Encouraging Baby's Best Sleep

Swaddling 101

Making a Baby Burrito

There's a good reason maternity ward nurses wrap babies up into tight little bundles. Because newborns are used to being packed tightly in the womb, replicating it on the outside helps them sleep better. Here's how to wrap up your own little baby burrito:

1. Lay a light, soft blanket on a flat surface; a heavier blanket may make baby too warm. Place it in a diamond shape, corners pointing up and out.
2. Fold the top corner down to the middle of the blanket, and place baby's head and neck just above it. His shoulders should be aligned with the top of the fold.
3. Place baby's arms at his sides, or cross them gently over his chest.
4. Take the right blanket corner and wrap it across baby's chest, tucking in the edges under his back.
5. Fold the bottom corner over baby's feet. You can leave the bottom loose so he can curl up his legs.
6. Take the left corner and wrap it across baby's chest, tucking it under his back. Pull gently but firmly to ensure that the swaddle is snug.

Crazy for Loveys

Does your toddler need to clutch a stuffed bear to drift off to dreamland? Don't worry -- Teddy isn't an emotional crutch. He helps your child learn to soothe himself when his caregivers aren't around. Just have an extra bear on hand if Teddy goes missing!