What to Expect the First Year: (Updated in 2025)

by Heidi Murkoff

So how do you swaddle like a pro? First, spread out a receiving blanket, with one corner pointing up so the blanket is in the shape of a diamond. Fold down the top corner about 6 inches. Your baby’s head goes here, with his or her neck on the straight part of the folded-over corner and his or her body extending straight down toward the bottom corner. Take the corner near baby’s right arm and pull it over the arm and across baby’s body. Lift the left arm, and tuck the blanket corner under baby’s back on the left side. Next, fold the bottom corner of the blanket up over baby’s body and tuck it into the first fold—under his or her chin. Lift the last corner, bring it over baby’s left arm, and tuck it in under the back on the right side. Ta-da: baby burrito!

Swaddle