The nurses at the hospital may have shown you how to swaddle your baby for sleep, gently wrapping his arms, legs and torso in a lightweight baby blanket.

Parents and caregivers have swaddled babies for centuries, and research shows that, when swaddled, infants may sleep more deeply, startle less and be more likely to return to sleep on their own when they wake.

Swaddled babies also sleep better on their backs than babies who are not swaddled, reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Never put a swaddled baby face down, however, and do not swaddle a baby who can roll from back to front. Both of these increase the risk of SIDS.

What About Sleep Sacks?

Layers of infant clothing, a wearable blanket or a sleep sack are considered safer than blankets and other loose coverings to keep a baby warm in the crib. This is because loose blankets can also pose a SIDS risk.

Just as with blanket swaddling, always put your baby down to sleep on his or her back, and stop using sleep sacks or wearable blankets that secure your baby’s arms, chest and body once he or she shows signs of starting to roll over. Sleep sacks that allow the baby to move arms and legs freely can be used as long as desired.

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.

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