Are you looking for the best swaddle for a newborn? Swaddling babies is something that has been done for many years. Mums noticed that their baby would fall asleep much faster and sleep better when they are wrapped up and warm. Maybe it is a familiar place that reminds them of being back in the womb.
It may seem like the concept of swaddling is a bit on the cruel side because of how you would have to wrap your baby up so tight that they can not move their arms. The strange thing is that even though this may seem like it is not such a great thing for you as an adult, for your little one, it can be the best moments under the sun for them.
Now there are specific swaddling blankets to make your job that much easier. In this article, we take a look at some of those brands and the blankets that they offer for your newborn.
Table of Contents
In a Hurry?
Are you looking for a quick list that will guide you in buying the best swaddling blanket for newborns? There are a few things that you need to check off your list. Firstly, newborns have sensitive skin, make sure that you check on the material that the swaddle is made of so that you are sure that it is soft enough and will not cause any allergies or reactions.
You also want to check on how securely it fastens. At the end of the day, the point of a swaddle is to keep your baby warm and snug. If it easily comes undone then there is no point anymore. Some of the most important things to be on the lookout for when shopping for anything concerning your newborn are safety and comfort.
You want to make sure that the swaddle is easy to use and that it is also climate-relevant. You will also want to find out what sizes the swaddle can take up. Some added extras are great to have, so you may also want to check on these. This also involves checking on the design and making sure that you get the one that suits your baby’s bedding and nursery colors.
Our Favourite
We have done our fair share of digging, and found our favorite and top pick, to be the Aden and Anais classic.
Aden and Anais classic
We love this because it is a combo pack and will take you through the different stages of your child’s growth. Unlike some swaddles that can only be used at one particular stage.
Our Reviews of
SwaddleMe Original Swaddle
This combo pack comes with three sizes. The preemie will hold a baby up to 7 pounds. The small size fits babies that are between 7 and 14 pounds, the large will hold a baby that is 14 to 18 pounds heavy and as tall as 33 inches.
Just remember that it is time to switch your baby to another baby blanket. This combo’s blankets are soft and very comfortable and your baby will sleep like a baby (not too sure why this is a worthy comparison because these little bundles of joy don’t always sleep very well)
All the blankets are made of 100% cotton and you can keep them clean by machine washing them. Another great thing about this set is that the blankets are safe and secure. They are sure to keep your little one safe and snug.
Pros
- They are comfortable
- They are soft
- They are easy to wash and keep clean.
Cons
- They have size restrictions
Read More Reviews and See Price
Aden and Anais Classic
This is a combo pack that comes with a swaddle blanket that will last you even after the newborn stage. All the blankets are made of very soft cotton which will be kind on your baby’s skin. The four-pack has a swaddle blanket, boutique muslin blankets, baby receiving swaddles, and an ideal newborn and infant swaddling set.
All the blankets are very durable and breathable as well. They are thin enough to not sweat your baby. The durability of these blankets will last you. The blankets are large and very versatile. They have stylish jungle prints on them.
The nature of the material means that you will not have excess material that can be hazardous for your baby. These are traditional style blankets, so you will need to know how to wrap them. But this also means that you can wrap your baby up according to their size.
Pros
- They are made of breathable material
- They are thin enough to comfortably wrap around your baby and have no excess material which could be unsafe for your baby.
- They are large blankets meaning that you can wrap your baby comfortably
Cons
- You have to know how to wrap your baby in it
Read More Reviews and See Price
Swaddle UP Original
This swaddle is made of cotton and it is very soft and comfortable for your baby. Its exact composition is 93%cotton and 7% elastane, which helps make it stretch. It also has wings, which will allow your baby to use their hands as they sleep. This can be a big deal to help them touch their face.
Your baby is sure to feel safe and secure in this swaddle. It does a great job of mimicking what life in the womb was like. This is very soothing and will help your baby fall asleep better.
The other thing you will be grateful for is that the material does not have flame retardants or any chemicals that can make it unsafe for your baby. This swaddle is very easy to use and also you can easily remove it to change your baby’s diapers.
Pros
- It is soft and comfortable
- Its material stretches.
- You can machine wash it
- It is easy to use
- Your baby can sleep with their arms up, in the swaddle
Cons
- The downside with the arms up position which your baby will probably love is that it also puts them in the perfect position to roll over.
Read More Reviews and See Price
Buyer’s Guide
Swaddling a baby involves wrapping them up tight in a cocoon-like shape and it’s the cutest thing ever! It helps to soothe your little one and calm them down. You will notice that your baby will cry less when they are swaddled; this is why it is one of the best sleeping positions there are.
When you have a newborn, there are many things that you have to be on the lookout for and attentive too. It is imperative that anything that comes into contact with your little one is safe and comfortable. When it comes to swaddling, care needs to be taken on the one that you choose.
There are many ways of tucking your little one in for bed, but swaddling gives your baby the same comfort wherever you are. Different companies make swaddles for newborns today. Gone are the days of simply having one baby blanket and turning that into a swaddling blanket.
What is swaddling?
Swaddling is something that you will learn from the first day that you welcome your little one. Most maternity nurses will help you out. This is a method of wrapping your baby up, keeping them warm from all the harsh elements out there.
Swaddling involves wrapping up your baby in a certain way, where the baby’s hands are safely tucked away, but the hips and legs have some room to wiggle. There are different ways to do this, but they all have the same goal, to get baby’s hands out of the way, keep them warm, and mimic mum’s womb.
How long should you swaddle your baby?
Swaddling has many benefits and this is why it is one of the first things that you are taught how to do as a new parent. Swaddling is something that you can do for your born up until your baby has enough strength to roll around on their own. This is usually when they reach three or four months.
The reason for not swaddling them when they can now roll over themselves is that it can be dangerous. A baby may roll onto his or her stomach, and if their hands are secured in the swaddle, it can be dangerous to be on their stomach without the use of their hands. If you feel that you still need a swaddle, you can choose a safer option, which is a transition blanket.
What types of swaddles are there?
There are basically two types of swaddles and these are traditional swaddling blankets and swaddling sacks and swaddling pods. The traditional swaddles are quite large in dimension, but they will not be as thick as a blanket. It may take a couple of tries before you understand how these swaddles work.
Traditional swaddle blankets can be used even after the swaddle stage of your baby’s life and this makes them versatile, and a good buy. They can also be adjusted to fit your baby’s exact size, they do not have predefined sizes.
The swaddling sacks are much easier to understand. They fasten easier with features such as velcro straps, zippers, or snaps, which are very easy to use. Swaddling pods are very similar to the sacks, but they do not involve any wrapping. This means that you will not need a particular set of skills to use it.
You simply place your baby in the pod and move on with life. The downside is that it is not versatile and can be tailored to your baby’s specific size. Swaddle pods are best for baby’s that are three months and younger. Swaddle sacks are better suited for bigger babies. Your best bet for versatility and use beyond the three-month mark is your best bet.
What safety precautions should I take?
Swadling is convenient for both of you and it helps to calm your baby. But there are also some safety precautions that you will need to take to ensure that your baby is safe as they sleep. Sleeping patterns and how you handle bedtime can be dangerous if not done properly.
A swaddle blanket needs to wrap your baby up like a burrito and yet still give them enough wiggle room for their legs and hips. This lets your baby kick as they want to and avoids the development of hip dysplasia in your baby’s hips.
It is also important to think about your baby’s size especially if you will be using a swaddle that is restrictive and will not be as versatile as a traditional swaddle is.
You don’t want too much excess material that can end up creeping up and choking your baby as they sleep. This will happen if the swaddle is too big.
How should I place my baby when swaddled?
When your baby is swaddled, it is important to make sure that you don’t place them on their side, or on their stomach. You want to avoid any cases of your baby rolling over onto their face and suffocating. Make sure that your baby is facing upwards at all times.
Final Thoughts
For nine months, all your baby knows, is the comfort of mum’s womb. Leaving it is not very easy for them and there’s quite a bit to adjust to on the “outside”. Swaddling will give your baby familiar comforts and this will make them calm down and relax better. It helps your baby adjust better.
Newborns tend to get restless with their arms a lot and this can stop them from falling asleep (you do not want this to happen). Therefore a good swaddle will help keep your baby’s arms safely tucked away.
Wrapping them tight will tell your baby that it is safe to fall asleep. You will need to swaddle for at least the first couple of months as your baby adjusts. With swaddle, the tighter, and yet still comfortable, the better. Secure your baby’s hands and give both of you the peace that you need.
There are different types of swaddles on the market, some are made to encourage baby to sleep whilst others are just meant to keep your baby warm. The best swaddle for you is one that will meet both yours and baby’s needs. Happy shopping!
Leave a Reply