The nurses at the hospital may have shown you how to swaddle your baby for sleep, gently wrapping his arms, legs and torso in a lightweight baby blanket.

Moms and nannies have swaddled babies for centuries, and research shows that, when swaddled, infants may sleep more deeply, startle less and be more likely to return to sleep on their own when they wake.

Swaddled babies also sleep better on their backs than babies who are not swaddled, reducing the risk of SIDS.

Putting a swaddled baby facedown increases the risk of SIDS, however. Never put a swaddled baby face down, and do not swaddle a baby that can roll from back to front.

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.

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