Dad-to-Be Wants To Practice Parenting Techniques, His Dog Knows What To Do

A man’s unusual way of practicing his swaddling technique before becoming a dad has left internet users in hysterics, as no one could have predicted whom he would use for a model.

TikTok user @caitig04 shared a hilarious video on November 18 showing how her fiance managed to practice swaddling before the baby arrived—by using his pet instead. As the dad-to-be looked on proudly at his expert handiwork, the dog could be seen laying on the floor and wagging its tail gently while wrapped in the blanket.

The man’s adorable attempt to get a head start on swaddling has delighted internet users, generating more than 1.5 million views and over 365,300 likes. Since the clip was posted, TikTok viewers have lauded the man’s attempts and praised the dog for being such a willing assistant. Newsweek has contacted @caitig04 via TikTok for comment.

The website What to Expect says that swaddling helps a baby feel safe, cozy, and secure when they’re adjusting to life outside the womb. As a result of feeing so calm and warm, swaddling can (hopefully) help babies to sleep more soundly and for longer too. A bonus for all those sleep-deprived parents.

When it comes to swaddling correctly, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says it is best to lay a thin blanket out flat with one corner folded down. Place the baby faceup on top of the blanket, with their head resting above the folded corner. After that, parents should straight the infant’s left arm and wrap the left corner of the blanket over their body, tucked between the right arm and right side of the body.

Once that step is complete, the right arm should be placed down and the right corner of the blanket placed over the baby’s body under their left. Finally, you can fold or twist the bottom of the blanket and tuck it underneath one side of the infant.

While they should be nice and snug, the AAP notes that the blanket shouldn’t be too tight and the baby should still be able to move their hips. For reference, you should be able to fit two or three fingers between the infant’s chest and the swaddle.

How Did TikTok React?

After the video of the unorthodox swaddling practice went viral, social-media users have hailed the dog’s expert assistance. With over 550 comments on the TikTok post so far, many people hailed the pup for lending a helping paw and taking one for the team.

One comment reads: “we think he’s 100% prepared.”

Another person wrote: “Swaddle training for dad, big brother training for doggo.”

“The tail wag made my whole week,” added a third.

A fourth commenter joked: “You realize he’s going to expect this every night?”

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