Many babies take comfort in being swaddled. However, swaddling the wrong way can cause hip issues. Read on to learn about hip-healthy swaddling.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Keep Hips Loose
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports safe swaddling as long as the baby's hips and legs are free to move. In other words, your baby's legs should be able to bend up and out. Studies have found that swaddling babies too tightly may develop a problem with their hips, such as hip dislocation or hip dysplasia, which is an abnormal hip joint formation where the top of the thigh bone is not held firmly in the hip's socket.
Need a Swaddle?
Our review of baby swaddles and sleep sacks can offer product recommendations.
Our review of baby swaddles and sleep sacks can offer product recommendations.
How to Swaddle
When swaddling a baby, use the following techniques from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute:
- Use a Square Blanket — Place the baby's head above the middle of one edge, tuck the right arm down, and fold the right side of the blanket over the baby between the left arm and under the left side. Then tuck the left arm down and fold the left edge of the blanket over the baby and under the right side. Fold or twist the bottom of the blanket up and loosely and tuck it under one side of the baby.
- Diamond Shape Technique — Fold one corner of a square blanket down and place the baby's head in the center above the folded corner. Straighten the right arm and fold the right corner of the blanket over the baby between the left arm and under the left side. Then tuck the left arm down and fold the left corner of the blanket over the baby and under the right side. Fold or twist the bottom of the blanket loosely and tuck it under the baby.
- Swaddle — When using a commercial swaddling blanket, ensure it's loose around the baby's hips and legs.
Important Safety Notes
To reduce the chance of SIDS, place your baby on their back to sleep. Also, around 8 weeks of age, the AAP suggests discontinuing swaddling and transitioning to a sleep sack. Since babies begin to roll around this time, the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or suffocation increases if they're swaddled.
To reduce the chance of SIDS, place your baby on their back to sleep. Also, around 8 weeks of age, the AAP suggests discontinuing swaddling and transitioning to a sleep sack. Since babies begin to roll around this time, the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or suffocation increases if they're swaddled.
Resource Sources
- Healthychildren.org - Swaddling: Is it Safe?
- International Hip Dysplasia Institute - Are you swaddling your baby properly?
