The SwaddleMe Original is a simple pouch with fabric wings that’ll remind your kiddo of the good old days in the womb. And because they come in a super-affordable three-pack, you’ll always have a trusty backup ready to go when you need it (and you will need it!). If wrapping a swaddle is proving difficult, the SwaddleMe Original Swaddle may save you some frustration. All you need to do is place the baby inside the swaddle and attach Velcro pieces to the opposite side. According to our tester, the strong Velcro made all the difference in their baby’s sleep.
Because they’re simple cotton, washing is a breeze — and they grow softer with each wash. Babies need to transition out of a swaddle when they start to roll over, usually around 3 to 4 months old, according to the AAP. I personally found that with myself and my friends, most of us transitioned from a swaddle to a sleep sack around 3 months of age. Some parents may mistakenly think that a tighter bundle is better, but this isn’t the case.
The Swaddle Designs swaddle blankets are very similar to the Aden + Anais blankets, with their breathable, lightweight, soft, and comfortable fabrics and beautiful desigs. The Swaddle Designs company has been making high-quality baby essentials, including swaddling blankets and sleep sacks, for nearly two decades. As a small, female-owned U.S. business, they take tremendous pride in their products and customers, and it shows in their consistent quality, reliability, and responsiveness to consumers. The Woombie is one of the original and best swaddle blankets on the market. Featuring a 95% cotton and 5% spandex construction, the Woombie is both soft and stretchy while providing great airflow and comfort.
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. While swaddling works for most babies, every newborn is different. If your baby has hip dysplasia or any other hip problems, a tight swaddle may not be comfortable for them. Light as a feather and soft as a cloud, this LifeTree Muslin Feather Print Bamboo Cotton Swaddle Wrap is ideal for calming and quieting cranky little ones. Soft, breathable fabrics make this a wonderful wrap for baby and a beautiful nursery blanket.
Swaddling can make babies sleep harder, which may actually increase risk of SIDS. Not only does swaddling intend to help your little one sleep longer and more soundly, but it also might help you score some much-needed Zzz’s as well. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This article was updated by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn, a journalist who has worked at American Baby and Parents magazines and who’s also a mom of two. She’s weighed in on the best car seat and stroller combos and the best nursery gliders.
A versatile buy, muslin blankets also double up as a useful buggy sun shade or a comforter. This bear-print baby bedding is a great halfway house between blanket and swaddle – the top half opens out for easy tucking, and it’s simple and quick to do. Extra room in the bottom half also supports healthy hip development. But with so much sleepwear on the market to choose from, it can be tricky to decide what’s right for your new baby. From safety advice to the best swaddles to shop, we’ll help you get started. As your baby grows and develops, they will go through many transitions, and it’s important to support them through these changes.
It’s constructed with bamboo material and cotton muslin for softness and durability. The Blue Mello swaddle blanket is made with 100-percent natural cashmere for an exceptionally soft feel against your baby’s skin. Furthermore, the blanket is made without any harsh dyes or chemicals to ensure added safety for your little one. Marketed as the “5-second baby swaddle,” the Sleapea uses a 2-way zipper and quiet velcro to quickly and quietly embrace your baby in that cozy cocoon feeling they love.
Look for swaddle blankets crafted from soft, lightweight and breathable fabrics like muslin cotton or moisture-wicking bamboo. You’ll also want to pay special attention to the “TOG” ratings, which tell you how warm the swaddle will be. Higher TOG ratings are best used in colder climates or on cooler nights, while lower TOG ratings are better for warmer climates or particularly hot summer evenings.
We’ve done the research and narrowed down the top 5 best swaddle blankets so you can find the best option for you and your little one. Not only does this pack of three swaddle blanket wraps have outstanding ratings and reviews, but it is typically available for less than $20! CuddleBug swaddle wraps have Velcro wings that hug your baby tightly while they snooze and are made without any hard-to-use zippers, buttons, or snaps. This swaddle doesn’t secure a baby’s arms by their sides like others do, but it still provides the snug fit that newborns find so reassuring.
Babylist editors love baby gear and independently curate their favorite products to share with you. If you buy something through links on our site, Babylist may earn a commission. We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission. It’s our favorite because the design makes everything simple, and it gets softer with every wash. If you’re looking for ideas and recommendations for a baby registry, don’t miss our Baby Registry Checklist.