One of the oldest tricks in the book to soothe a newborn is swaddling. But here’s the twist! There are different ways to swaddle your baby. Have you ever wondered how to swaddle with arms out or how to swaddle with arms up? Which is better? And what are the pros and cons of each style? Let’s get into it.
What is Swaddling?
First, a quick refresher. Swaddling means wrapping your baby snugly in a soft blanket to mimic the comfort of the womb. It helps newborns feel secure, reduces the startle reflex, and often helps them sleep better. It’s like giving your baby a warm, gentle hug all night long.
Traditionally, babies are swaddled with their arms down, tightly wrapped inside the blanket. But nowadays, parents and experts sometimes recommend swaddling with arms out or arms up, which may feel a little unfamiliar. Well, in any case, you need a great swaddle for that, and psst here’s a secret, Nintara Baby’s 100% Cotton Muslin Baby Swaddle Wraps are exactly what you are looking for!
How to Swaddle with Arms Out
Swaddling with arms out means you wrap the baby’s body snugly but leave the arms free outside the blanket. The baby’s hands and arms can move freely, and the blanket supports the torso.
How to do it?
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Lay the blanket flat, fold one corner down.
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Place your baby with their shoulders just below the fold.
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Wrap one side of the blanket around your baby’s back and tuck it under the body.
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Leave both arms outside the blanket.
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Wrap the other side snugly around your baby’s torso and tuck in.
That’s it! The key here is that the arms remain free and can move around.
How to Swaddle with Arms Up
Swaddling with arms up means you wrap your baby but keep the arms bent and lifted upwards near the head, inside the blanket.
Here’s how to do it:
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Spread your swaddle blanket in a diamond shape and fold the top corner down.
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Lay your baby on their back, with shoulders just below the fold.
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Place their arms up near their head, bent at the elbows.
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Bring the left corner of the blanket across the body, keeping the arms inside.
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Fold the bottom corner up.
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Wrap the right corner snugly across the body and tuck under.
This position lets the baby’s arms feel more natural and less restricted, almost like their position inside the womb.
Pros of Swaddling with Arms Out
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Freedom of Movement: Babies love to explore their hands. When arms are free, they can self-soothe by sucking on fingers or touching their face.
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Less Restriction: For babies who dislike being tightly wrapped, this method feels less confining.
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Reduces Overheating Risk: Since arms are out, there’s better air circulation, which may prevent sweating, especially in warm climates like India.
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Easier Transition: This style is a good stepping stone if you want to eventually stop swaddling but still want your baby to feel secure.
Cons of Swaddling with Arms Out
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Less Startle Reflex Control: One reason swaddling works is that it suppresses the Moro reflex (startle reflex). With arms free, babies may startle more, waking up frequently.
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More Movement: Babies might accidentally scratch their face or get tangled in the blanket if not careful.
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May Not Work for All: Some babies get unsettled with their arms free and prefer being fully swaddled for that cocoon feeling.
Pros of Swaddling with Arms Up
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Mimics Womb Position: Babies spent months in the womb with arms near their head, so this feels familiar and comforting.
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Better Startle Reflex Control: With arms wrapped, babies have less chance to startle awake, leading to longer sleep stretches.
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Improved Sleep: Many parents report babies sleep more soundly swaddled with arms up.
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Supports Development: Some experts say that swaddling with arms up promotes natural arm positioning, reducing the risk of joint or muscle strain.
Cons of Swaddling with Arms Up
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Restrictive Feeling: Some babies hate having their arms wrapped and may cry more initially.
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Risk of Overheating: Fully wrapping arms can sometimes increase warmth, which could be a concern in hotter months or regions.
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Learning Curve: It can take a few tries to get this swaddle right without being too tight or loose.
Which One is Safer?
Many parents worry about safety when swaddling. Whether you swaddle with arms out or arms up, ensure:
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The blanket is breathable (cotton or muslin works well).
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The swaddle is secure but allows some movement of the hips.
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Your baby doesn’t overheat. Check for sweating or flushed cheeks.
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You stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling over.
When to Choose Arms Out Swaddling?
You may want to try swaddling with arms out if:
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Your baby fusses when arms are tightly wrapped.
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You want to encourage self-soothing by letting your baby use their hands.
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You live in a hot climate or it’s summer, and you are concerned about overheating.
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Your baby is older, and you want a gentler transition out of swaddling.
When to Choose Arms Up Swaddling?
Try this if:
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Your baby startles a lot and wakes frequently.
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Your baby sleeps better with a snug, womb-like feeling.
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You want to calm a fussy newborn.
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You are comfortable mastering the swaddling technique and want to ensure your baby’s arms are gently supported.
Some Tips for Swaddling Success
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Use a lightweight, breathable blanket.
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Always lay your baby down on their back to sleep.
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Make sure the swaddle isn’t too tight around the chest or hips.
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Check your baby’s temperature often.
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Watch your baby’s cues. If they are upset with one style, try the other.
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Stop swaddling once your baby starts trying to roll over.
Swaddling is a wonderful tool to soothe your newborn, and understanding how to swaddle with arms out or how to swaddle with arms up can make a big difference in your baby’s comfort and sleep.
Here’s where Nintara Baby Muslin Square Swaddles come into the picture. Our perfect soft, breathable, and versatile blankets are designed especially for your precious newborn. Moreover, did you check out our collection of curated Nintara Baby gift boxes? These are sure to be a great addition to the new mama you are gifting and make her super-happy!
