How to swaddle your baby

Kylie Jenner has recently welcomed her first child into the world. And while we’re sure she’s surrounded by friends and family — and more help than any of us could ever dream of — there are some little baby secrets the new mom should know.

Something all new parents should know is the fact that swaddling is a great way to keep a baby safe and secure, and ensure a better night’s sleep.

Swaddling works well for some babies, especially during their first few weeks. It is a soothing technique first-time parents should learn and old parents should know better not to skip.

Experts explain that to swaddle properly, you must keep a baby’s arms close to the body while allowing for some movement of the legs, keeping them warm, secure and comfortable.

Here’s how to swaddle a baby, courtesy of kidshealth.org:

• Spread out the receiving blanket, with one corner folded over slightly.

• Lay the baby face up on the blanket with his or her head above the folded corner.

• Wrap the left corner over the body and tuck it beneath the back of the baby, going under the right arm.

• Bring the bottom corner up over the baby’s feet and pull it toward the head, folding the fabric down if it gets close to the face. Be sure not to wrap too tightly around the hips. Hips and knees should be slightly bent and turned out. Wrapping your baby too tightly may increase the chance of hip dysplasia.

• Wrap the right corner around the baby, and tuck it under the baby’s back on the left side, leaving only the neck and head exposed. To make sure your baby is not wrapped too tight, make sure you can slip a hand between the blanket and your baby’s chest, which will allow comfortable breathing. Make sure, however, that the blanket is not so loose that it could become undone.

• Babies should not be swaddled after they’re two months old. At this age, some babies can roll over while swaddled, which increases their risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Brought to you by People Magazine

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