How to swaddle your baby, step by step

The wrap our photographers use in every session, and the safety rules that come with it.

Newborn wrapped snugly in a cream knit swaddle with hands folded — Snug through the arms, loose at the hips.

The five-step swaddle

Lay the blanket in a diamond and fold the top corner down about six inches.
Place baby on their back with shoulders just below the fold.
Left side across. Hold baby's right arm gently down, bring the left corner across the body and tuck it under the back.
Bottom up. Fold the bottom corner up loosely toward the chest — legs must be free to bend and splay.
Right side across. Bring the last corner across and tuck it behind the shoulder.

The rules that matter

Snug through the arms, always loose at the hips — tight legs can affect hip development.
Back to sleep, every time, in a bare crib or bassinet.
Two fingers should fit between the blanket and baby's chest.
No swaddling once baby shows any sign of trying to roll (often 2–4 months). Switch to a sleep sack.
Don't overdress underneath — a onesie is usually enough.

Why it photographs so well

A swaddled newborn settles, and a settled newborn gives you the peaceful, curled-up portraits everyone loves. In the hospital we use your blanket or one of our neutral wraps, and baby stays in your arms or the bassinet the whole time.

Want these moments photographed in the hospital? First Light offers a free 15-minute bedside session during your stay, with published prices and no sales pressure. Register your due date — it costs nothing and commits you to nothing.

Questions? Tap Lumi in the corner or call (443) 317-9337.