How to swaddle a baby

Many hospitals likely teach this to new parents, but in case you never learned, here’s a trick to calm and soothe a crying baby. Or at least get one to sleep.

It's also nice because it keeps the little ones from scratching their faces. When I learn how to effectively file, trim or chew my sons nails, expect a post on that too. In the meantime, anyone have advice?

Anyways, swaddling a baby is like recreating the womb. My cousin calls it the “baby burrito.” My husband calls it the “baby straight jacket.” Either way, as the NICU occupational therapist explained, babies, especially premature ones, like the feeling of closeness. They want to know their boundaries, she said. It’s comforting.

Here’s how it works:

1). Using a receiving blanket or any small, thin throw, fold the top corner down to about the middle of the blanket.

2). Set baby on the blanket with his or her ears at the fold. Slide baby’s right hand into the folded corner.

3).  Pull that side of the blanket across baby’s body.

4). Tug tight and tuck the right side of the blanket under baby’s left side. 

 5). Pull the bottom of the blanket tight and towards baby’s left side. Tuck it beneath the first folded corner.

6). Slide baby’s left hand into the left folded corner. Pull the remainder of the blanket across baby’s body. Tuck the blanket under baby’s right side.

Presto.

Now go find a rocking chair and cuddle your happy baby :)