Quick Swaddling Techniques for a Fussy Baby

There are many reasons your baby may be fussy, ranging from colic to sleeplessness. As a new parent, you definitely need your rest as much as baby does, so finding the answer to their fussiness is key. If you’ve already tried all the “s” techniques, including shushing, swinging, sucking, side-stomach positioning, and basic swaddling, it may be time to revisit the swaddle technique you’re using. 

At Bam & Stitch, we’ve been there, so we have the tips and tricks you need to get your baby settled. Check out our recommended swaddling techniques to find solutions for every stage of fussy life.

Safety Alert: Different Ways to Swaddle a Baby

Before you start exploring these swaddling techniques, it’s important to take every precaution to keep your baby safe. Make sure your baby is sleeping on a firm surface, wearing appropriate layers for the temperature, and has a sleep environment that’s free of entrapment or suffocation risks, including the removal of any accessories such as our hats and/or bows. Check out our blog for other important tips about baby and toddler safety.

1. Feeding Cue Swaddling Technique

Whether your baby is still learning to breastfeed or you need a short break from skin-to-skin care, the feeding cue swaddle might be a good choice for you. Use this technique if the baby is still a newborn. 

1. Lay the blanket with the patterned part on the ground and the wrong side facing up.
2. Fold over the top corner so it touches the center of the blanket.
3. Place your baby with their shoulder line along the folded edge.
4. Fold over one side with the baby’s arm against their chest, but keep their hand free.
5. Tuck the bottom of the blanket over the feet and into the first fold.
6. Fold the second side over the top of the baby’s second arm with their hand free.
7. Hold this fold at the baby’s wrist and gather the bottom corner of this side.
8. Fold the bottom part over and upwards, around the shoulder and back.
9. Finally, tuck the edge of the blanket into the folds to secure the baby.

You can modify this swaddling technique for babies who like to sleep with their arms up. Simply tuck the baby’s hands into the swaddle in the same arm position for a slightly different way to swaddle your baby so they don’t scratch their face or startle awake.

2. Bat Wing Swaddling Technique

Do you have a baby that’s struggling to get free? Maybe every swaddle you’ve tried so far always seems to fail. The batwing swaddle uses two blankets instead of one for a quick fix that’s a tighter fit but still comfortable for the baby. You can use a velcro swaddle for the outer layer and a stretchy swaddle blanket for the inner layer.

1. Fold the blanket into a triangle and place it on top of the velcro swaddle.
2. Place your baby on the blanket with their shoulders in line with the top of the blanket.
3. Hold your baby’s arm down and fold over one side of the blanket.
4. Tuck this part around the back of baby, tight across the arm but loose lower down.
5. Bring the baby’s other arm down and across the first arm.
6. Fold the open half of the blanket over this arm and tuck it in the back.
7. Tuck your baby’s feet inside the pouch of the velcro swaddle.
8. Fold the first side of the velcro swaddle over and fasten to the middle.
9. Fold the second side of the velcro swaddle over and fasten securely.

3. Houdini Swaddling Technique

When you have a baby that gets out of every blanket, swaddle, and even their convertible romper, but prefers sleeping securely, the Houdini may be the right technique for you. With this swaddle, your baby is snug around the arms and chest but loose in the hip area, so they can still stretch and shift. You’ll need two blankets for this swaddling technique.

1. Fold the receiving blanket in a triangle and place it on top of the larger blanket.
2. Align your baby’s shoulders with the folded edge of the blanket.
3. Take one side of the blanket and tuck it over the baby’s arm and under their bum.
4. Do the same with the other side of the blanket.
5. Fold the first side of the large blanket over the top of the baby and tuck it underneath.
6. Fold up the bottom of the blanket and tuck it into the first fold near the shoulder.
7. Fold the second side down over the shoulder and hold it in place with your hand.
8. Grab the remainder of the blanket and fold it around the area you’re holding down.
9. Wrap the edge all the way around the baby and tuck the end into the folds.

4. Arm-Only Swaddling Technique

The last of our different ways to swaddle a baby is for hot climates where you don’t need many layers, for babies who still need space for kicking, and for babies who aren’t rolling over yet.

1. Fold the swaddle blanket into a triangle.
2. Align your baby’s shoulders with the folded edge.
3. Tuck the first side over the baby’s arm and under their bum and let the corner loose.
4. Tuck the other side over and under in the same way, leaving both corners loose.
5. Take the two loose corners and tie them in a knot over the baby’s hips. 
6. Leave the bottom of the blanket loose.

Support for All Parents

Hopefully, one of these different ways to swaddle a baby is a good fit for your little one, but there are many others out there that could also be the right choice for you. Finding the perfect swaddling technique will take a little bit of experimentation and patience.

And, if you need any bamboo swaddle blankets, infant hats, or convertible romper bamboo zipper pajamas to keep your baby even more comfortable, Bam & Stitch is here to help! Our bamboo baby clothes and accessories offer you hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating benefits that guarantee the fabric closest to their skin is as comfortable as possible. Shop with us to find the perfect pieces for newborns, babies, toddlers, and youth today!