Picture the moment: a fresh little bubba is handed to their mother, wrapped up like a burrito in a squishy, warm blanket. Mom feels the weight of her new bundle of joy and the warmth of their tiny body. It's a precious moment, like a scene from a movie. A swaddled baby is an iconic image of newborn care, but today swaddling is stirring up some debate online. On the plus side, swaddles can help a restless baby find peace and calm, recreating the snug feeling of the womb that helps them fall and stay asleep. This feeling is especially important for a newborn’s development and parent’s mental health . However some warn that if swaddling is done incorrectly it can lead to potential hip and reflex issues. Here are some tips we teach parents to help swaddle correctly and safely.

1. Always put a swaddled baby to sleep on their back.

2. Don't swaddle too tightly: Make sure the swaddle isn't too snug that it hinders your baby's movements, but not too loose that it falls off. Tuck the edges under the baby's back to keep it in place.

3. Only swaddle during sleep: Give your baby's limbs some wiggle room during meal times and playtimes.

4. Listen to your baby: If they don't like being swaddled, that's okay! Use the swaddle as a comfy blanket , a nursing cover or pass it on to someone else.

5. Wean off the swaddle: When your baby starts rolling over, it's time to say bye-bye to the swaddle. Establish a good sleep routine, and your baby will know when it's time to snooze.