How to swaddle a baby like a pro - and things you need to do it

• As a mom, I worried about making the swaddle too tight, and my D- swaddling efforts didn't give my baby or me any rest. But when his papa wrapped him tightly, he slept, yes, like a baby. I then began to follow his example and became a master swaddler.
• The muslin fabric is stretchy and soft, so don't worry about it hurting your little one. What you need to worry about is making sure the wrap is secure. If it isn't tight, your little Houdini might break free.
• Before you start to swaddle, make your baby is sleepy but awake. Wrapping a squirming baby is no fun for anyone.
• During the winter months, you can wrap your baby burrito in another muslin swaddle for extra warmth.
• Remember to swaddle with straight arms or ones resting on his chest.
• Don't let the fabric swaddle touch the cheeks.
• Diaper only or a soft onesie is preferable. This way you don't have to worry about bulky clothes bothering your baby when swaddled.

Now, that you have the steps to swaddle like an Instagrammer with a large following, you'll have a much happier baby (and mom too).

If the traditional swaddle is too much for you, get your swaddle on with a simpler one.

Thankfully, swaddles come in all shapes and sizes, so you're bound to find one that works. For beginners, the Swaddle Me Original is oh so easy to master and comes in cute designs. It's really a score all around.

1. Lay the swaddle on a flat surface.
2. Open the adjustable wings and spread them out.
3. Lift open the pouch and slide the baby's legs inside.
4. Make sure the baby's hands are along his sides
5. Close the wings over the chest and secure with the hook and loop closures (Velcro).
6. Plop in the pacifier, turn on the sound machine, and place the baby gently in the crib.
7. Exit stage right or rather creep stage right.

That's really all there is to it. I found the traditional swaddle better for stronger babies and better value over the long run because the muslin blanket fits babies until they begin to roll over.

Once babies roll over, you should stop swaddling for safety reasons. But by then, your baby has learned (hopefully) to self-soothe, a skill something swaddle makers claims being wrapped encourages. And I think they're right.

The point of a swaddle is to help your baby sleep, but sometimes you need extra help. When I used the swaddle, I also used a few other things to help my son and I sleep better.

I recommend that you invest in a White Noise Sound Machine to remind them of being in the womb. Blackout curtains are also a great buy, as they block out the light during naps and bright summer evenings.

Once swaddled, plop in a Phillips Avent Soothie Pacifier to help your babies soothe, and you'll be set. All of these sleep-friendly baby items aren't necessary to swaddle, but when used all together they are a sweet recipe for sleep success.

• Best baby bottles
• Best diapers
• Best baby wipes
• Best bottle warmers
• Best diaper changing tables
• Best video baby monitors
• Best car seats
• Best strollers
• Best pacifiers