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Swaddling your baby

Key facts

  • Swaddling, when done correctly, can be a useful way to help your baby settle and sleep on their back during the early months.
  • Stop swaddling or wrapping your baby as soon as they show signs of attempting to roll onto their tummy.
  • A safe infant sleeping bag is an alternative to swaddling your baby. It can also be used once your baby is rolling onto their tummy.
  • Always follow safe sleep recommendations.

    • What are the benefits of swaddling my baby?

    Swaddling is when you wrap your baby in a lightweight cloth up to their shoulders. This can help calm your baby.

    Some studies have shown that swaddled babies wake less often and sleep longer than babies who aren't swaddled.

    There is limited evidence that wrapping babies helps to protect against sudden unexpected deaths in infancy. There is no evidence that it is harmful if you wrap your baby safely.

    What age can I swaddle my baby?

    Swaddling can be used for very young babies. You can swaddle your baby from birth to when they begin to show signs that they are trying to roll over (usually 4 to 6 months old but sometimes younger).

    When should I not swaddle my baby?

    It is recommended that you stop swaddling your baby:

    • as soon as they show signs that they are trying to roll onto their tummy or
    • if your baby does not seem to like it

    If your baby can roll onto their tummy or does not like to be wrapped, you may prefer to use a safe infant sleeping bag. A safe infant sleeping bag is fitted to your baby's size. These sleeping bags have different thicknesses or warmth ratings (known as the Thermal Overall Grade or TOG rating).

    Babies should not be wrapped while sleeping in a baby sleeping bag.

    Do not swaddle your baby if they share a sleep surface with another person.

    How do I swaddle my baby?

    Follow these tips to swaddle your baby safely:

    • Use a lightweight cotton or muslin wrap. Rugs and blankets are not safe for swaddling since they may cause overheating.
    • Prevent overheating by making sure your baby is not overdressed under the wrap. If the weather is warm, your baby may only need a singlet and nappy. In cooler weather, your baby may need a lightweight jumpsuit.
    • Newborn babies are usually swaddled with their arms folded across their chest. Once their startle reflex is gone (usually around 3 months), leave your baby's arms free so they can self-soothe.
    • Make sure that your baby is on their back with their feet at the bottom of the cot. Do not cover your baby's head or their face.
    • The wrap must be firm but not too tight. It should allow your baby's chest to rise normally during breathing.
    • The wrap should not be too tight around your baby's hips and legs. Tight wrapping with the legs held straight can lead to hip problems such as hip dysplasia or dislocation. If swaddled correctly, your baby's legs should be able to bend at the hips with the knees apart.
    How to swaddle your baby guide promotional tile.

    Step-by-step guide on how to swaddle your newborn.

    Swaddling (wrapping) a newborn - video

    Important

    • There are some important things to remember when swaddling your baby:
    • The swaddle should not be too tight. Make sure your baby's chest can move easily, and they can straighten and bend their legs.
    • From around 3 months (when your baby no longer has their 'startle reflex'), leave your baby's arms uncovered.
    • Stop wrapping your baby as soon as they start showing signs that they can begin to roll — usually around 4 to 6 months.
    • Never use swaddles or wraps that have Velcro or zips that specifically restrain your baby's arms.
    • Do not wrap your baby higher than their shoulders. Your baby's face and head must NOT be covered.
    • Never use a weighted or heavy swaddle.

    Safe sleeping recommendations

    Follow these recommendations to help make sure your baby sleeps safely:

    • Always place your baby on their back to sleep. Never put them on their tummy or side.
    • Keep your baby's face and head uncovered.
    • Keep your baby's environment smoke free before and after birth.
    • Make sure your baby has a safe sleeping environment night and day.
    • Sleep your baby in their own safe sleeping space in your or a caregiver's room for the first 6 months.
    • Breastfeed your baby (Opens in new tab) if you can.

    Resources and support

    Read more about safe sleep for babies. For support or advice, speak to your child and family health nurse, or call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436.

    Learn about safe sleeping bags keeping your baby protected while they sleep at Red Nose (Opens in new tab).

    Languages other than English

    Visit Red Nose for information on safe sleep and swaddling (Opens in new tab) practices in a range of community languages.

    Speak to a maternal child health nurse

    Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 (Opens in new tab) or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

    Last reviewed: May 2026

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