Swaddling is a great way for new parents to help their new babies adjust to life outside of the womb. Traditionally, a swaddle involves wrapping fabric around a baby so only their head or face is exposed to the elements. This not only keeps babies feeling warm and secure, but it prevents them from moving their arms and triggering a reflex reaction that might disturb their sleep.
In addition to the more classically-designed swaddles on the market, there are a number of offerings that have more modern trappings. Some swaddles use velcro or a zipper to help secure infants; others have openings or extra space for arm movement. To help figure out which swaddle is right for your child, we’ve picked out some of our favorites:
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How We Picked
Swaddles are made in a variety of fabrics, shapes, and colors. Finding the right one means finding one that is easy to operate as a parent and comfortable for a baby. Here is what we weighted heaviest when making our evaluations:
Shape
Traditionally, swaddles are simply designed; a swaddle consists of a piece of square or rectangular fabric that is large enough to wrap around a baby. The baby is placed in the middle of the blanket, with the bottom and sides being wrapped around and fully enveloping the baby. The key for this type of swaddle is to have enough fabric to fully cover the baby securely, but not to have excess fabric that could get in the way or worse, be a choking hazard.
This isn’t the only shape of swaddle, however. Some brands have removed the “wrapping” element of the product; these swaddles are designed in almost a bodysuit-like shape that can be zipped up in the front. This can allow babies more room to maneuver their arms and legs, though this can lead to infants waking themselves up at night.
Fabric
The fabric used in a swaddle is typically meant to be soft and comfortable; most parents wouldn’t want anything else for their newborn. Cotton, wool, and synthetics like polyester are the most commonly used fabrics. There are potential positives and negatives about each material.
Cotton is known for being soft particularly breathable; an infant covered in fabric can generate a lot of heat that will need a way to ventilate. Polyester is often made in fleece form and some may find this fabric to be the most comfortable for a baby. Polyester is often combined with stretchy elastane in order to allow babies to move more while covered. Wool is a great insulator but may prove to be too thick for warmer months.
Design
Though the babies themselves will probably not be too picky, the swaddle might be one of the first things they are ever dressed in. Parents will want to find a swaddle that matches their aesthetic and adorns their precious new family member in a suitable way. Thankfully there is a wide variety of styles and designs out there.
The gentle and subdued look that many baby garments employ is available in abundance; the pastel blues, pinks, greens, and purples are combined with a soft white for a cozy and simple look. If brighter colors and prints are desired, there are options that will help you and your baby stand out. Prints with polka-dots, geometric patterns, and cute animals may be a fun way to provide color and personality without being too much of a statement.
Tips
Not sure which infant swaddle is right for you? Take a look at the suggestions before making your purchase:
- Pay attention to temperature.
- Wool and fleece-lined swaddles provide extra warmth during cold months.
- Cotton is quite breathable and may be the best material for the warm summer months.
- How old is your baby?
- Swaddling is not limited to newborns; swaddles can be found in different sizes.
- Some brands make swaddles that are larger and can fit babies up to 12 months old.
FAQs
What sizes are swaddles found in?
While some styles are “one-size-fits-all”, typically swaddles are available in three month increments (0-3, 3-6, etc).
How tight should I wrap a swaddle?
Though it is important to make sure the baby feels secure, wrapping a swaddle too tightly can lead to some health problems.
How soon can I start using a swaddle?
Swaddles can be used right away! In fact, many hospital nurseries wrap babies in swaddles before sending them home with parents.
