Swaddling: The best baby soother

The number one way to re-create the feeling of the womb is with swaddling. Not only has it been proven to help infants sleep better on their back (which helps lower the risk of SIDS), a snug swaddle will help keep your baby from flailing her arms and working herself up even more.

Here’s how to swaddle your baby:

1. Choose a square cotton blanket (about one metre square) that is soft and malleable so it will stay in position on its own.
2. Lay the blanket on a flat, sturdy surface in a diamond position and fold the top corner down about 15cm.
3. Place your baby in the centre of the blanket with her shoulders on the fold (her head well above it).
4. Pull the left corner over your baby, tucking it under her right arm.
5. Bring up the bottom piece. Tuck it over her right shoulder or, if it’s long, bring it up to her shoulder and fold down the tip.
6. Pull the right corner over your baby, tucking it into the top edge of the blanket on her back.

There you go: one snug bub, ready to sleep tight!