Swaddling a baby can sometimes feel like trying to work through a high-stakes Mensa puzzle while being peppered with a series of obstacles. In this case, obstacles might include flailing arms and legs, poor lighting or just a seriously sleep-deprived parent trying follow a complicated folding pattern to get baby safely back into their crib. That’s why the best swaddles are those that are simplest to use while still keeping baby safe and secure in a breathable wrap.
The best swaddles are easy to use and keep babies secure but not too hot, such as this Halo 100% ... [+] cotton SleepSack Swaddle.
The concept of baby swaddling is quite simple: It involves wrapping a thin blanket snugly around your little one’s body with arms tucked in at the sides securely enough so they can’t wiggle out yet allowing for hip movement, all of which mimics the soothing feeling of being in the womb. It also keeps infants warm without the use of loose blankets, which can be a suffocation hazard in the early stages, and it prevents the Moro, or startle, reflex. By preventing babies from startling, they typically cry less and can sleep more—and the entire household is happier.
“We call the newborn period the ‘fourth trimester’ because babies like everything to be like it was in the womb,” says Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “Babies like to sleep in a snug, tight position like they were in the uterus. That’s why we swaddle them.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says in its latest sleep guidelines that parents may swaddle their babies for sleeping, Ganjian points out, and they’re considered safe to use until your baby is starting to roll over, which might be as soon as 2 months old. They’re often still sleeping in their bedside bassinet, so parents have a close eye on them. Here are some of the best swaddles for even the fussiest, most sleep-challenged newborns.
Halo is best known for its sleep sacks, and this swaddle is a parent favorite because of its three-way design. Babies can be swaddled with arms in, hands-to-face, or with one or both arms out, so parents can choose which option works best for their sleeping baby as they grow. The sack design allows for leg movement for proper hip development, has velcro closing flaps to ensure a snug fit and features a two-way zipper with well-designed zipper covers that make diaper changes a breeze. It comes in a huge variety of colors, patterns and fabrics.
Babies can’t have their arms swaddled forever, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you stop swaddling when your little one can roll over—usually around three or four months. That’s where the transitional swaddle comes in. The Zipadee-Zip swaddle is a popular option, with its starfish design that gives a swaddle-like feel while allowing your baby to move and push-up on their arms. The Zipadee-Zip, created and founded by an exhausted mom, can help your baby get used to sleeping without their arms contained, while still offering comfort and warmth while they snooze. It’s made from lightweight muslin and good for warmer weather. To use it, just place your baby inside and zip it up.
A perfect antidote to crying, fussy babies, this one-size-fits-all swaddle soothes infants by helping to prevent the startle reflex, scratching, premature waking and more. Parents love that it’s extremely simple to put on—you just tuck baby’s arms into the flaps and then wrap the fabric around—there are no snaps or Velcro closures. To note: Reviewers comment that the Miracle Blanket works best for newborns, because as babies grow they can wriggle out. It comes in more than 30 colors and patterns, so you’re bound to find one you like.
Designed by renowned pediatrician and author Dr. Harvey Karp, this built-for-speed model is a cinch to put on due to specially-designed inner arm bands and a leg flap that snugly hug your baby to prevent startles. The escape-proof Velcro quietly unfastens, so it won’t jolt your baby awake during diaper changes or night feedings. If your little one runs hot you might also appreciate another standout feature of this design: mesh fabric at the shoulder and leg areas to reduce overheating. You can also unsnap the arm openings to transition this swaddle to an arms-out model. It comes in sizes for babies weighing 5 to 25 pounds, has zippers that work from the bottom and top and is available in 13 cute prints.
Aden + Anais has built up a cult following for its swaddle blankets as new parents collect the brand’s adorable designs and pass them on to siblings or let them grow with the baby into a toddler blanket. Made from soft muslin fabric, these blankets can be folded to form a traditional swaddle for your baby. Because they’re made of muslin, the blankets have a natural give that allows for some movement from your baby and yet they’re durable, allowing for those hand-me-down treasures. Bonus: The blankets double as burp cloths, nursing privacy covers and receiving blankets.
The affordable SwaddleMe three-pack of wraps are similar in price to what you’d pay for just one swaddle from other brands. Made from 100% cotton, the swaddles are adjustable and feature wings that can be firmly secured around your baby with a Velcro-like fastener. Choose from a range of cute themed prints. These swaddles couldn’t be simpler and they allow parents to stock up on spares for those inevitable middle-of-the-night blowouts or spit-ups.
Swaddling your baby in the summer poses a unique challenge: You don’t want your baby to overheat, but you also want her to feel secure. Enter this Halo sleep sack. It features a polyester-rayon blend of proprietary fabric that works to absorb, store and release heat from your baby. This sleep sack features an adjustable design with options to swaddle baby with her arms in, her hands to her face or her arms out. It also has a roomy seat to foster healthy hip development. An inverted zipper with a scratch-free cover protects your baby’s face and makes it easy to change diapers in the middle of the night.
Keep baby warm on chilly winter nights with this plush, quilted sleep sack. The snuggly swaddle is made from a mix of organic cotton and poly kit with an organic cotton jersey lining that will feel soft against baby’s skin. The swaddle zips downward for easy in-and-outs to change baby. It comes in three neutral colors—ecru, pink and blue. Arm holes make this sleeper ideal for babies past the swaddling age or those who don’t like for their arms to be restricted.
While technically not a swaddle, the Magic Sleepsuit is legendary among parents for helping babies transitioning out of a swaddle to get to sleep and stay asleep. The suit was invented by a mom of four and pediatric physical therapist. It features a soft, breathable jersey cotton inner layer and a cotton outer layer with a layer of polyfil in between for warmth. It also helps protect baby from the startle reflex, so he can keep on snoozing at night even as they may have grown too big for a swaddle.
Infant swaddles exist in two forms: as traditional swaddle blankets or sacks. Fully swaddling a baby—think of the visual of a tightly-wrapped burrito or peapod-esque cocoon—is only recommended in the first couple of months. After that, there are variations on the full swaddle, where one or both arms are out of the wrap and other options as advised by your pediatrician. There are a few transition swaddles on the market, which we mentioned above, or you might try a wearable blanket or sleep sack to keep them warm and cozy but away from loose blankets.
Overall, the best swaddles on the market are comforting and simple to put on, prevent even the most serious escape artists from wriggling out and are equal parts warm and breathable to prevent babies from overheating.
Not all swaddles are designed the same and each has its own unique perks. A zip-up swaddle allows for easy diaper changes in the night (especially if it unzips from the bottom) and will stand up to repeat washings. Velcro swaddles allow you to get a snug fit, but may lose their ability to grip well over time. Combination swaddles feature both a zip and velcro closure, allowing you to get the perks of each.
Most swaddles are made from cotton or muslin, which is generally recommended. It’s important to note that, while weighted swaddles have had a fanbase in the past, the American Academy of Pediatrics actually recommends against their use due to the risk of entrapment or suffocation.
The type of swaddle that’s best for your baby ultimately comes down to your baby’s preferences. Many babies prefer to have their arms secured for a snug feel, but some won’t tolerate it. Also, as your baby gets older, you’ll want to choose a swaddle that allows her to move her arms in case she rolls over in her sleep. This might include a transition swaddle or one where the arms are completely free.
Swaddles are safe to use “if the proper precautions are taken,” says Ashanti Woods, M.D., a pediatrician at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center. Just keep the following recommendations in mind from the American Academy of Pediatrics: