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Wrapping for Sleep

The reflexes of newborn babies may cause them to startle easily and can wake them during sleep. These reflexes will fade at three to four months old. Many parents have found that wrapping (sometimes called swaddling) babies until this age, helps reduce strong startle reactions and improves sleep.

Happy Sleeping Baby

Choosing a wrap

When choosing a wrap, pick a light, breathable cotton or muslin material, measuring about 1.5 x 1 metre wide. Your baby will want room to move their arms, so stretchy material allows freedom of movement while still helping them feel secure. Just check the wrap isn’t too loose, as a loose wrap could accidentally cover your baby’s head and face.

Karitane Tip: The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back, in their own sleep space.

How to wrap your baby

Follow these simple tips:

  • Place your baby on the wrap with their hips and knees relaxed.
  • The wrap should be a light material with the top of the wrap at your baby’s shoulder height.
  • Wrap your baby’s upper body as shown in the video Allow room around the hips for movement.
  • Don’t wrap your baby’s legs tightly and straight down, or pressed together as this can cause hip problems.
  • Do not use sleep sacks or pouches that tighten around your baby’s legs.
  • Make sure your baby’s feet are at the end of the mattress.
  • Tuck any blankets firmly under the mattress so it cannot come loose and cover your baby’s head during sleep.

Safety Tip: Wrapping your baby’s lower body too firmly can interfere with normal growth and hip development. Research shows wrapping increases the risk for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The video below provides more information.

Wrapping FAQs

For safety reasons, stop wrapping your baby when they show signs of starting to roll onto their tummy. This is often around 3-4 months, but may be earlier. If a wrapped baby rolls to their side or tummy, they might not be able to roll to their back. Sleeping on their back is the safest sleep position for young babies. 

Generally, the best way to stop wrapping is to do so slowly. This can be done by leaving one arm out of the swaddle. From there, progress to leaving both arms out of the wrap. This slow and gentle transition makes it easier for your baby to adjust to sleeping unwrapped. The process may take a week or so, and your baby's sleeping pattern may change a little. Don't worry- this is common. Once your baby is used to sleeping unwrapped, things should return to normal. 

When using a sleeping bag, make sure the sleeping bag is the correct size for your baby. Choose one with a fitted neck, armholes, or sleeves. Make sure that it has no hood, and check your baby can't slip inside the bag and become completely covered. Dress your baby the same way you would if using a wrap (or according to the sleeping bag manufacturer's instructions). Never use a wrap and sleeping bag together, as your baby may overheat. In cooler months, you can add a sheet or lightweight blanket, tucked in firmly over your baby and the sleeping bag, as you would if they were wrapped. 

The temperature will affect how you dress your baby before wrapping. On warm days, a nappy and a singlet are all your baby needs. On cooler days a lightweight body suit or onesie and blanket are enough.

Sleep Tips For Babies and Toddlers Webinar
02 Oct
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Sleep Tips For Babies and Toddlers Webinar

Getting enough sleep is very important for everyone in the family. Join us for this webinar where we'll discuss the principles, strategies and top tips for helping your baby enjoy more sleep. October 2, 2025

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