Calming Your Baby: Massaging and Safe Swaddling

Babies can sense touch even before birth. After delivery, healthcare providers often recommend skin-to-skin contact, which provides immediate comfort and a rich sensory experience.

From the moment they arrive, little ones enjoy being held, cuddled, and stroked. These warm, caring touches express love and are essential for a child's health and emotional development.

In addition to the gentle touches during feeding, diapering, and rocking, consider adding baby massage to your routine. It’s a simple and pleasurable way to make your infant feel safe, secure, and cared for, and it can be a lifesaver in calming a cranky baby.¹

• In the first few weeks, use slow and positive strokes, not spending too much time on one area. Newborn babies may feel overstimulated and simply want a gentle stroke down their backs.

• Newborns have short attention spans — massages should last about 15 minutes and be very simple.⁴

• Warm your hands by rubbing them together before you touch your baby.

• Keep a clean diaper or soft towel nearby just in case.

• If your little one is tired and would rather be sleeping, try again after naptime.

• If using any oils or lotions, ensure they are nontoxic and safe for delicate baby skin.

• Always watch your child’s reactions in case of sensitivity.

Massage Resting Hands

Begin a massage by applying light pressure to baby's resting hands. This can also be done when they need a break – hand massages are a gentle way for them to feel secure and enjoy touch without being overwhelmed.

Massage Legs

With one hand, gently hold your baby’s ankle. Place your other hand at the top of your baby’s thigh, molding it around the leg, then slide it to the ankle. Repeat with firm yet gentle rhythmic strokes, one hand after the other.

Massage Head

Start with your hands on both sides of the head, then run them down each side of the body to the toes. Next, draw tiny circles on your baby’s head with your fingertips.

Massage Feet

A newborn foot massage can have a positive effect on the whole body. Gently squeeze and roll each toe between your thumb and index finger. Using alternate thumbs stroke the top of the foot from the toes to the ankle. For more sensory stimulation, clap their little feet together softly.

Massage Tummy

When the umbilical cord is healed, a gentle newborn tummy massage can help with digestion and stomach troubles. Start by making contact with your baby’s tummy with a reassuring relaxed hand. Make gentle paddling strokes, with one hand following the other.

Massage Back

Beginning at your baby’s neck, swoop down to their bottom while applying gentle pressure, interchanging palms and fingertips. You can also do this while your little one is sitting up or in your lap.

There are many potential benefits of swaddling, such as limiting the startle reflex during sleep, providing comfort when babies are upset or during uncomfortable situations, and simply helping them relax.³ Some studies have found that swaddling can result in babies waking less often,⁵ making it a popular choice for families looking to improve their little one’s sleep quality.

Do newborns need to be swaddled? No. It's important to note not all babies enjoy being swaddled, and it's not a necessity. You can decide whether swaddling is right for your baby based on their preferences and your own comfort level.

When considering swaddling infants, parents should keep the following points in mind:³

• Not swaddling newborns is perfectly acceptable. If your baby is content without it, there’s no need.

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep, whether swaddled or not.

• Ensure the material used for swaddling remains securely in place. Loose fabric can pose a safety risk.

• For healthy hip development, babies need freedom to bend their legs upward and outward at the hips. While short periods of swaddling are generally safe, if your baby will be swaddled for extended periods, consider using a swaddling sleep sack that allows leg movement.

For parents and caregivers who decide to proceed with safe swaddling for their little one, here’s how:⁶

To start, most parents use a soft baby blanket, such as a receiving blanket, for swaddling. Choose a blanket that is made from a breathable material, such as cotton, cotton blend, or muslin.

1. Lay the blanket flat on a safe surface so that it looks like a diamond.

2. Fold the top point down.

3. Place your baby face up on the blanket with the back of their head over the fold.

4. Place baby’s right arm, with a slight bend to the elbow, flat against the body. Wrap the left corner over to the opposite side and tuck it under them.

5. Bring the bottom corner up to fold over their feet.

6. Place baby’s left arm, with a slight bend to the elbow, flat against the body. Wrap the right corner over and tuck it under their other side.

While there are many swaddling products that may be appropriate, such as wraps and sleep sacks, it is important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that using a weighted swaddle for sleep is not safe nor recommended. The added weight can potentially constrict chest movement. In addition, the weight may help a baby roll into an unsafe sleep position and be unable to roll back to a safe one. ⁷

Safety

When your baby is swaddled:⁸

• Make sure they don’t overheat. They shouldn’t look flushed or be sweating. They will not need another blanket when swaddled.

• Your baby is safest in their own crib or bassinet; do not place a swaddled baby in an adult bed.

• Can a swaddle be too tight? Yes. Make sure your baby is swaddled securely, but not too snug. Check that they can breathe easily and that it's not tight around their hips.

Stop swaddling once your baby can roll over or looks like they are trying to. Some children roll over as early as two months, but most will do so around three to four months.

Swaddling at this point is no longer appropriate and can become a safety issue. It can increase the risk of suffocation or strangulation if your baby rolls onto their stomach or breaks loose from the swaddle.^7,8

When it’s time to give up swaddling, many babies are fine with simply stopping. Others may take some time to get used to it. For the best course of action, consult your pediatrician.

By integrating infant massage and swaddling into your routine, you can create a soothing environment for your baby. These time-honored practices can not only help your little one feel secure and loved but also strengthen your bond and improve your understanding of their needs.

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. The Benefits of Baby Massage. Published 2024. Accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/the-benefits-of-baby-massage.aspx

2. van Sleuwen, B. E., Engelberts, A. C., Boere-Boonekamp, M. M., Kuis, W., Schulpen, T. W. J., & L'Hoir, M. P. (2007). Swaddling: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 120(4), e1097–e1106. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-2083

3. Harvard Health. Should you swaddle your baby? Published 2020. Accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/should-you-swaddle-your-baby-201605249730

4. Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute. Touch: A Parent’s Guide to Infant Massage. Published 2006. Accessed February 14, 2025. https://whatcomtakingaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/parents-guide-to-infant-massage.pdf

5. Franco, P., et al. (2005). "Influence of Swaddling on Sleep and Arousal Characteristics of Healthy Infants." Pediatrics 115 (5): 1307-1311.

6. UC David Health. How to safely swaddle a baby. Published 2018. Accessed February 14, 2025. https://health.ucdavis.edu/children/patient-education/safe-sleep/how-to-safely-swaddle-baby

7. American Academy of Pediatrics. Updates Safe Sleep Recommendations: Back is Best. Published 2022. Accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2022/american-academy-of-pediatrics-updates-safe-sleep-recommendations-back-is-best/

8. American Academy of Pediatrics. Swaddling: Is it Safe for Your Baby? Published 2022. Accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Swaddling-Is-it-Safe.aspx

Links to other parties’ articles and websites are provided for convenience only. Kenvue is not responsible for their content.