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Baby Swaddling Safety
Swaddling can help some babies settle and sleep, but it needs to be done in a hip-healthy way and stopped at the right time. Here’s what current guidance recommends.
- KEY TAKEAWAYS
Swaddle in a hip-healthy way that leaves room for your baby’s legs to bend up and out. Always place a swaddled baby on their back to sleep. Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll over, which can start as early as 2 months. Never use a weighted swaddle or weighted blanket.
How to Swaddle Safely
A safe swaddle should be snug around the chest but leave enough room to fit two to three fingers between the swaddle and your baby’s chest, so they can breathe comfortably. Your baby’s arms can be swaddled in or left free, but their hips and legs need room to bend up and out — this is sometimes called “hip-healthy” swaddling, and it helps support normal hip joint development. Avoid swaddling the legs straight and tight together.
Always Place Swaddled Babies on Their Back
A swaddled baby should always be placed to sleep on their back, never on their stomach or side. A swaddle restricts a baby’s arms, which makes it harder for them to move or reposition themselves if they end up on their stomach.
- NEVER SWADDLE FOR STOMACH OR SIDE SLEEPING
A swaddled baby placed on their stomach or side is at increased risk, since a swaddle limits their ability to move or turn their head. Back sleeping only, every time, for every swaddled baby.
When to Stop Swaddling
Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll over, which can begin as early as 2 months of age. A swaddled baby who rolls onto their stomach can’t use their arms to reposition themselves, which raises their risk. Once your baby shows rolling attempts, transition out of the swaddle — many families move to a wearable sleep sack that leaves the arms free.
Avoiding Overheating
A swaddle adds a layer, so dress your baby lightly underneath it and avoid adding extra blankets on top. Watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, or rapid breathing, and adjust clothing or room temperature if you notice them.
What to Avoid
Never use a weighted swaddle or weighted blanket on a baby. Don’t swaddle the hips and legs tightly or straight, since this can interfere with healthy hip development. Avoid swaddling a baby while bed-sharing or co-sleeping in an adult bed. And stop using a swaddle altogether once your baby is showing signs of rolling, rather than continuing to swaddle looser or with arms free.
Sources
This guide is based on published guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics via HealthyChildren.org, “Swaddling: Is it Safe for Your Baby?”. It is provided for general education and does not replace your pediatrician’s advice.