Swaddling Safety Checklist: AAP-Approved Tips for New Parents

Updated for 2026 — Based on AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines

Newborn resting safely on back following swaddling guidelines

Swaddling has been practiced for thousands of years, and when done correctly, it can help babies sleep longer and more soundly. However, safety always comes first. This Swaddling Safety Checklist outlines what experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend to ensure your newborn sleeps safely and comfortably.

If you haven’t yet read the Safe Swaddle Guide 2026, it offers a full breakdown of the safest swaddles on the market and how they compare.

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Your Safe Swaddling Checklist

✅ 1. Always Place Your Baby on Their Back

Every nap, every night. Back sleeping is the safest position for newborns. Side or stomach positions increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Back-sleeping newborn in a breathable, safe swaddle sleep sack

✅ 2. Use a Breathable, Lightweight Fabric

Avoid heavy or non-breathable materials that trap heat. The AAP warns that overheating is a leading environmental risk factor for SIDS. Choose fabrics like bamboo or cotton knit that stretch gently and allow airflow.

✅ 3. Keep Swaddles Snug at the Chest, Loose at the Hips

Healthy hip development depends on movement. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends keeping babies’ legs free to bend and move naturally. A proper safe swaddle holds the upper body securely but allows hip and leg motion.

Gently wrapping baby in a breathable, hip-safe swaddle

✅ 4. Stop Arms-In Swaddling at the First Signs of Rolling

As soon as your baby begins to roll over — typically between 2 and 3 months — it’s time to switch to an arms-out sleep sack. This allows them to push up, reposition, and sleep safely.

Transition to an arms-up or arms-out sleep sack once rolling starts

✅ 5. Maintain a Clear, Safe Sleep Space

Cribs and bassinets should be free of blankets, pillows, bumpers, and stuffed animals. A swaddle or sleep sack replaces loose bedding and keeps your baby warm without suffocation hazards.

✅ 6. Watch Room Temperature

Keep the nursery at or below 72°F (22°C). Touch your baby’s neck or chest — they should feel warm but not sweaty. Overheating increases SIDS risk.

✅ 7. Monitor and Transition

Every baby develops at their own pace. Observe their comfort and cues. As your baby outgrows swaddling, move to an arms-out or wearable blanket that provides gentle compression without restricting movement.

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Key Takeaways

• Back-sleeping is always safest.
• Choose breathable, stretchy materials.
• Snug chest, loose hips.
• Stop swaddling arms-in at the first roll.
• Keep sleep spaces clear and cool.

Following these AAP-aligned steps helps ensure that your baby’s sleep is both comfortable and safe. Small details — like fabric choice, temperature, and timing — make all the difference.

Written by the Swaddelini Team with input from neonatal sleep specialists.

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