How to Choose a Swaddle Blanket for Warm Weather

Swaddling a new baby can make her feel more secure and warm, similar to the environment in the womb, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The close-fitting wrap prevents your baby from waking if startled and may extend your baby̵7;s sleep time by several hours when coupled with white noise such as womb or water sounds, according to the AAP. When swaddling in warm weather, choose options that won't overheat your baby.

Things You'll Need

  • Swaddle blanket
  • Onesie
  • Diaper
  • Safety pins (optional)

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a lightweight material, such as muslin, gauze or a thin summer cotton. If you make your own swaddle blanket, you might use a section of a lightweight sheet. You want a fabric that isn̵7;t too stretchy, but you also don̵7;t want something too stiff with no give.

    • 2

      Place the blanket over your shoulder and see if it makes you feel too warm in just a few minutes. If it does, choose a lighter-weight fabric and save the heavier blanket for days when it begins to get chilly. A blanket that is too heavy will cause your baby to sweat, have damp hair and flushed cheeks. Unswaddle the baby and remove the blanket from the crib if your baby begins to overheat.

    • 3

      Swaddle your newborn in a onesie and a diaper in hot weather to prevent overheating. Wrap the swaddle so it only adds one layer of cloth over the arms. Wrap the first corner across the near arm with the arm bent at the elbow and the hand up near the face. Tuck the corner between the baby̵7;s other arm and the body and under the hip. Wrap the opposing corner over the second arm, also bent at the elbow, and tuck that corner behind the baby̵7;s opposite hip. Leave the bottom edge open to allow for easy airflow and to prevent heat rash. Slip your hand beneath the wrap and your baby̵7;s chest to ensure it isn̵7;t too tight or so loose that it comes apart easily.

    • 4

      Stop swaddling your baby when he reaches 2 months, unless your baby refuses to sleep without it, suggests the AAP. Swaddle an older baby with one arm out to see if your child can sleep without the blanket wrap. If the baby sleeps well with one arm out, try putting your baby to sleep without the wrap.

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