Guest Picks: 20 Swaddles for Babies
As the mom of a newborn, I’ve tried out almost all versions of swaddles out there. Some work better than others, depending on your preferences and if your little one is a strong escape artist. There are pros and cons to each, and here are 20 swaddles to check out. — Maria from Bicultural Mama
The Miracle Blanket is great for babies who are able to escape blankets, zippers and Velcro — it’s the only swaddle that my baby couldn’t escape from! It has inner flaps that hold down baby’s arms and tuck under baby’s back so their weight holds them down. Then a long outer layer wraps around baby a few times, and there aren’t any snaps or other closures to fumble with.
SwaddleDesigns swaddles have easy 1-2-3 instructions sewn right onto the blanket so that you won’t forget how to swaddle! They offer both organic and non-organic cotton options, and all use soft flannel made of breathable cotton. Plus, they’re generously sized at 42 inches by 42 inches.
The Halo SleepSack is a popular swaddle found in most baby retail stores. This adjustable wrap immobilizes your baby’s arms to prevent the Moro, or startle, reflex. It is also adjustable, allowing for arms in or out for baby’s comfort.
Ideal for newborns, SwaddlePod zips up for a cozy womb-like feeling for baby, which also helps prevent the startle reflex. It’s easy to get baby in and out and is sold at a reasonable price in comparison to many other swaddles. Note that the SwaddlePod is a Stage 1 swaddle and only for newborns.
The Zen Swaddle mimics the sensation of being held. It has lightly weighted sections on both sides and in the center to provide a secure feeling, and it’s made of soft Peruvian fabric that offers breathability. As a plus, its two-sizes-in-one design lasts up to six months. An interior pouch keeps baby’s legs snug during the first few weeks, then the extra-long sack offers additional leg room.
For those who prefer the breathability and environmental sustainability of bamboo, Aden + Anais offers swaddles made of rayon from bamboo fiber muslin. They’re larger than most other brands’ swaddles, so they’re perfect for babies of all sizes. Plus, the material gets softer with every wash.
For babies who have Houdini-like escaping arms, the Swaddle Buddy Suit can help. The arm wraps keep baby’s arms at their sides, while an exterior wrap secures with Velcro and gives the baby the feeling of being swaddled. There’s also an opening between the legs for diaper-change access. It’s made of 100 percent cotton interlock and comes in a variety of colors.
For babies who are ready to have their arms free, the Halo SleepSack wearable blanket can replace loose blankets in the crib. This is a cute version with ruffles, making swaddles a little more fun! Includes an inverted zipper for easy diaper changes.
Mesh vents for breathability? Sounds like a great idea! The Comfort & Harmony Peanut Air swaddle zips up and features BebeAir mesh vents. It’s great for the summer months or warmer climates to prevent overheating. The peanut shape conforms to baby’s shape, and special Bebeflex fabric gives baby room to wiggle. Baby won’t be able to kick his legs out in this!
The Summer Infant SwaddleMe is the original adjustable infant wrap. It has adjustable wings with Velcro closures, and the leg pouch opens for easy diaper changes without having to unwrap baby’s arms. It also includes a harness slit to allow for use with most five-point harness restraints.
Unique and innovative, the Moon Cocoon is a wearable duvet that keeps babies cozy and safe. It has three sets of snaps that allow it to grow with baby, so you won’t have to buy multiple sizes like many other brands require. The bottom unzips for air flow, mobility and easy diaper changes.
For babies starting to transition out of traditional arms-tucked-in swaddles, the SwaddleMe WrapSack is both swaddle and sleep sack. It allows for more leg room, and parents can adjust it to have baby sleep with both arms in or out, or one of each.
The Aden + Anais swaddles are a very generous 47 inches by 47 inches to accommodate all sizes of babies. They’re made with pre-washed 100 percent cotton muslin, a material that’s breathable to help reduce the risk of overheating and that’s known to become softer and softer with each wash.
Raise your hand up for this innovative swaddle from Love to Dream! It lets babies sleep in a natural favorite position: with their arms up. This lets them self-soothe by keeping their hands near their mouth, and the relaxed leg position helps remove the risk of hip dysplasia due to straightened or over-tightened legs. Plus, a dual-direction zipper lets you easily change diapers.
The Ollie swaddle is super elastic to allow for movement. It opens at the bottom for easy diaper changes without having to undo the top half. It’s made with a custom-developed moisture-wicking material to reduce the risk of overheating. It also comes with a bonus laundry bag!
The Hands to Heart swaddle lets babies sleep with their hands up across their chests. Like the Miracle Blanket it keeps arms secure, but with swaddle wings with arm pockets. It’s a two-in-one design with a sleep bag and detachable swaddle wing, and there’s a bottom zipper for easy diaper changes. The lower half is roomier to help eliminate the risk of hip dysplasia. And it’s made in the USA with 100 percent organic cotton.
For those who enjoy novelty items, check out this Tortilla swaddle! It actually looks like a tortilla that you wrap baby in, and it’s made of a stretchy cotton-polyester blend that’s breathable. It comes in a cute tortilla-style bag with humorous “nutritional” facts facts. It even comes with a matching hat to “top” your baby burrito.
This 100 percent Merino wool muslin is a bit of a splurge, but most swaddles are not made of Merino wool, so it’s unique. The material is naturally fire-resistant and protects baby from the sun’s UV rays (should you use it as a stroller cover or a blanket for outdoors). It’s also renewable and biodegradable, and it provides breathability and superior insulation all year-round. It also comes in a handcrafted linen keepsake gift box.
The Merlin Magic Sleepsuit is ideal for transitioning baby from swaddle to crib. It is designed to mellow the reflexes that routinely wake up baby, yet it allows movement that regular swaddles don’t. It has a microfleece outer layer, a soft cotton inner layer and a layer of polyfil in between for coziness.Next: 8 Tips for Creating a Safe and Cozy Nursery
The Woombie swaddle is shaped like a peanut and uses a secure zipper for closure. Baby’s arms are kept bent on the chest, similar to the position in the womb. The Woombie is made with a unique four-way stretch material and comes in many designs including this fun Little Stud design with a necktie. Note that some parents have observed the neck hole as a bit too snug, but others have been fine with it.
Q