Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
Muslin is a loosely woven cotton, and that one detail explains most of its popularity as a swaddle. It is thin, it lets air through, and it gets softer the more you wash it. Those qualities matter because the main safety worry with swaddling is a baby getting too hot. Below are the reasons parents in India pick muslin, followed by the safety rules that matter more than any fabric.
Why parents reach for muslin
1. It is thin. The American Academy of Pediatrics, in its guidance on whether swaddling is safe, says to use only a thin blanket for swaddling and to avoid weighted swaddles. A muslin square fits that description far better than a fleece or quilted wrap.
2. It suits Indian weather. In a humid Chennai or Mumbai summer, a thick wrap can quickly leave a baby damp and flushed. Muslin breathes, so it is easier to keep your baby at a comfortable temperature. It still needs watching, because any swaddle adds a layer.
3. It softens with washing. Cotton muslin starts out slightly crisp and becomes softer after every wash, which is why many families keep using the same few pieces for months.
4. It does more than one job. Once your baby has outgrown swaddling, a muslin square still works as a burp cloth, a light cover in the pram, a towel after a bath, or a sheet for tummy time on the floor.
5. It is easy to carry. A muslin square folds small, dries fast on a line and weighs very little in a nappy bag, which helps on long train journeys or trips to the grandparents.
Safe swaddling matters more than the fabric
Swaddling can help a newborn settle, but the AAP is clear that it has to be done carefully. These are the points from its guidance:
- Back to sleep, every time. Always place a swaddled baby on their back. A swaddled baby who ends up on their tummy has a higher risk of SIDS and suffocation.
- Stop when rolling starts. Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows any sign of trying to roll over. Some babies try this as early as 2 months.
- Leave room for the hips. Tight wrapping that holds the legs straight can contribute to hip dysplasia. The legs should be able to bend up and out at the hips.
- Not too tight at the chest. You should be able to slide at least two or three fingers between your baby's chest and the swaddle.
- Watch for overheating. Sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash and fast breathing are signs your baby is too warm. Remove a layer or unwrap.
- Keep the cot clear. A swaddle that comes loose can cover your baby's face, so check it and keep other loose blankets out of the cot.
The NHS advice on reducing the risk of SIDS adds that if your baby sleeps in your bed, you should not swaddle them; a baby sleeping bag is safer. The NHS also recommends that your baby sleeps in their own cot or Moses basket in your room for at least the first 6 months.
How to wrap a muslin swaddle
- Spread the muslin flat in a diamond shape and fold the top corner down.
- Lay your baby on their back with their head above the folded edge.
- Straighten one arm, bring that side of the cloth across the body and tuck it under the other arm.
- Bring the second arm down, wrap the other side across and tuck it under.
- Fold or twist the bottom corner loosely and tuck it under one side, so the legs can still bend and move.
- Check the hips move freely and that two or three fingers fit at the chest.
If your baby fights the wrap or seems unhappy in it, you do not have to swaddle. A sleep sack that does not hold the arms, which the AAP says can be used for as long as you like, is an alternative once swaddling stops.
Choosing a muslin swaddle
Look for 100% cotton muslin, a size large enough to wrap without stretching (around 40 inches square works for most newborns), soft finished edges with no loose threads, and prints made with skin friendly dyes. In our muslin swaddle wraps range, the Moon and Stars print, for example, is 41 by 41 inches, made of two layers of 100% cotton muslin with non toxic dyes, and sized for babies up to 6 months. Two layers feel cosy, so on hot days dress your baby lightly underneath and check the back of the neck for sweat.
Keep at least two or three swaddles so one can be in the wash while another is in use.
When to speak to your doctor
See your doctor if you notice signs of hip problems. The NHS page on developmental dysplasia of the hip lists a clicking or popping sound when your baby moves their hips, one leg moving differently from the other during nappy changes, or legs of different lengths. Also speak to your paediatrician if your baby was born early or small. The NHS notes that babies born before 37 weeks or weighing less than 2.5kg are at higher risk of SIDS, so ask the neonatal team how they would like you to settle your baby at home.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
