Perfect Swaddles for You and Your Baby: Our Favorites

What’s a swaddle?

Quite simply, a swaddle is a wrap. And, it’s a must have for any baby registry or new parent.

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Why swaddle a newborn?

A swaddle mimics the feeling a baby had in the womb - cozy and not much room to wiggle! Babies who are swaddled sleep longer with less anxiety and less frequent wake ups due to the startling reflex.

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The AAP doesn’t recommend babies use pillows or blankets until years from now, so another function of the swaddle is to keep your baby warm at night.

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Another bonus, a good swaddle keeps your baby snug so she doesn’t roll over. And that leads us to our next point…

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How long do you use a swaddling blanket?

Babies can sleep safely on their back in a swaddle blanket until they can roll over to their belly. That could happen as early as 2 months. When your baby can roll, it’s time to switch to another blanket-like sleeping contraption, the sleep sack.

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For some babies, swaddles just don’t work. You’ll know - in that case, your best sleeping option is a sleep sack. This is a wearable blanket that is also a safe sleeping option for newborns all the way through toddlerhood.

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How do they work?

For the best tutorial, ask your nurse or midwife to show you how to do it after you give birth. They are truly the swaddle pros.

Here's the AAP step-by-step guide:

• Use only a thin blanket for swaddling.
• To swaddle, spread the blanket out flat, with one corner folded down.
• Lay the baby face-up on the blanket, with their head above the folded corner.
• Straighten their left arm and wrap the left corner of the blanket over your baby's body, tucking it between their right arm and the right side of their body.
• Then tuck the right arm down, and fold the right corner of the blanket over her body and under their left side.
• Fold or twist the bottom of the blanket loosely and tuck it under one side of the baby.
• Make sure their hips can move and that the blanket is not too tight. You want to be able to get at least two or three fingers between the baby's chest and the swaddle

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How to pick the best swaddle for you? 

Like everything baby, there is no one right answer. Here are some factors to consider when you shop for swaddles.

Price

As with anything in the baby world you can pay for brand names, or save with knockoffs. Make sure before you make any purchase you see the return policy. 

Cuteness or pattern selection

If you really want to go big with your safari-theme nursery, you certainly can extend that vibe to your swaddles. Find a pattern or colors that bring you joy.

Fabric for the right temperature

You might learn some new vocabulary words as a new parent. One is a tog, which means the weight of the fabric. A heavier tog is for colder weather. Only you know where your baby will sleep - Does it run hot? Do you have AC? Check out the swaddle-makers suggestion on suggested temperature for use. They’ll have it in their product notes.

Fabric for the right feel

You can find swaddles in any fabric. You might even learn about new fabrics! For example, one new fabric you might find in the baby world is bamboo. It is a very soft and stretchy fabric. Muslin is stiff and won’t stretch but also very light and airy. This can also be a dimension in our next factor, ease of use.

Ease of use

Some swaddles make it extra easy to get a tight (but not too tight) hold around your baby - their secret is probably velcro. For people with less dexterity in their hands, this is really the way to go. Another factor here is type of fabric. Depending on you, you might prefer a stretchy or stiff material.

Functionality

The swaddles that look more like pieces of cloth can triple up as swaddles, blankets and nursing covers. To make a handy nursing cover out of any blanket, tie two ends around your neck and there you go.

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What’s the best swaddle?

As far as which swaddling blanket is the best? As you can tell, it’s personal so we’ll let you choose. Here are our favorite swaddling blankets.  

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1. Miracle Blanket Swaddle Wrap for Newborn Infant Baby Fearfully Made: This imported swaddling blanket is made from 100% pure cotton and is perfect for keeping your infant safe and secure as she sleeps. This blanket is intended for newborns up to 14 weeks. This all cotton swaddling blanket will help keep even the strongest babies from startling, twitching, scratching themself. Machine washable for easy maintenance.

2. HALO Sleepsack Swaddle, Velboa Plush Dots: This cream-colored swaddling blanket is another must buy and one some hospitals provide. This swaddling blanket allows for arms in or out, depending on your child’s needs. Fits babies from 6 – 12 pounds.

3. Aden + Anais Swaddle Blanket: This blanket is perfect if your baby runs hot and may be the key to keeping him comfortable. This swaddling blanket is made from pure cotton. It is thin, and comfortably breathable while being large enough you don’t have to worry about your baby outgrowing it too soon. These muslin blankets are boutique quality and come in a two pack for convenience.

4. Muslin Swaddle Blankets: This pack of 4 comfortable cotton blankets are versatile and can be used for swaddling while changing your baby, plus, they can also be used as a discrete coverup while feeding if you want a little more privacy. Super handy and multi-purposed with contrasting colors — a perfect match!

5. ErgoPouch 0.2 tog Cocoon Swaddle Bag: Looking for fun patterned swaddle bags that are multi-purposed to tuck your little one in? These cocoon swaddle bags are specially designed to transition to hands free. They have a 2-way zipper for easy diaper changes and provide enough space for your child’s healthy leg movements.

6. Burt’s Bees Baby: What could be cuter? This swaddle blanket is a transitional to hands free and is organic cotton — great for sensitive skin!

7. Natemia Extra Soft White Muslin Swaddle Blankets: This pack of 2 anemia bamboo/cotton blankets are super soft and provide extra comfort to your baby. This product is versatile and ideal for the delicate skin of your newborn.