If you are holding a newborn and wondering why everyone talks about swaddling like it is magic, you are not alone. When done right, swaddling can help calm your baby, reduce the startle reflex, and make settling easier day and night.

The problem is that most tutorials feel complicated or impossible when it is 2am and your baby is overtired. So here is a simple, realistic guide to swaddling your newborn in a way that feels safe, comforting, and doable no matter how tired you are.

Why swaddling helps newborns sleep

Swaddling mimics the snug, warm feeling of the womb. It helps reduce sudden arm movements that wake babies during light sleep and creates a sense of security that makes settling easier.

Swaddling can help your baby:

• settle faster

• stay asleep longer

• reduce scratching and face rubbing

• soften the startle reflex

• transition between sleep cycles more calmly

A soft, stretchy newborn swaddle can make a big difference during these early weeks.

Before you start: what you need

You only need:

• your baby

• a breathable, stretchy newborn swaddle

Any swaddle works for this tutorial. If you are using a wrap style, blanket style, or zip-up style, the steps are still relevant.

If you are using Burrito Baby:
Your swaddle features patented arm holes and a stretchy design that make wrapping easier and prevent escapes. You can follow the same steps, with a few built-in shortcuts.

Step by Step: How to Swaddle a Newborn

This entire process should take ten to twenty seconds once you get the hang of it.

Step 1: Lay the swaddle flat

Place your swaddle on a safe, flat surface and position your baby in the centre. Their shoulders should sit slightly below the top edge to keep fabric away from the face.

Burrito Baby tip:
Our swaddle positions the arm holes naturally at shoulder height, so you do not need to guess placement.

Step 2: Position the arms

Newborns usually settle best with their arms down by their sides or gently across their chest. This keeps hands away from the face, which helps reduce scratching, rubbing, and rooting reflex wake-ups.

Burrito Baby tip:
Our patented arm holes allow you to guide each arm through quickly, so hands stay contained without any wrestling.

Step 3: Bring the first side across the chest

Take one side of the swaddle and wrap it firmly across your baby’s chest. It should feel snug around the torso but still comfortable.

This gentle pressure is what recreates the womb-like feeling and helps soften the startle reflex.

Step 4: Wrap the second side and secure it

Bring the other side across your baby’s chest and secure it underneath or into the swaddle’s fastener.

You should be able to slide two fingers between the wrap and your baby’s chest.

Burrito Baby tip:
The stretchy fabric helps you get a secure wrap with far less effort, especially during night changes.

Step 5: Make sure hips and legs can move freely

The upper body should feel snug.
The lower body should feel loose.

Your baby should be able to:

• bend their knees

• open and close their hips

• move their legs freely

This supports healthy hip positioning and safe sleep.

Common swaddling mistakes to avoid

These are the most common issues parents face:

1. Hands escaping every time

If hands keep breaking free, your wrap is either too loose or not designed for secure containment.

2. Fabric riding up toward the face

This usually means the swaddle is positioned too high at the shoulders.

3. Using non-stretchy or stiff fabric

This makes wrapping harder and less comfortable for your baby.

4. Leaving too much arm room

This leads to escapes, face rubbing, and frequent wake-ups.

Why many babies struggle with arms up styles

Some babies settle fine with arms up but many do not. Hands near the face often cause:

• face rubbing

• scratching

• dummy pulling

• rooting reflex

• extra movement

• more wakes

This is why many parents switch after trying arms-up designs and finding that their baby is more unsettled.

A snug newborn swaddle with contained arms helps many babies sleep more deeply.

Why Burrito Baby makes swaddling easier

Parents who switch to Burrito Baby usually tell us three things.

1. The arm holes stop escapes

Hands stay contained, which prevents face rubbing and startle-related wake-ups.

2. The stretch fabric feels like the womb

Soft, breathable, and cosy, so babies settle faster and sleep longer.

3. It takes seconds to put on

The design is simple and quick, even during middle-of-the-night wakes.

When to stop swaddling

Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling. This usually happens around three to four months.

When they reach this milestone, move to a transition swaddle that keeps the torso snug but allows the arms to be safely out.

Final note

Swaddling is not about perfection. It is about comfort, connection, and helping your baby feel secure as they adjust to life outside the womb.

If you want a swaddle that is simple, secure, and designed for real newborn sleep, take a look at our newborn design.