What are the benefits of swaddling my baby?

Being wrapped up snugly can stop your baby from being disturbed by her own startle reflex. You may have noticed your baby jerking her body when she's sleeping. These jerks are her startle reflex and are completely normal.

Your baby may sleep for longer periods, if she’s not been woken by her own startle reflex. Swaddling may also help to soothe her when she's over-stimulated.

Some experts think swaddling helps to recreate that feeling of security that your baby had in your womb, when she had less room to move about. Feeling "held" and snug can help to calm and soothe her, so you may find that swaddling your baby helps her to cry less often, too.

How can I swaddle my baby safely?

Follow these tips for safer swaddling:

• · Use a thin, light sheet to swaddle your baby.
• · Leave her head uncovered and don’t swaddle above her shoulders.
• · Always place your swaddled baby to sleep on her back, never on her side or front, and stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling over onto her side or tummy.
• · If you decide to swaddle your baby, do it for every sleep during the day and night, so that your baby becomes familiar with the feeling of being swaddled.
• · Swaddle your baby firmly, but not too tightly. Your baby’s legs and feet should be able to move freely, and bend at the hip.
• · Make sure to check your baby’s temperature regularly. Check the back of her neck or her tummy with two fingers.
• · If you leave your baby in the care of anyone else, make sure they know how to swaddle your baby safely.