How to Swaddle a Baby With a Muslin Blanket (Step by Step)

The short answer: Lay the muslin flat as a diamond and fold the top corner down. Place your baby with shoulders just below the fold. Wrap the left side across and tuck it under their back, fold the bottom up, then wrap the right side across and tuck. Keep it snug around the arms but loose around the hips.

Step by step

1. Make a diamond. Spread the muslin on a flat surface in a diamond shape and fold the top corner down about 6 inches.
2. Position baby. Lay your baby face-up with their shoulders just below the folded edge, head above it.
3. First arm and wrap. Gently straighten their left arm down, take the muslin on that side, pull it snugly across their body, and tuck the edge under their back on the opposite side.
4. Fold up the bottom. Bring the bottom corner up over their feet — loosely, so their hips and legs can still bend and move (this protects healthy hip development).
5. Second arm and wrap. Straighten the right arm, pull the remaining side snugly across, and tuck it under their back. Snug, not tight.

Test it: you should be able to slip two or three fingers between the muslin and your baby's chest. Hips should have wiggle room.

When to stop swaddling

Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows any sign of rolling over — often around 8 weeks, sometimes earlier. A swaddled baby who rolls to their tummy can't push up safely. After that, move to a wearable sleep sack with arms free.

Why muslin makes swaddling easier

Muslin is large, lightweight, and has a little natural give, so it wraps snugly and stays put without overheating your baby — breathable enough that you're not adding a sweaty layer. A generously sized organic muslin swaddle gives you enough fabric to get a secure, comfortable wrap every time.

General information, not medical advice. Follow current AAP safe-sleep guidance, including stopping swaddling at the first signs of rolling and always placing baby on their back to sleep.