"When my son was born, I thought I knew how to swaddle a baby. However, my issue was that every time I tried to use a swaddle blanket, his cute, little hands would always make their way out like a baby Houdini. It was as if he was saying, “look, ma, no hands.” When I saw a postpartum nurse swaddle him like a pro at the hospital, I asked her to teach me her ways. It’s a great skill to know how to use a blanket swaddle, but luckily, there are so many swaddles out there that make it easier to wrap your little bundle of joy. Other than babies looking extremely adorable in a swaddle, there are benefits to using one too. But how do you choose the right swaddle? How long do you use one for? Do babies even wear clothes under them? If you’re wondering the exact same thing, here’s a swaddling 101 guide on how to choose a swaddle that’s right for you and your baby.
What Is a Swaddle?
Before we dive deep into choosing a swaddle, let’s answer this important question: what is a swaddle, anyway? Basically, it’s a fancy word for a thin blanket that is used to wrap around a baby’s body, and it mimics the comfort your baby had while still in your womb.
Benefits of Using a Swaddle
Pre-baby me never really thought about the purpose of a swaddle other than it keeping a baby warm. Besides resembling your womb, there are other benefits to it too. Swaddles can be “an effective technique to help calm infants and promote sleep.” Babies also have what’s called a “Moro reflex.” The Moro reflex, also known as the “startle reflex,” is a normal reflex that babies are born with. It is an involuntary action where babies throw up their arms away from their body and extend their neck. It happens quickly, but a swaddle can help reduce a baby’s startle reflex while they’re sleeping.
Types of Swaddles
The “old school” trick of how to swaddle a baby with a swaddle blanket is a skill I recommend learning. It comes in handy when you’re not at home but have a baby blanket ready. The great news is, there are so many different types of swaddles out there to choose from. If one method isn’t working for your baby, try another one! If you’re still testing out the waters and don’t want to commit to buying multiples of one type just yet, some sites like Babylist have a swaddle box with a variety of swaddles to test out. Here are a few types to get you started:
Traditional swaddle blanket
The benefit of using a traditional swaddle blanket is that it can act as a regular blanket when your baby is awake. Pro tip: I also used these blankets as a burp cloth—my baby spit up a lot. It gave me more coverage to be out of the spit-up zone.
Swaddles With Velcro Wings
Swaddles with a Velcro feature, like the Halo SleepSack, are super user-friendly. These types of swaddles are great because you don’t have to worry about them coming undone. One mom shared, “These are our baby’s all-time favorite swaddles! Perfectly cozy and we love the easy Velcro.”
Swaddles If Your Baby Doesn’t Like Being Swaddled
Not all babies like being swaddled with their arms down all the time. Some alternatives to try out include the Omni Swaddle Wrap, which gives you the versatility to have your baby’s arms strapped in or out. The Love to Dream Swaddle also allows for your baby’s arms to stay up in their “natural” position while sleeping.
I love the multiple options for your baby to sleep with their arms in, out, and up with this swaddle. It’s perfect for a newborn.
This Love to Dream option might be right for your baby if they like to sleep with their arms up by their head but still require the coziness of a swaddle. It has a zipper closure making it super easy to put on your baby.
10+ colors and patterns available
This mom-favorite swaddle’s design is simple and it’s easy to put on. You can also use this as a transitioning piece by leaving your baby’s arms out.
7 colors available
This buttery soft swaddler is a two-in-one swaddle that can easily transition to a sleep bag. This is the highest priced swaddle on the list, and it’s because it’s a high quality product that lasts. The fabric is soft and luxurious. Read our full review of a similar product, the Kyte Baby sleep sack, here.
30+ colors and patterns available
What to Consider When Choosing a Swaddle
The good news about swaddling is you have so many options—but that can also leave you asking, “how do I choose the right one?” It’s all about personal preference for you and your baby, but some things to consider include the type of material (like bamboo, cotton, and muslin), the correct size and weight (which can usually be found on the tag of a swaddle), ease of use, temperature, and the season.
Safety When Using a Swaddle
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) gives guidelines on safe sleep for babies. Here are some key things to consider when making swaddling safe for your baby:
- Have your baby sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS
- Choose a thin material for swaddling
- Stop swaddling when your baby starts to roll over
- Avoid overheating and ensure breathability
- Ensure the blanket is not too tight—you should be able to fit two or three fingers between your baby’s chest and the swaddle
- Swaddles that are too tight can lead to hip dysplasia
When to Stop Swaddling
Rolling over is a huge baby milestone, and it’s pretty exciting as a parent to witness. Pediatricians recommend to stop swaddling your baby when they start rolling over. This can happen any time between 4 to 6 months of age, depending on your baby.
Swaddling FAQs
Do babies wear clothes while wrapped in a swaddle?
Yes, have your baby wear something like a light and breathable onesie and consider what the temperature is in the room while your baby is wearing a swaddle.
What temperature should a room be when my baby is sleeping?
It’s recommended that the room temperature where a baby is sleeping be between 68°F and 70°F.
How many swaddles do I need?
This comes down to personal preference. I recommend at least having two or three so you always have a spare if others have to be cleaned.
Can I use a weighted swaddle?
The CPSC, NIH, CDC, and AAP warn weighted swaddles and blankets are unsafe for infants due to increased risk for infant death.
What if my baby doesn’t like being swaddled?
Babies do not have to be swaddled. If your baby prefers to not be swaddled, it is OK.
How tight should the swaddle be?
You should be able to fit two to three fingers between your baby’s chest and the swaddle.
Should I pack a swaddle in my hospital bag?
Most hospitals have baby blankets, but you can call your facility to see if they provide other options. You always have the option of bringing your own in your hospital bag.
Time to Swaddle Your Baby
If you’re expecting or just added your new addition to the family, congratulations! I hope swaddling helps your baby—and you—sleep better. Whether you choose to swaddle your baby or not, you now have the information and options to get your baby comfortable in their home.
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