How to swaddle your baby

Step 1

Use a lightweight cotton or muslin wrap. Rugs and blankets are not safe for swaddling as they may cause overheating.

Step 2

Make sure your baby is not overdressed. They may only need a singlet and nappy in warm weather or a lightweight jumpsuit when it's cooler.

Step 3

Fold your baby's arm across their chest and tuck one side of the wrap firmly under their body.

Step 4

Fold their other arm across their chest.

Step 5

Tuck the remaining side of the wrap under their body.

Step 6

Bring the bottom of the wrap to cover up to your baby's neck.

Step 7

Tuck both side of the wrap under your baby.

Step 8

From around 3 months, don't wrap your baby's arms.

Tips for swaddling your baby

• Do not cover their head or face.
• Have the wrap firm but not too tight. Your baby's chest should rise normally during breathing and their legs should still be able to bend at the hips with the knees apart.
• Stop swaddling when they start to roll over (usually 4 to 6 months old).