Can I swaddle an 8 month old?
Short answer: You can, if you follow the Lullaby Trust's swaddling steps. Stop swaddling with arms in as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling, and never swaddle when bed-sharing. Safer-sleep advice applies until 12 months, about 4 months from 8 month.
Use the same advice for every sleep, day and night, until 12 months.
What the guidance says
- If you swaddle, use thin material such as a muslin, never swaddle above the shoulders, keep it looser around the hips, and never put extra bedding over a swaddled baby.
- Stop swaddling with the arms inside as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling, because they could roll onto their tummy and not be able to roll back.
- Never swaddle when bed-sharing, or when your baby has an infection or a fever.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, in the feet-to-foot position (feet at the bottom of the cot, Moses basket or pram).
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- Muslin Swaddle Blanket - Berry Stripe
- Muslin Swaddle Blanket - Eucalyptus
- Muslin Swaddle Blanket - Ocean
- Large Muslin Squares Swaddles 3pk
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
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Sources
- The Lullaby Trust: Swaddling (accessed 2026-10-21)
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (accessed 2026-10-21)
General information only, not medical advice. Always follow your product's instructions. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or 111. In an emergency, call 999.