To create this list, we reached out to new parents to learn what is the best swaddle blankets and devices they found most useful over the course of their baby’s first few months. In fact, experts recommend only swaddling your baby when they are going to sleep. As noted above, it’s important to place your swaddled baby on their back when it’s time to sleep. Again, this is the safest position for infants, according to the AAP. You’ll want to stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll over, the AAP says. Swaddling is an age-old practice that involves wrapping an infant securely in a blanket from the neck down.
Featuring a 95% cotton and 5% spandex construction, the Woombie is both soft and stretchy while providing great airflow and comfort. It is a bit different because it only involves one-step swaddling, with no wings or velcro to deal with for firmly securing the arms. Instead of restricting the arms, it is designed to facilitate a more “”womb-like”” movement and is ideal for babies who don’t respond well to a tight swaddle around arms. Not that the arms aren’t surrounded by some resistance – they are, but in a more natural sort of way.
Here are three of the most popular kinds of swaddle blankets. Because the process of learning how to swaddle a baby can be daunting, there are also products on the market that offer the security of a traditional swaddle with the convenience of modern design. The whimsical, cute designs will have your baby looking adorable, whether it’s the middle of the night or the middle of a photoshoot. And since they’re multifunctional, you might not need any other blankets for your baby — period.
They are pretty expensive, coming in at about $15 each, so you’ll pay for all that softness and quality. In our testing, we tried it out as a swaddle blanket, a stroller cover, and a nursing cover. We machine washed it in cold water and threw it in the dryer to tumble dry on low; it came out just as soft if not softer than when we started! This muslin swaddle blanket makes a great baby shower gift given its nice packaging – the one we received even had a silk ribbon on it, which was a nice touch. So we’re really excited about this swaddle and think it’s an awesome addition to our annual list!
If your baby hates the swaddle, there are definitely some great swaddle alternatives out there, including sleep sacks that serve many of the same purposes of traditional swaddle blankets. When it comes to a swaddle vs sleep sack, there are plenty of options, even for newborns. The most important consideration for these blankets is that they are made with soft, non-abrasive materials, like organic cotton. They should also be light and breathable to prevent your baby from overheating. Swaddle blankets are large, soft blankets that are specifically designed to wrap around a baby, securing them in a cozy and comfortable position. They are often made of stretchy fabric like muslin or cotton and are used to help newborn babies sleep peacefully by recreating the feeling of being in the womb.
You do need to get some practice learning how to swaddle a baby before truly getting the hang of using this. We appreciated the compact size after rolling up the 47 x 47-inch swaddle blanket, which is also available in dozens of neutral color and pattern options. “”Swaddling also helps your baby to control their startle reflex, which is what causes their arms and legs to jolt when startled by noise or movement.”” Somehow, upsimples has designed a cotton and bamboo swaddle that feels like expensive, soft sheets. The fun animal patterns and oversized 47-inch square are just bonuses.
Babies who can wriggle their arms up and out run the risk of strangulation. Whether you’re looking for an arms-only solution or want to double-up on swaddling, a swaddle strap can come in handy. It’s essentially an arms-only wrap that stays put across baby’s torso. However, it’s worth noting that while this zip sack offers flexibility, it should not be used for babies who can roll over because it can restrict their range of motion. Also, zippers run the risk of catching on bare baby tummies, so this is best used over clothing.
These early months are often termed “the fourth trimester,” an adjustment period for both babies and parents. A form-fitting neck-to-toe sack, this swaddle leaves a baby free to move their limbs and keep their hands closer to their face than with other swaddles. It’s on the pricier side, but the one-size-fits all design will last as long as you need to swaddle your baby. “Every other swaddle we tried allowed my baby to move his arms enough that he became determined to get his arms out.
As the name suggestions,this blanket lets you swaddle baby with his or her arms up, a position that many infants love. But the cozy cotton fabric, which has just enough stretch to allow for a bit of movement, still helps control the startle reflex to minimize wake-ups. Use your swaddle as part of a safe sleep practice by securing all Velcro, wings, snaps, and/or zippers. Always place a swaddled baby on their back to sleep, in a crib or sleeping space that’s free from blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or bumpers.
It comes with a carrier bag and simply folds across your baby’s body tightly with heavy-duty velcro, like a little straight jacket. It can also be adjusted by tying off the end, so it can fit a baby of any age. Like the winning swaddle, the SwaddleMe is secure and does a good job of preventing the startle reflex that will wake your baby. This wearable blanket is slightly more versatile than our top pick, in that you can swaddle your little one with their arms over their chest or by their sides.