Help your child sleep peacefully throughout the night with our list of the best swaddling blankets for babies. While nothing can replace the warmth of the mother’s body, swaddling blankets can help you mimic that. When your baby is sleep-deprived, they struggle to grow well, both mentally and physically. These blankets can help maintain their sleeping patterns, and being swaddled allows your baby to feel comfortable and relaxed. So, here is some much-needed information on how you can swaddle your baby appropriately to keep them warm and cozy. It would also keep them calm and let them self-soothe. Below are some tips on swaddling your little one and the safety precautions you need to follow before you make a purchase. So, read on to know more.

Types Of Swaddle Blankets

There are several types of swaddle blankets. Below are some of the most common types.

Best Swaddle Blankets For Newborns

Swaddling blankets come in various materials. The best, however, is muslin or cotton. If you are on the lookout for a good swaddling blanket for your infant, your search ends now! Here are the best baby swaddle blankets to choose from:

1. Best Travel-Friendly: XMwealthy Newborn Plush Nursery Swaddle Blanket

  XMwealthy soft swaddle blanket is made of premium-quality polyester material, which is light and tender on the delicate skin of babies, and is available in six cute colors. It is suitable for children up to six months old and has a windproof cap design, making it ideal for outdoors and travel. You can also use this blanket as a sleeping bag, stroller quilt, crib wrap, and pajamas. Pros

Adjustable hook-and-loop closure Allows free feet movement Easy to wash Thick material for all-night warmth

Cons

May run small for some Lint, hair, and fur may cling to it

2. Best 100% Cotton Swaddling Blanket: Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets

Most new mothers swear by this product! These blankets come in two sizes – 42” x 42” and 47” x 47”. So, make sure to order the right size. These swaddling blankets are light, yet they keep the little one warm. They are made of 100% cotton. The more you wash, the softer the blanket will become. Yes, these blankets are not the cutest in the market, but they do get the job done! Here’s a video to help you understand the product better and make an informed choice. Pros

Breathable fabric Boutique finish Machine washable Soft on the skin

Cons

May not endure frequent washes A little see-through

3. Best Three-Size Swaddling Blanket: Halo Sleepsack Swaddle

The Halo Sleepsack Swaddle comes in two varieties: 100% polyester version and 100% cotton version. They also come in three sizes: preemie, newborn and small. These swaddles have a zipper and Velcro, making them easy to use. If you are uncomfortable with the whole swaddling process, the Halo Sleepsack Swaddle is the perfect for you! Pick the right swaddle for your needs by watching this review video. Pros

Moisture wicking Easy adjustability Latex-free Lead-free

Cons

Velcro may lose grip when used for long durations May not be suitable for summers

4. Best Easy-To-Use Swaddling Blanket: Summer Infant SwaddleMe

Just like the Halo, the Summer Infant SwaddleMe also comes with a Velcro design. But the one thing most mothers love about these swaddles is their design. If you are looking for colorful designs, go for the Summer Infant SwaddleMe. If you want a swaddle that is easy to use and looks cute, this is your best bet! This video will tell you more about this product. Pros

Attractive design Available in two sizes Feature patterns Soft material

Cons

May stretch out with wear

5. Best Easy-Wrap Swaddling Blanket: Miracle Blanket

If you are a swaddling pro, this product will ‘speak’ to you. The Miracle Blanket does not use any zipper or Velcro. Instead, they use a unique and complicated wrapping process. The wrapping process involves elaborate steps and may seem confusing to some. But most mothers have only good things to say about the Miracle swaddling blanket. The only downside is that it does not come in different sizes. It also does not boast of cute designs but keeps wiggly infants safe and warm! Pros

Available in different colors Imported fabric One size fits all Twitching-resistant

Cons

May take time to swaddle Seams may not be well-stitched

6. Best Breathable: Pondering Pine Organic Baby Muslin Swaddle Blanket

The organic muslin blanket by Pondering Pine is made of 70% bamboo and 30% cotton for optimal comfort and breathability. It is suitable for your child’s delicate skin and free of harmful chemicals. The two-pack blanket, measuring 47x47in, is soft and makes a lovely baby shower gift. Pros

Non-toxic dyes Travel-friendly Durable even after multiple washes Hypoallergenic Available in various color combinations

Cons

May be thinner than expected May not be stretchable enough

7. Best Easy-To-Clean: SwaddleMe Original Swaddle

SwaddleMe’s soft swaddle blanket is available in a pack of three. It is made of breathable cotton for comfort and is suitable for newborns up to three months. The secure wrap design creates a womb-like environment for the baby to sleep and relax peacefully without any disturbance. Pros

Machine-washable Available in several colors and sizes Hip-safe design Allows your child to move naturally

Cons

May shrink upon washing May run small for some

What Is A Swaddling Blanket?

So, what are these swaddling blankets? The blankets recreate the environment that was in the womb. They give the baby the perfect warmth and comfort needed to sleep better. Plus, you have peace of mind.

Why Is Swaddling Important?

Besides what we did mention above, let us quickly check these points out (1).

Keeps the baby comfortable and calm by giving him a womb-like experience and atmosphere.

Places the arms tightly towards the sides thus preventing a startling reflex, which not just wakes babies up from their slumber but could also increase the heart rate. As the arms are held close together even if the baby gets startled, he wouldn’t wake up suddenly.

Maintains the right temperature, much like the baby was used to in the womb. Swaddling blankets made of muslin or cotton cloths ensure good air circulation and the right temperature.

Prevents suffocation unlike loose blankets, which could lead to Sudden Infant Death.

Swaddle blankets are important, but what is equally important is the process of using them. Learning to swaddle your baby could take a few (read two to three attempts). You have to ensure that the baby is comfortable while you’re swaddling him. We know you will surely appreciate some help here.

How To Swaddle Your Baby?

While this isn’t rocket science, you have to consider a few things when swaddling the baby: their comfort is number one on the list, their willingness to be swaddled is number two, and then the material and thickness of the blanket. Let’s know how to swaddle a baby.

1. Choose your blanket:

Consider the shape (should be square), size (preferably 40×40”), the material of the blanket, and the elasticity of the blanket.

The blanket could be a little (but not very) stretchable. This would help you wrap the baby nicely.

2. Fold the blanket:

Fold the blanket in a diamond shape from the top corner of the blanket.

The fold should be as long as your baby is.

3. Place the baby on the blanket:

Once the fold is made, place the baby on it.

Make sure that the baby’s neck and face are above the fold.

Support the neck while you are swaddling the baby.

4. Fold the baby’s arms:

One way could be to hold the baby’s arms around his sides. This way, the arms would outline the baby’s sides.

Another way is to fold the hands over the tummy to replicate the posture in the womb.

Whatever way you use, make sure that the baby is comfortable.

5. Wrap a side:

Hold the blanket on the side of one arm and tuck it in the downward direction under the fist of the other arm.

The blanket should be tucked in such a way that it holds the baby’s arm in place.

6. Close the bottom:

Once one arm is adjusted and swaddled, close the bottom of the swaddle.

The section, which is left at the bottom, should be folded towards the upward direction near the baby’s neck. The side should be the one where you just tucked the baby.

7. Wrap the second arm:

Just like the first arm, adjust the other arm and wrap it around.

This should come over the fold that you made from the bottom of the swaddle.

Cross it on the downward opposite side.

8. Tuck the left over:

The left-over blanket from the second arm should be flipped over from the legs to the top in such a way that it forms a V-neck.

Tuck it under the shoulder of the first arm. You may have to lift the baby up a bit to complete the final tuck of the swaddle.

Things to remember

Madison Loethen, a mommy and motherhood, home, and lifestyle content creator, says, “Swaddles that are too tight or too loose can restrict your baby’s breathing. Thus, you may choose swaddles that feature Velcro or straps. These are easy to use and can also save you so much time and energy, especially at night.”

For How Long Can I Swaddle My Baby?

It is best to swaddle your baby until three or four months, but some parents prefer to do it for a good nine months. While most doctors recommend swaddling until four to six months, they also agree that there is no harm in extending it. The idea is to make your baby feel relaxed and comfortable while sleeping. Once your baby gets used to sleeping without a swaddle, then you can do away with it. And how would you know when to wean your baby off a swaddle? The best way is to put one arm off the swaddle. If your baby isn’t sleeping well and seems irritable, they may not be ready yet. So wrap the baby back. After nine months, make conscious attempts to wean the baby off the swaddle.

When Should You Avoid Swaddling?

Swaddling is not suitable in all cases. You need to avoid swaddling at times:

Risks Of Swaddling

Swaddling is comfortable both for the baby and you, but it is not free of risks. This does not mean that we are discouraging you from swaddling your baby, but we just want you to be more careful. The two major risks involved are:

1. SIDS:

While swaddling prevents Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), it may also promote it. Confused? If you do not swaddle the baby properly, and the folds are too close to the baby’s neck (thereby obstructing the windpipe), there are chances of SIDS. So make sure that you’re swaddling the baby correctly and leaving enough room near the neck region.

2. Lack of “arousal”:

A lot of babies lose their ability of arousal if they are swaddled for too long. This means they wouldn’t know when to wake up. While many parents want their babies to get a good sleep, babies should be swaddled for a limited time only.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Vibha Navarathna, our experienced writer and reviewer of baby products, has prepared this list of the best swaddle blankets for your baby and mentioned the pros and cons of each product to help you make the right choice. 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.

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