Wrapping up your baby in a blanket to keep him feeling snug and secure is an old soothing trick. Studies have shown that swaddling babies actually help them sleep better and longer. Why is swaddling ok when blackets in the crib are not? The key is to use a lightweight blanket that wraps so snugly aroud the baby that it won't come loose. For the record, the general wisdowm is that babies enjoy swaddling from their first newborn days to about three months. As sson as he gets big enough to wriggle out of the blanket, get it out of the crib. Here's how to pull off the perfect "baby burrito" wrap:

Get a large blanket and lay it flat in a diamond shape. Position the baby on his back, hold the baby's left arm down at his side, fold the blanket down and across his body, and tuck the end in tightly under his right lower back. Next, put his right arm to the side, fold the right side of the blanket over him, and tuck the edge of the blanket under him. Take the bottom of the blanket and fold it up under his right side. Then, take the left side of the blanket, fold it across your baby's body and tuck it underneath him.

More Baby's First Year Videos
Baby Blues
Baby's Development
Baby's Early Reflexes
Baby's First Checkup
Bathtime
Bottle-feeding
Breastfeeding -- Latching On
Breastfeeding -- Positions
Caring for Cradle Cap and Baby Acne
Caring for the Umbilical Cord
Creating a Bond with Sibling
Jaundice
Installing a Car Seat
Picking Up Your Baby
Leaving the Hospital
Recovery For New Moms
Helping Baby Be a Good Sleeper
Colic
Using a Thermometer
Changing a Diaper
Diaper Rash

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