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 chest.

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.
• Keep the wrap firm but not too tight, so your baby can breathe normally and bend their hips and knees.
• Stop swaddling when they start to roll over (usually 4 to 6 months old).