The 14 best swaddle blankets to wrap your newborn up like a burrito (2023)

FAQs

What type of swaddle is best for newborn? ›

Best Overall: SwaddleMe Original Swaddle 3-Pack

It's constructed of 100% cotton, so your baby's temperature can regulate without overheating. Parents who have tried many other swaddles claim this is the best fit yet.

The Best Fabric for Swaddle Blankets

Cotton is ideal as it's soft, breathable, and not very stretchy. Cotton is a natural fiber that can go by many different names, including: Muslin.

' Cellular blankets: These are typically made from 100% cotton with holes (or cells) to allow for airflow and insulation when layered, explains Hussain. 'They are the safest type of baby blankets and are also the best option to use as bedding for your newborn,' she adds.

Most moms have 4 to 8 “go-to” swaddles. If you plan on taking a swaddle or blanket with you to the hospital, we recommend 2 or 3 just in case baby has some spit up. If you're not planning on using the hospital blankets, you may want to bring even more than that.

‌You should stop swaddling your baby when they start to roll over. That's typically between two and four months. During this time, your baby might be able to roll onto their tummy, but not be able to roll back over. This can raise their risk of SIDs.

Yes, you should swaddle your newborn at night. The startle reflex is a primitive reflex that is present and birth and is a protective mechanism. With any sudden noise or movement, your baby is “startled” and her arms will extend away from her body, she'll arch her back and neck.

One of the best materials for swaddling blankets is muslin. Lightweight and breathable, muslin is a loose, plain weave cotton material that dates back to ancient India. It's perfect for letting a baby's body temperature stay regulated while swaddling.

Swaddled Babies Sleep Longer

All infants were placed on their backs. The researchers found swaddling increases a baby's total amount of sleep as well as nonrapid eye movement (NREM) or light sleep compared with when they were not swaddled.

tuck the covers in securely under your baby's arms so they cannot slip over their head – use 1 or more layers of lightweight blankets. use a baby mattress that's firm, flat, well-fitting, clean and waterproof on the outside – cover the mattress with a single sheet.

A baby blanket should be made out of materials that are gentle on sensitive skin and breathable to make sleep comfortable. Moreover, it should be lightweight and easy to wash. The best breathable material you can opt for is cotton.

Why are hospital baby blankets all the same? ›

These baby blankets have been a popular choice among hospitals for several reasons: The combination of the pink and blue stripes makes this linen gender-neutral so there's no need for swapping. These blankets are oftentimes cheaper than their patterned counterparts.

Soft, warm and durable, Love To Dream™ swaddles are certified as 'Hip-Healthy' by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. They have been carefully designed with a single zip that has dual capacity so it is able to be zipped from the top and the bottom, allowing for easy nappy changes.

A key way to practice safe swaddling is to make sure you're using a proper blanket. You want to use a thin, breathable fabric like aden + anais's cotton muslin swaddle. Cotton muslin blankets are an excellent choice because they are extremely breathable and help to prevent overheating.

What size should a swaddling blanket be? A swaddle blanket should be no less than 42” x 42” in size and square in shape to make it easy to swaddle, and have enough fabric to tuck into itself to secure.

Essentially, muslins and swaddles are the same thing, the only difference is the name! Although the huge market of muslins and swaddles means that they do come in a huge selection of styles, sizes and thicknesses.

Swaddling your baby with one or both arms out is perfectly safe, as long as you continue to wrap her blanket securely. In fact, some newborns prefer being swaddled with one or both arms free from the very beginning. Another swaddle transition option: Trade your swaddle blanket for a transitional sleep sack.

The general range of washing frequency is anywhere from washing after one use, to washing after an outing or obvious stain, to washing every third day.

At two weeks old your baby can only see around 25cm away from them, so, if you want them to see your face, make sure you're within that distance. They are also really likely to be staring at you with a very intense look of concentration – this is your baby beginning their journey of communication.

Babies who are swaddled too tightly may develop a problem with their hips. Studies have found that straightening and tightly wrapping a baby's legs can lead to hip dislocation or hip dysplasia. This is an abnormal formation of the hip joint where the top of the thigh bone is not held firmly in the socket of the hip.

This is safe as long as caregivers monitor the baby to ensure they do not roll over, that the blankets do not become loose, that they do not overheat, and that they can still feed on demand. While swaddling can help babies settle and sleep, it is important for caregivers to note that young babies need to feed often.

Does swaddling prevent SIDS? ›

Swaddling Reduces SIDS and Suffocation Risk

This extremely low SIDS rate suggests that wrapping may actually help prevent SIDS and suffocation. Australian doctors also found that swaddled babies (sleeping on the back) were 1/3 less likely to die from SIDS, and a New Zealand study found a similar benefit.

A few important things to keep in mind: The swaddle should be snug, but not too tight. You should be able to place two to three fingers between your baby's chest and the blanket, and the blanket should be loose around her hips so she can move her legs freely.

We would recommend between 3-5 muslins so you're never running short! It's also handy to keep muslins in the areas you know you'll always need one, such as in your baby changing bag, a pram, in the nursery and one that you can keep to hand around the house.

While this really comes down to personal preference, on most baby registries you'll find that your newborn should have three to six sleep sacks in their wardrobe.

As a minimum we recommend two; one in use and one for back-up. If your baby spits up a lot, or you aren't doing laundry each day, you will need more. However because Muslin Wraps are more versatile and can be used for more than just as baby swaddles, we think five to eight wraps is a good number to start with.

Swaddling Helps Alleviate Colic

This can cause gas and other intense pain, leading to prolonged and inconsolable crying or fussiness in an otherwise healthy baby.

If your baby is swaddled, keep them swaddled throughout their night feeds. Or if your baby is older, keep them in their sleeping bag. If you need to do a diaper change before or during their feed, re-swaddle them again or put them back in their sleeping bag as soon as they are changed.

Health and development professionals recommend swaddling with your baby's arms on top of his or her chest. They suggest positioning your child's arms so the hands meet at the body's midline. This method has advantages over swaddling with your child's arms straight down at the sides.

Signs of Chilling

Babies that are too cold will not exert the energy it takes to cry, and may be uninterested in feeding. Their energy is being consumed by trying to stay warm. A baby that is dangerously chilled will have cold hands and feet and even baby's chest will be cold under his or her clothes.

How will I know if my newborn is cold? ›

The easiest way to tell if your baby is too hot or too cold is by feeling the nape of the neck to see if it's sweaty or cold to the touch. When babies are too warm, they may have flushed cheeks and look like they're sweating.

First is the developmental window of vulnerability. SIDS is most common at 2-4 months of age when the cardiorespiratory system of all infants is in rapid transition and therefore unstable. So, all infants in this age range are at risk for dysfunction of neurological control of breathing.

Stomach sleeping - This is probably the most significant risk factor, and sleeping on the stomach is associated with a higher incidence of SIDS.

First things first: What is a lovey? The broad term refers to any calming object a child attaches to, but the most common kind of baby lovey is a small, soft piece of fabric (a mini blanket), sometimes attached to a stuffed animal.

When it comes to fabrics for baby clothes and blankets, cotton is always an excellent choice. In fact, it is one of the most popular options on the market and has been used for generations. One primary reason for this is how soft cotton is.

Many of the blankets used in hospital delivery rooms and nurseries are faded: That's because they get laundered multiple times. Some hospitals launder their own linens. Others rent their linens from hospital laundries, such as Healthcare Laundry Systems in Wheeling, Ill.

Newborn hospital hats help infants conserve heat and regulate body temperature. As hospital temperatures are much lower than temperatures inside the womb, infant caps are instrumental in helping babies adjust to a sudden drop in temperature.

That blanket is an iconic design and often the very first blanket that many families in the United States receive their baby snuggled up in — hence the name receiving blanket. While the hospital receiving blanket is a staple, there are many reasons why that first receiving blanket you use shouldn't be the last.

While swaddling is a surefire way to get babies comfortable, it is important to also take note of what they need to wear underneath the swaddle. Babies should wear at least a layer of clothing underneath their swaddles, such as a onesie or a shirt and shorts.

Are arms up sleep sacks safe? ›

Share this: SwaddleDesigns® recently introduced the Swaddle Sack as the perfect solution for babies who prefer to sleep with arms up and to have access to their hands, and the safer option for older babies to bridge the gap from swaddling to wearable blankets.

Organic cotton or muslin are great choices as these are safer for baby and will naturally absorb your scent. Check to ensure that there is no loose stitching or small pieces that can come off and cause a choking hazard.

The Best Fabric for Swaddle Blankets

Nearly every swaddle product you find will be made of cotton. Cotton is ideal as it's soft, breathable, and not very stretchy. Cotton is a natural fiber that can go by many different names, including: Muslin.

Put your baby to sleep on his back on a flat, firm surface, like in a crib or bassinet. Do this every time your baby sleeps, including naps. Put your baby to sleep in his own crib or bassinet. It's good to share a room with your baby, but don't share a bed.

The short answer is that you “need” two swaddles for your baby. The long answer is that the number of swaddles you need really depends on: How often you do laundry. I always encourage new moms to buy extras of their 'essentials' to avoid having to do laundry/dishes every day.

How many swaddling blankets do I need? You'll probably want a minimum of three swaddling blanket options. Think of having enough swaddles to have one on your baby, one in the laundry, and one in case of emergency.

How many swaddles (and what different kinds of swaddles) should I add to my registry? Believe it or not, your baby will most likely have a strong preference as to what type of swaddle they prefer. I recommend adding one of each type of swaddle—one traditional swaddle and one two-in-one—to your registry pre-baby.

Swaddling should only be introduced when your baby is a newborn. As soon as they show signs that they're learning to roll over or they can already roll over, you need to transition them away from swaddling (Pease et al, 2016; The Lullaby Trust 2021; McDonnell & Moon, 2017; Nelson, 2017).

Yes, you should swaddle your newborn at night. The startle reflex is a primitive reflex that is present and birth and is a protective mechanism. With any sudden noise or movement, your baby is “startled” and her arms will extend away from her body, she'll arch her back and neck.

Use materials such as a thin muslin or thin cotton sheet – DO NOT USE blankets or place any additional bedding over a swaddled baby, this could cause them to overheat. Ensure baby is not overdressed under the swaddle, has their head uncovered and does not have an infection or fever.

What is the safest way to swaddle? ›

But if you want to stop sooner — maybe you're tired of the whole swaddle wrapping thing or your baby doesn't seem to sleep any better with a swaddle than without — it's perfectly fine to do so. Babies don't need to be swaddled, and some actually snooze more soundly without being wrapped up.

First is the developmental window of vulnerability. SIDS is most common at 2-4 months of age when the cardiorespiratory system of all infants is in rapid transition and therefore unstable. So, all infants in this age range are at risk for dysfunction of neurological control of breathing.

"Swaddling can increase the chance your baby will overheat, so avoid letting your baby get too hot. The baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, and rapid breathing."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents keep their babies swaddled for 12–20 hours per day for the first few weeks after birth. This relaxes babies. Swaddling a baby correctly also protects her from overheating, injuries and sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.

Swaddling Reduces SIDS and Suffocation Risk

This extremely low SIDS rate suggests that wrapping may actually help prevent SIDS and suffocation. Australian doctors also found that swaddled babies (sleeping on the back) were 1/3 less likely to die from SIDS, and a New Zealand study found a similar benefit.

In order for swaddling to allow healthy hip development, the legs should be able to bend up and out at the hips. This position allows for natural development of the hip joints. The baby's legs should not be tightly wrapped straight down and pressed together.

Too tight a swaddle could also present the risk of hip dysplasia (an abnormality in which the thigh bone does not fit together with the pelvis). Be sure to swaddle properly with hip-healthy techniques making sure that your baby is able to move her hips and knees. Her legs should be able to kick freely, too.

As a minimum we recommend two; one in use and one for back-up. If your baby spits up a lot, or you aren't doing laundry each day, you will need more. However because Muslin Wraps are more versatile and can be used for more than just as baby swaddles, we think five to eight wraps is a good number to start with.

Are Halo swaddle sleep sacks safe? ›

Your baby should be able to freely move and flex his/her legs. Look for a swaddle with a generous sack design, like the HALO® SleepSack® swaddle. It's recognized as "hip healthy" by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. The HALO® SleepSack® swaddle makes safe swaddling easy.

Swaddling Helps Alleviate Colic

This can cause gas and other intense pain, leading to prolonged and inconsolable crying or fussiness in an otherwise healthy baby.