Women have used swaddling blankets for their babies for thousands of years. Swaddling blankets provide a secure and soothing "cocoon" for a baby that makes her feel safe and protected in her new environment. Swaddling blankets help keep a baby warm for the first few days of life as her internal body temperature regulates to her environment. Swaddling is a common practice for new babies around the world until they reach about one month of age, according to BabyCenter.com. Swaddling blankets can be made of various fabrics and can be an inexpensive project for new mommies.
Step 1
Select a piece of soft fabric such as flannel, fleece, velour or cotton. Wash in a gentle cycle and dry (hang dry or using a dryer) before cutting. Some fabrics, especially cotton, may shrink, leaving you with a smaller piece of fabric than you intended.
Step 2
Cut the fabric into a square that measures 40 by 40 inches, suggests RookieMoms.com. You could also cut it into a square that is 42 by 42 inches, but pieces larger than that may provide too cumbersome or bulky for swaddling. It is recommended that you don't double over fabrics for swaddling squares, especially fleece, as doing so may be too warm for a baby.
Step 3
Lay fabric out, wrong side up. However, be aware that some fabrics like fleece look almost identical. In such cases, decide which side you want to be the "right" side and go from there. Fleece patterns are especially beneficial, as both sides are attractive and may provide longer usage for swaddling because it is "reversible."
Step 4
Fold the right-side edges of the fabric about 1/4 of an inch toward the wrong side, tacking into place with pins. You may also wish to double fold the edges, which means tucking it up. This creates a smooth edge that won't fray.
Step 5
Iron the folded edges to make sure they are even, especially if you are using cotton. Ironing the edges also makes it easier to pin and tack for hand-sewing.
Step 6
Using a sewing machine or a needle by hand, hem the edges with thread with a running stitch or other stitch of your choice.
Step 7
Embroider or decorate the top edge of the swaddling blanket with machine or hand embroidery if you wish, taking care to make sure all threads or edgings are firmly tacked down and won't fray or enable a baby to pluck or pick at them.
Tips and Warnings
- Regularly check swaddling blankets for frayed edges, tears or threads that may become detached and harm a baby.
Things You'll Need
- Fabric or material of your choice
- Fabric scissors
- Sewing pins
- Sewing thread
- Sewing needle
- Iron (optional)
- Sewing machine (optional)
