Each baby and parent or caregiver combo is unique, so if you have questions about whether swaddling is right for your baby, give your pediatrician a call. Although swaddling has its benefits, it’s important to practice safe swaddling. Some of the items mentioned can be used as blankets as your baby grows. Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products.
Currently, there is no specific guidance on how many hours you can leave your baby swaddled at a given time. But young babies need frequent feedings and diaper changes, so a good rule of thumb is to unswaddle your baby for these things. In fact, the risk of sudden infant death syndrome may increase for babies who are placed on their stomachs or sides to sleep while swaddled, according to the AAP. This may also happen if baby rolls onto their tummy while swaddling, per 2017 research. Experts now call the first three months of a baby’s life the “”fourth trimester”” as a way to recognize a newborn’s transition between life in the womb and life in the world. Swaddling can help by wrapping your baby up snugly, like they’re in utero.
The best swaddle blankets are made from ultra-soft 100% cotton, making the baby feel warm and secure. They help prevent the baby from getting startled and engulf them in a womb-like feel. These options have been handpicked based on aspects such as fabric quality, insulation, design, and overall construction. They have also been used by buyers who gave them good ratings so you can be assured of the product quality and performance. This double-layered pure cotton muslin sleeping bag comes with chin guards to prevent rubbing and double underarm poppers to keep baby extra snug.
You’ll very likely be faced with having to change your baby’s swaddle several times a night. Don’t put yourself in the position of being without a clean swaddle when you’re most desperate for sleep. Other babies may prefer being swaddled with their arms placed across their chest, or with their arms outside the swaddle. As with much of parenting, finding the right swaddling method for your particular baby may take some practice. Because swaddles mimic the feel of the womb—a warm, compact environment—they help calm a baby’s anxiety, and ultimately help them to learn to self-soothe.
The AAP advises that as soon as a baby begins trying to roll over, you should no longer swaddle them because of the suffocation risk this creates. The Nested Bean Zen Swaddle Classic is the only weighted swaddle we tested. It uses polymer beads in the front and in the tips of the wings to apply a small amount of pressure to the baby’s torso when swaddled. The Nested Bean has a smaller interior leg pocket inside of the main sack.
Swaddling can be a comforting and familiar experience for your little one, so understandably, they may feel anxious or upset when it’s time to stop. Since babies feel super cozy and tucked in, they can rest more peacefully and for longer periods of time. This can be a super helpful tool for sleep-deprived parents to get a little extra shuteye as well. Ergobaby has been working hard to build global communities so parents can shop for ergonomic and innovative products that help them better bond with their babies. She wasn’t satisfied with any of the baby carriers she found at the time and decided to try something different.
She also loves that she had the option to decide on a print that she likes. According to the AAP guidelines for safe swaddling, loose blankets are a suffocation hazard for young babies. When it comes to swaddling, you can’t really go wrong with basic. After all, this is how your parents and grandparents were likely swaddled when they were babies! These fan-favorite swaddle blankets from aden + anais are large, soft, and made from breathable 100 percent cotton muslin. Not all swaddles are designed the same and each has its own unique perks.
The snaps make it easy to swaddle your baby perfectly every time. 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. Some experts say that bed-sharing infants shouldn’t be swaddled.
We understand that some babies are skilled at wiggling their way out of even the most expertly swaddled blankets, which is why we included a range of designs and features in our list. These include Velcro closures, leg pouches for hassle-free diaper changes, and special arm pockets to keep the baby securely swaddled. By considering these factors, we’ve compiled a list of best swaddle blankets that are both safe and convenient for parents to use. This knitted swaddle blanket features a sleep sack design with a cute hoodie adorned with two ears and a belt fastened with two buttons.