A gentle guide for peaceful, cozy moments

There’s something incredibly tender about wrapping a newborn into a soft little bundle.
For many parents, swaddling becomes one of those quiet rituals that brings comfort —
to both baby and to you.

But in those early weeks, when everything is new and sleep can feel far away, swaddling may seem a little overwhelming. Please know: you’re not alone. Learning this skill doesn’t need to be perfect on day one. It’s simply a gentle practice… and it becomes easier with time.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics — softly, simply, and without pressure.
Just a warm hand on your shoulder as you learn what works for your little one.

🍃 Why swaddling can help your baby feel calm

Swaddling gives many newborns a sense of safety — a feeling similar to the comforting snugness of the womb. It can:

• help soothe fussy moments

• reduce sudden startles from tiny flailing arms

• keep your baby warm without using loose blankets

• support calmer, more settled sleep

Most of all, swaddling offers a gentle “held” feeling, even when your arms need a moment of rest.

Every baby is different, of course — some adore being swaddled, and some prefer more freedom. Follow your baby’s cues and do what feels right for your family.

🌙 Before you begin

A few soft reminders:

• Choose a light, breathable blanket, ideally 100% cotton or muslin.

• Swaddles should be snug around the arms, but loose around the hips and legs.

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

• Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling.

These small guidelines help keep swaddling safe and comfortable for your little one.

✨ A Simple Step-by-Step Swaddle

(Using the gentle DUDU method)

Think of it as a calm rhythm rather than a strict technique.
Take your time. Breathe. You and your baby are learning together.

Step 1 — The First D: DOWN

Creating the cozy foundation

1. Lay a light, breathable cotton blanket on your bed in a diamond shape, with a point at the top.
   Fold that top corner down until it reaches the center, creating a smooth edge.
   
   
   

2. Place your baby gently on their back so their neck sits just above that folded edge.
   
   
   

3. Now hold your baby’s right arm softly against their side.
   With your free hand, take the blanket near their right shoulder and pull it down and across their body.
   Tuck it securely under the left side of their little bottom — it should look like half of a tiny V-neck sweater.
   
   
   

4. Then take the bit of blanket near the left shoulder and give it a small, firm pull away from the body to smooth out any slack.

💛 This first Down is the anchor of your swaddle — snug, supportive, and essential to keep everything from unraveling.

Step 2 — The First U: UP

Bringing comfort upward

1. Hold your baby’s left arm gently against their side.

2. Take the bottom point of the blanket and bring it up to the left shoulder.
   
   
   

3. Tuck it around the left arm so it feels snug and supported.

4. Again, pull the blanket at the shoulder slightly outward to remove extra slack.

Make sure the blanket is loose enough around the hips and legs for natural movement,
while the arms feel gently enclosed — this helps prevent startling and fussiness.

Step 3 — The Second D: DOWN

Adding the soft little neckline fold

1. Take the piece of the blanket near the left shoulder and fold it down, just a tiny bit —
   enough to create the second half of your little V-neck shape.
   
   
   

2. Press this small flap lightly against your baby’s upper chest,
   the way you’d gently hold a ribbon in place while tying a bow.

   

✨ This fold stays near the chest — not all the way down to the feet.

Step 4 — The Second U: UP

The final wrap — secure, soothing, snug

1. Hold the small chest flap with one hand.

2. With the other, take the remaining free corner of the blanket and pull it outward for a moment —
   this removes any hidden slack.
   
   
   

3. Then bring that corner up and across your baby’s arms, like a soft little belt wrapping around their body.
   The blanket should be large enough to wrap fully around and tuck into the front.
   
   
   

Your baby’s arms should now feel comfortably snug and straight,
while their legs remain loose and free to bend —
a position that’s important for healthy hip development.

🤱 Arms up or arms down?

Most newborns sleep best and most safely with arms down by their sides,
as it stops them from startling themselves awake.

If your baby was born early, or your midwife gives different guidance, you can follow their advice.

🌙 Swaddling for naps & nighttime

You can swaddle your newborn right from the start — anytime they need comfort or help settling.
During awake time, keep their arms and legs free so they can stretch and explore the world.

Some babies prefer being swaddled before feeding, others after.
Follow your baby’s rhythm — there is no “right way,” only your way.

🌾 A few things to keep in mind

Swaddling becomes easier with practice — truly.

Try practicing:

• when your baby is calm

• or when they are already sleepy

• or even on a doll before birth

And remember: if your baby fusses while you swaddle, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
Sometimes babies protest the transition, even when they love the result.

Give yourself grace.
You’re both learning.

🌙 Safety reminders

Keeping swaddling safe is simple:

• Always swaddle with light, breathable fabrics.

• Make sure the swaddle is secure and won’t unravel.

• Keep the hips loose, never straight or tight.

• Place baby on their back on a firm, empty sleep surface.

• Stop swaddling once your little one begins to roll.

When done gently and safely, swaddling can be a beautiful tool to support calmer sleep.

🤍 A final word from my heart

Swaddling isn’t about perfection.
It’s about offering your baby a sense of warmth, comfort, and familiarity.
Some days it will feel easy, and some days it won’t — and that’s okay.

You’re doing more than you realize.
You’re holding, soothing, loving…
and learning, moment by moment.

With love,
Nicole
MyPumpkin 🤍