Quite simply, a swaddle is a wrap. And, it’s a must have for any baby registry or new parent.
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.
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.
Another bonus, a good swaddle keeps your baby snug so she doesn’t roll over. And that leads us to our next point…
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.
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.
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:
Like everything baby, there is no one right answer. Here are some factors to consider when you shop for swaddles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sinzia Swaddle Blanket: Drawing inspiration from West African traditions, Mistari's white and pink lines pay homage to new mothers lovingly wrapped in this cloth, known for absorbing pain and deflecting negativity.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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The Ollie Swaddle: Custom closure allows fit to be individualized to meet the need and size of each little one – even as they grow
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!
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.
