Healthy Habits: Key Features for Baby Swaddling

According to a recent research study, infant swaddling with any restriction of leg movement may harm unstable hips increasing the risk of hip dysplasia or dislocation. The Woombie baby swaddle is the original peanut-shaped swaddle that offers a full 9 inches of EXTRA hip space on the bottom peanut of the swaddle compared to the top peanut. Comparing the most popular swaddles on the market today, it’s concerning that most swaddles do not promote the healthy hips positioning babies need to safely be swaddled. Babies love the hips-out-froggy position and any swaddle baby uses should support this position and any other position baby wants to move their legs naturally.

“Physicians at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware used dynamic ultrasound to examine infant hips while being swaddled using different methods. These methods included (1) tight traditional swaddling with the legs straight and together, (2) hip-healthy swaddling with plenty of room for full hip movement, and (3) commercial sleep sacks with upper body swaddle that might limit hip movement when the sack size was too small or the upper body wrap extended down over the hips.

“Swaddling infants with the hips and knees in an extended position increases the risk of hip dysplasia and dislocation. It is the recommendation of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute that infant hips should be positioned in slight flexion and abduction during swaddling.” (SOURCE)

Five Key Features Your Safe Baby Swaddle Should Have:

1. Plenty of extra room on the bottom of the swaddle so baby can comfortably be in the hips open froggy position. Legs should not be extended down with hips locked.
2. Ability to move naturally. A swaddle should gently cocoon baby, yet allow baby to move naturally in any position.
3. Babies should be swaddled in the hands-over-heart position which is he preferred sleeping position of babies and helps them learn the crucial skill of self-soothing (meaning they learn to fall asleep on their own).
4. Choose a swaddle that requires NO wrapping. The traditional wrapping of a blanket to swaddle baby poses a suffocation risk since swaddle blankets often come unraveled and can cover baby’s face. (Not to mention the origami skills that are difficult for parents to learn causing swaddle anxiety.)
5. Breathable fabrics such as cotton/nylon blend, bamboo, merino wool, and other moisture-wicking materials should be used in a baby swaddle.

“When inventing the Woombie swaddle 13 years ago as an RN and mom of three at the time, we knew how important it was to create a swaddle that mimicked the womb environment, snug enough to feel safe and secure like baby is being held, but stretchy enough so baby can move naturally just like they did in mama’s belly. Hip health has been one of the most important features from day one and with our unique ergonomic design we have the safest swaddle for babies on the market,” says Karen Barski, owner of KB Designs and inventor of the Woombie Baby Swaddle.

Key Woombie Safety Features:

• Woombie swaddles give an EXTRA 9 inches of hip and leg room so baby’s hips never lock.
• Woombie’s patented 4-way stretch fabric that gently hugs baby snug enough to give baby security, yet allows for natural movement while being swaddled – just like in the womb.
• All Woombie swaddles are in the hands-over-heart position for healthiest sleep and teaches baby self-soothing skills (meaning they can fall asleep on their own).
• The Woombie eliminates any suffocation risk because it’s a NO WRAP baby swaddle – just put baby in and zip! There are no loose fabric or pieces that can unravel or move up over baby’s airways.
• All Woombie swaddles are breathable so that baby’s temperature is regulated. Overheating is a dangerous risk factor of SIDS.

For more information visit www.woombie.com. 

Karen is an experienced media expert, RN BSN of over 25 years, wife and high energy mom of 5 (including twins!). She is an Infant Care Specialist, business coach, inventor, and author.

About Woombie


The Woombie baby swaddle has dominated the swaddle market for over a decade being the first to invent the peanut-shaped, NO WRAP swaddle. From what started as a mom being creative to help her baby sleep, has now grown to a multi-million dollar global brand helping over a million babies and counting. The Woombie’s signature one-step swaddle takes the guesswork out of swaddling and helps to eliminate risks associated with SIDS such as overswaddling / overheating and swaddle coming unraveled and covering baby’s face.