensure they are showing signs of overheating, such as sweating, rapid breathing, or flushed skin.

• Stop Swaddling When the Baby Shows Signs of Rolling Over : Transition to a  sleep sack  or other safe sleep methods once the baby starts to roll over to continue to minimize suffocation risks. 

By following the advice above, you can safely  swaddle your baby  while promoting a secure and restful sleep environment. That said, you can protect your baby and reduce the risks of SIDS by following all of the AAP’s safe sleep recommendations for newborns—but more on that in a moment. 

Overheating

One of the primary concerns with swaddling is the risk of overheating. Babies are less capable of regulating their body temperature, and excessive warmth can increase the risk of SIDS. To help minimize this risk, use blankets made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like  Tencel Lyocell  and  organic cotton . Additionally, monitor the baby's temperature regularly. When  dressing baby for sleep , opt for minimal layers beneath the swaddle to help prevent overheating.

Hip Dysplasia

Improper swaddling that restricts hip and leg movement can contribute to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Proper swaddling allows for natural hip movement, ensuring the baby's legs can bend upward and outward. Avoid too snug a wrap around the lower body to create a "hip-healthy" swaddle that supports proper joint development. To support healthy development, try balancing swaddling during sleep with plenty of unswaddled movement during awake times. 

If you are concerned about hip dysplasia, we recommend you speak to your pediatrician for further assessment and advice. 

Hidden Symptoms and Health Concerns

Swaddling can make it harder for babies to fully wake up, which may mask underlying health concerns like sleep apnea. While swaddling itself is not a direct risk for SIDS, improper swaddling can increase the chances of SIDS-related death. Follow proper guidelines, such as always placing a swaddled baby on their back on a flat, firm sleep surface and stopping swaddling when the baby shows signs of rolling over. 

Swaddling or not, parents should always remain vigilant and keep an eye on their little one’s sleep patterns. Look for signs of any discomfort or distress. As always, check in with a pediatrician if anything seems off.

A big part of swaddling safety is knowing when to stop swaddling. However, determining the appropriate age to  stop swaddling  can be challenging, as it varies from infant to infant. Generally, you want to stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling over, which typically happens between two to four months of age, as rolling over while swaddled can increase the risk of suffocation. Rather than basing your decision on age alone, pay attention to your baby's developmental milestones and let that be your guide of when it is the right time to stop swaddling.

Don’t worry–this doesn’t mean your child will lose all sense of snug security and soothing comfort. As infants grow, they develop the ability to self-soothe and no longer need to rely on the snugness of a swaddle to feel secure. Introducing a transitional sleep item, such as a sleep sack, can offer continued comfort and security when swaddling is no longer safe. 

While many babies love being swaddled, some may not—and that’s completely okay. There are safe alternatives to swaddling that you can try! These are also some great options when your baby is ready to transition away from the swaddle: 

• Sleep Sacks:  Sleep sacks are wearable blankets that provide warmth without the need for loose bedding, allowing babies to move freely while maintaining a secure feeling and reducing risks of sleep-related infant deaths. While these are often used as a transition away from the swaddle, a properly fitting sleep sack is a safe alternative altogether. 

• Footed Pajamas:  These one-piece outfits feature closed feet, ensuring warmth and coziness during the night. This offers a practical design that simplifies late-night diaper changes for parents. Footies with a two-way zipper offer even more convenience, while styles with convertible fold-over feet offer the most versatile wear. 

• Baby Knotted Gowns:  Knotted baby gowns  are specially designed baby clothes that create a comfortable and secure sack-like sleeping space for infants. Typically made from super-stretchy fabric, these gowns allow for easy movement, helping minimize the risk of hip dysplasia. They also feature a drawstring or knotted bottom for easy diaper access. 

Ensuring a safe sleep environment for your newborn goes beyond swaddling. The following guidelines are recommended by the AAP to reduce the risk of SIDS and promote overall infant safety:

• Back Sleeping:  Always place your baby on their back to sleep, both for naps and at night. This position has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of SIDS.

• Crib Safety:  Use a flat, firm mattress with a fitted sheet in a crib, bassinet, or play yard that meets current safety standards. Ensure that the crib is free of any potential hazards.

• No Loose Bedding:  Keep the sleeping area free of pillows, blankets, toys, and bumper pads. These items can pose a suffocation risk.

• Room Sharing:  Share a room with your baby for at least the first six months, but avoid bed-sharing. Room sharing can help facilitate monitoring without the risks associated with bed-sharing.

• Smoke-Free Environment:  Maintain a smoke-free home to protect your baby's health. Exposure to smoke increases the risk of SIDS and other health issues.

Whether you’re preparing for the arrival of a little bundle of joy or are in the early throes of parenting, we hope this guide gave you a little boost of confidence as you swaddle your baby. Knowing you are following the best tips and techniques for optimal safety, cozy soothing comfort, and sound sleep can be a game changer in the quality of sleep for your baby—and peace of mind for you. 

Swaddle or not, the ultimate goal is to foster a nurturing and safe environment that supports your newborn's growth and development. Always prioritize safe sleep practices, such as placing your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface to sleep and keeping the sleeping area free of loose blankets, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals until they reach one year of age. Once safety measures are met, turn down the lights and turn up the white noise for a soothing environment that promotes the sweetest of dreams. 

Still have questions about safe sleep best practices for your little one? Never hesitate to seek support from your pediatrician or other healthcare professionals whenever needed.

Resources

1. The National Sleep Foundation, How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?