If you're like most bleary-eyed parents of infants, some more sleep would be welcome. Swaddling is one way to help settle your baby so that you can both get some much-needed rest. We picked out the best swaddles for newborns, ranging from traditional blanket swaddles to sleep sack-style options.
Why Swaddle? Everything You Need to Know About Swaddling
A favorite among parents, swaddling is a popular practice in many cultures. Swaddling babies helps comfort them, reminding them of the tight, cozy environment of the womb. When swaddled, babies are less likely to awaken themselves with the startle reflex (when they lift their arms suddenly).
Research shows that swaddling promotes quiet sleep and longer sleep periods. Plus, they can help soothe your baby when fussy.
Safe Swaddling
Although swaddling can be helpful, it also poses some disadvantages. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to practice safe swaddling. Some tips include:
- Ensure the swaddle won't get loose while baby sleeps.
- Place baby on their back for sleeping.
- Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of rolling.
- Prevent hip dysplasia by not forcing baby's legs into a straight position.
Babies can start rolling over as young as 2 months of age. At this point, it's safer to use a wearable blanket or similar so that your baby's space is free of loose bedding. Your baby's crib should not include blankets until they are at least 1 year old.
Also, when baby can roll over, it's best if their arms are free. This way, they can safely reposition themselves during sleep.
Top 10 Best Baby Swaddles
We've selected some of parents' favorite swaddles.
To find the best swaddle for your needs, consider the size and age of your baby. Also, consider your preference. Some swaddles are a blanket that you'll need to learn to wrap, while others feature zippers or velcro for simple swaddling.
1. Best No Hassle Swaddle: Dreamland Baby Co. Dream Weighted Sleep Swaddle - $89
Your infant will sleep soundly in this comforting and adorable swaddle. Dreamland Baby's swaddle is slightly weighted and easily converts into a sleep sack. When your baby starts rolling over, they can still use the sleep sack with their arms free.
Features:
- Ideal for 0 - 6 months
- 6 color choices
- Easy zip up
- Lightly weighted and reviewed by pediatric pulmonologist for safety
- Approved by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute
2. Best Swaddle for Newborn: The Ollie Swaddle - $59
Snuggle your little one in the most adorable swaddle. The Ollie is easy to use and adaptable. Simply velcro the swaddle in place. You can choose to secure your baby's arms or allow them free, meaning it grows with your little one.
The velcro offers assurance that the swaddle won't get loose while baby is sleeping. Also, baby still has some freedom of movement in the legs, promoting safety for joints.
Features:
- Sizing: one size fits all
- 7 color choices
- Secured with velcro
3. Best Traditional Swaddle: Caden Lane Personalized Baby Swaddle Blanket - $48
Wrap your baby up in a buttery soft swaddle with their name on it. Part keep-sake and part practical, this baby blanket is one you'll hold onto long after your baby leaves the crib.
The Caden Lane swaddle is a traditional style swaddle. That means you'll have to learn to wrap up your baby without velcro, zippers, etc. With a little practice, you can perfect your baby burrito skills.
Features:
- Sizing: Approximately 38" x 55"
- 12 color choices
- Personalize the name and font
- Traditional blanket swaddle
4. Best Grow with You Swaddle: Nested Bean Zen One™ Classic - $45.90
Featuring greater arm mobility than your average swaddle, the Zen One is safe and cozy. Additionally, the swaddle is lightly weighted to create a hug around your baby.
The arms of the Zen One are removable so that you can use it as a sleep sack after your baby can roll over.
Features:
- Ideal for 0 - 6 months, two sizes available for 0-3 or 3-6 months
- 5 color choices
- Easy zip up
5. Coziest Swaddle: Swaddelini - $39.95
Embracing your baby, the Swaddelini is reminiscent of a favorite, cozy sweater. Keep baby's arms secured, or allow them free. Providing just enough of a squeeze, your baby's legs will still be mobile with this swaddle.
Swaddelinis are single pieces of fabric knit from sustainably sourced yarn. If you prefer, you can choose from Swaddelini's bamboo collection.
Features:
- Ideal for 0 - 6 months, two sizes available for 6-12 pounds or 12-18 pounds
- 4 color choices
- One piece of fabric, no need to adjust, wrap, velcro, or zipper
6. Award Winning Swaddle: Love to Dream Swaddle Up™ - $32.95
Baby can enjoy more flexible arm positions with the Swaddle Up. The soft jersey cloth will keep your baby snug without overheating.
It's no wonder Swaddle Up has won awards for its no-hassle design. The swaddle won a silver in the "Made for Mums" awards in 2023.
Features:
- Ideal for 0 - 6 months, four sizes available
- 19 color choices
- Secure with a zipper
7. Best Organic Swaddle: Quincy Mae Swaddle - $36
Envelope your baby in the softest, safest organic cotton with Quincy Mae's swaddle. Browse around to discover their various cute designs, including bamboo options.
After using the blanket as a swaddle, your little one can keep the blanket as a lovey. Or, they can use it to build a fort with the Pikler Climber.
Features:
- One size fits all
- Size: 42" x 42"
- Traditional blanket swaddle
8. Cutest Baby Swaddle: Loulou and Company Roxy Swaddle Blanket - $28
We haven't seen a cuter pattern than Roxy's rainbow print. Generously sized, your child can still enjoy this blanket as they grow. Soft and cuddly, it's the ideal blanket for snuggling your baby.
Features:
- One size fits all
- Size: 48" x 48"
- Traditional blanket swaddle
9. Most Practical Baby Swaddle: Ergobaby Swaddler - $25
This cozy, practical swaddle is also easy to use. Made of cotton, the Ergobaby positions baby's arms over the chest.
Features:
- Ideal for babies between 44.5 to 61 cm
- 7 color choices
- Easy to use folding and velcro for a secure fit
- Approved by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute
10. Best Budget Swaddle: Happiest Baby 100% Organic Swaddle Blanket - $12.95
Simple, yet effective, the Happiest Baby swaddle gives you exactly what you need without breaking your budget. Choose from the adorable monochrome designs. Plus, it's made of organic cotton!
Features:
- One size fits all
- 5 color choices
- Size: 47" x 47"
- Traditional blanket swaddle
How to Swaddle Your Baby in Just 5 Minutes
Swaddling your baby with a traditional swaddle is easy to do in under a minute if you're experienced. How does it work?
- Lay out the swaddle flat. Fold one corner down.
- Gently place your baby on the swaddle, so their head is just above the folded corner.
- Secure baby's left arm over their chest. Wrap the left-hand corner of the swaddle over the baby. Gently turn baby slightly on their left arm so you can secure the corner of the swaddle under their back.
- Pull the bottom corner up over baby's feet without pulling too tightly.
- Do the same for the right side, pulling the right corner over baby's arm and tuck it under their back.
- Ensure baby remains sleeping on their back.
This style of swaddle is ideal for newborns and infants who are younger than 2 months old.
The Best Swaddle for Your Baby
Swaddling can be a lifesaver for night-time duty while parenting your newborn. Do you have a favorite swaddle? Let us know in the comments section below.
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