If you're like most bleary-eyed parents of infants, some more sleep would be welcome. Swaddling is one way to help settle your baby so that you can both get some much-needed rest. We picked out the best swaddles for newborns, ranging from traditional blanket swaddles to sleep sack-style options.
Why Swaddle? Everything You Need to Know About Swaddling
A favorite among parents, swaddling is a popular practice in many cultures. Swaddling babies helps comfort them, reminding them of the tight, cozy environment of the womb. When swaddled, babies are less likely to awaken themselves with the startle reflex (when they lift their arms suddenly).
Research shows that swaddling promotes quiet sleep and longer sleep periods. Plus, they can help soothe your baby when fussy.
Safe Swaddling
Although swaddling can be helpful, it also poses some disadvantages. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to practice safe swaddling. Some tips include:
- Ensure the swaddle won't get loose while baby sleeps.
- Place baby on their back for sleeping.
- Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of rolling.
- Prevent hip dysplasia by not forcing baby's legs into a straight position.
Babies can start rolling over as young as 2 months of age. At this point, it's safer to use a wearable blanket or similar so that your baby's space is free of loose bedding. Your baby's crib should not include blankets until they are at least 1 year old.
Also, when baby can roll over, it's best if their arms are free. This way, they can safely reposition themselves during sleep.
Top 7 Best Baby Swaddles
We've selected some of parents' favorite swaddles.
To find the best swaddle for your needs, consider the size and age of your baby. Also, consider your preference. Some swaddles are a blanket that you'll need to learn to wrap, while others feature zippers or velcro for simple swaddling.
1. Best Velcro Swaddle: Halo 100% Organic Cotton Swaddle
Looking for a better night’s sleep? 98% of parents reported better sleep for their infants when using Halo’s SleepSack swaddle.
This versatile swaddle offers several options. Let your baby’s arms out or tuck them in. For babies that like to suck their thumb, swaddle your baby’s hands close to their face.
Halo also designs swaddles and sleep sacks to keep your baby at a comfortable temperature. This organic cotton swaddle has a TOG of 1.5, which means it’s ideal for a room temperature of 68 to 72 degrees.
Features:
- Ideal for 0 - 6 months, several sizes
- 3 ways to swaddle
- Secure with a zipper and Velcro
2. Best Sleep Bag for Temperature Regulation: Woolino 4 Season® Baby Sleep Bag
Snuggle your baby in the coziest sleep sack. Made of merino wool and organic cotton, your baby will sleep comfortably, no matter the season. Merino wool naturally regulates body temperature, keeping baby warm in the cold and cool when it’s warm.
The best part? You won’t have to get your baby used to multiple sleep bags. Use the same size from 2 months to 2 years. Simply use the underarm snaps when your baby is small.
Woolino thought of everything with this sleep bag. You can even transfer baby into their car seat thanks to the convenient seat belt slats. Diaper changes are also seamless with the bottom zipper.
Features:
- Ideal for 0 - 4 years, 2 sizes available
- 20 color choices
- Secure with a zipper and shoulder snaps
3. Award Winning Swaddle: Love to Dream Swaddle Up™
Baby can enjoy more flexible arm positions with the Swaddle Up. The soft jersey cloth will keep your baby snug without overheating.
It's no wonder Swaddle Up has won awards for its no-hassle design featuring a double zipper and soft fabric. The swaddle won a silver in the "Made for Mums" awards in .
Features:
- Ideal for 0 - 6 months, four sizes available
- 19 color choices
- Secure with a zipper
4. Best Bamboo Swaddle: Mori Newborn Swaddle Sack
Equally adorable and functional, the Mori newborn swaddle sack is made of a combination of bamboo and organic cotton. Wrapping your baby in this butter-soft sack is easy. Arm snaps make it simple to enclose or release your baby’s arms. You can unzip from the bottom for no-hassle diaper changes.
Features:
- Ideal for 0 - 3 months (from 5 to 12 pounds)
- 5 color choices
- Secure with a concealed zipper and snaps
5. Best Preemie Option: ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Sack
Many swaddle sacks come in one size or sizes meant for several months of wear. The Cocoon offers more specific sizing, including for babies as small as 4 pounds. You can size up as your baby grows, ensuring the right fit.
The ergoPouch Cocoon is stretchy and offers two ways to wear. Tuck arms in or out depending on baby's preference. You can also purchase a Butterfly Cardi adapter for a hands-up swaddle adaptation.
Features:
- Ideal for 0 - 12 months, 4 size options including for preemies!
- 6 color choices plus limited edition prints
- Secure with a two-way zipper
6. Best Lightweight Sleep Sack Swaddle: Kaiya Baby Sleeveless Sleep Sack
Some babies are sweaty sleepers, like my daughter. For warm nights, you want the comfort of a sleep sack without the heat. The Kaiya Baby Sleeveless Sleep Sack is made of ultra-soft organic cotton. Simply zip it up for a cozy night's sleep.
Worried about your baby's temperature? This sack comes with a temperature-sensing sticker that changes color so you know when to add or remove a layer.
Features:
- Ideal for 0 - 3 years, 3 size options
- 8 color choices
- Secure with a two-way zipper
7. Best Traditional Swaddle: Little Sleepies
Simple, yet adorable, you'll love wrapping your baby in this cozy bamboo swaddle. The swaddle comes with a matching bow or hat.
A true swaddle, the stretchy fabric is easy to adjust to your child's size. After their swaddling days are gone, you can still use the swaddle as a lovey, blanket, nursing cover, or burp cloth.
Features:
- Ideal for infants, measures 44 in x 44 in
- 2 color options
- Traditional wrap swaddle
How to Swaddle Your Baby in Just 5 Minutes
Swaddling your baby with a traditional swaddle is easy to do in under a minute if you're experienced. How does it work?
- Lay out the swaddle flat. Fold one corner down.
- Gently place your baby on the swaddle, so their head is just above the folded corner.
- Secure baby's left arm over their chest. Wrap the left-hand corner of the swaddle over the baby. Gently turn baby slightly on their left arm so you can secure the corner of the swaddle under their back.
- Pull the bottom corner up over baby's feet without pulling too tightly.
- Do the same for the right side, pulling the right corner over baby's arm and tuck it under their back.
- Ensure baby remains sleeping on their back.
This style of swaddle is ideal for newborns and infants who are younger than 2 months old.
The Best Swaddle for Your Baby
Swaddling can be a lifesaver for night-time duty while parenting your newborn. Do you have a favorite swaddle? Let us know in the comments section below.
Sources:
1.Frontiers in Pediatrics
2. American Academy of Pediatrics
Not sure which of the different types of swaddles for newborns is right for your child? You've come to the right place. Today, we'll breakdown the most common swaddle types for babies and help you make the perfect pick so your child can sleep safe and sound.
Swaddling has been around pretty much as long as fabric wraps have been around, can be found all over the world in different cultures, and is still a popular way of getting your little one to sleep to this day!
But that doesn't mean there hasn't been a few changes along the way to make it easier and more effective - which is why you can find so many types of swaddle blankets, sleep sacks, and swaddle pods on the market today.
For moms-to-be and new parents alike, this can get a little overwhelming; how do you out which is the best choice for your child, especially when your little one hasn't arrived yet?
We're here to help with an overview of the three most popular types of baby swaddles, including their benefits and drawbacks as well as which is most suitable for different families, so that you can decide on the best swaddle blanket for your family.
Why Choosing the Right Swaddle Types Can't Be Overlooked
Swaddling has traditionally worked by keeping baby's arms tight to their body in a snug and cozy wrap, which has a few different effects. What are the benefits of swaddling, though?
Firstly, this mimics the warmth and security of the womb - for a newborn who has just entered a world that can be loud and overwhelming, this can help them feel more settled.
Additionally, because the swaddle keeps baby's arms tucked in tight, the impact of the Moro reflex, or startle, reflex is lessened. This natural instinct is usually triggered by a sudden or loud noise, and causes your baby to flail out their limbs before curling up back into their body.
When this happens during sleep, there's a risk baby will wake up, but if the flailing is prevented through the use of swaddling, nighttime wakeups are made less likely.
Swaddling can even help to keep your baby safer - according to the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidelines, your baby should always be placed face-up on their back to go to sleep.
When your baby is swaddled, it's harder for them to roll over into the unsafe front sleeping position, so you can rest assured that your little one is sleeping safely and soundly!
Any parent will tell you how valuable it is when your baby sleeps, as you have a little more time for your own important self-care. It can be tricky taking care of a newborn and finding time to look after yourself too, which is why so many parents say you should swaddle your baby - when your baby sleeps, so can you! This alone is a good reason to swaddle a baby.
'Touch is our most ancient, calming sense. The first S of the 5 S's—Swaddling—reminds babies of the womb's embrace and it's a similar experience to being cuddled skin-to-skin, but its big advantage is that it envelops a baby's body with a soft caress that can soothe her for hours when she's sleeping...and can't be in your arms.
New babies have very little control over their arms. Swaddling prevents your little one from whacking herself in the face and getting even more upset. It also prevents her from startling herself and disrupting sleep. Once wrapped, a baby can pay attention and be soothed by the other S's (Side-Stomach, Shushing, Swinging or Sucking)'
- Dr. Harvey Karp, Happiest Baby
The different types of swaddles for newborns: swaddle blankets, swaddle sacks, and swaddle pods
So, you've decided that you want to swaddle your baby - but where do you begin with all the different types of swaddles for newborns available?
There are lots of decisions to make before you even get into details like TOG ratings and finding the cutest patterns to match your baby's nursery, but don't worry - we're here to help with a handy guide so you can find the dream swaddle for your little one!
Traditional wrap swaddles
When you think of swaddling, a traditional swaddle wrap is likely what comes to mind - and the image of a little bundled up baby burrito is hard to resist!
This type of swaddle blanket or swaddle wrap comes in all kinds of designs, but we think our Zen Swaddle™ has the best take on this classic with its gently weighted pad that mimics your soothing touch.
Pros of swaddle blankets
Because swaddle blankets are essentially fabric wraps that have been optimised for swaddling your baby, they can be super versatile even after your baby has grown past the newborn stage.
Many parents will continue to use their blanket swaddle as a regular blanket or burp cloth long after baby has transitioned out of using it for its original purpose.
You can also experiment with different swaddling techniques to find which one works best for your baby, and you may find that a traditional swaddle blanket lasts longer than a sleep sack as baby grows.
Cons of swaddle blankets
One issue for some parents with a blanket swaddle is the learning curve involved - you have to make sure you know what you're doing, and can't just zip or velcro them in as you can with modern options. While they're likely to have shown you how to do it at the hospital nursery, it can still be difficult to master, particularly for parents with disabilities such as limb difference or muscle weakness.
Best for...
Babies who are a little fussier with their sleep requirements, as swaddle blankets can be wrapped in a wide variety of ways to suit their preferences. For instance, if they want to have one arm out, this can be easily done with a swaddle blanket and the correct swaddling technique.
Flexible swaddle sacks
Swaddle sacks, or sleep sacks specially designed for swaddling, have become popular in recent years as a way of swaddling your baby that doesn't require any complicated folding. They basically work like big sleeping bags, and are super cozy for your little one - our own Zen One™ functions as a sleep sack with removable arm sections, so your baby can enjoy wearing it even after they grow out of the swaddling stage.
Pros of swaddle sacks
If you aren't used to the folding techniques that are required to wrap your baby up in a swaddle blanket, or need a swaddle that's more accessible for you and others who'll be caring for your baby, a swaddle sack can be a great solution.
To keep baby wrapped up, they usually have a simple fastening of some kind - for instance, our Zen One uses super quiet velcro, so you can change your baby without disturbing their sleep!
Cons of swaddle sacks
For babies with super-strength, you may find that they're able to break out of fastenings involving velcro and snaps - but this is a pretty rare occurrence!
You may also find that most swaddle sacks aren't useful once your baby is past the three or four-month mark, as they can't be used normally and don't have the same versatility as a traditional swaddle blanket.
This isn't the case with our Zen One, though, as once your baby starts rolling over, you can just remove the arm sections and use it as a wearable blanket!
Best for...
Parents who struggle with traditional swaddles and want an easy, no-fuss option to put baby to sleep - no flapping loose blankets around or struggling to wrap baby just right when they're fussing!
Swaddling pods
The latest evolution in baby swaddles, the swaddle pod is like a sleep sack with added benefits! Made from a stretchy, snug fabric, swaddle pods like our Zen Neo™ are able to recreate that cozy, womb-like feeling with even more accuracy, and with just a simple zip and wing are super easy to tuck your baby into!
Pros of swaddling pods
Because of the stretchy cotton fabric they're made from, swaddle pods keep your baby snug around their chest and neck while still allowing them some wriggle room inside and without riding up - the best of both worlds!
The two-way zipper also makes changing your baby in and out of the swaddle easier than ever, and the cuddle pad gently distributes a small amount of weight across your baby's chest to soothe them to sleep; we're a long way from your grandma's fabric wraps now!
Cons of swaddling pods
Once you start swaddling with the swaddle pod, you might be worried about transitioning away from it! But don't worry - our Zen Sack™ has the same gently weighted Cuddle Pad tech, and is a great way to get your little one used to sleeping without being tucked into their swaddle.
Best for...
Any new parents or moms-to-be looking to up their swaddling game and give their baby a great start on healthy sleep patterns - while getting some sleep of their own in the process!
Swaddle pods: mom hack!
'We tried many other swaddles and did not get the same results as we have from the Nested Bean swaddles. The baby would wiggle his little way out of them and not sleep long at all. We started with the Zen One Swaddle, and we loved it. We when received the Zen Neo swaddle, he started sleeping from 2 hours to 5-6 hours at a time.
When we do our bedtime routine with the baby and put the Zen Neo on him, he gets quiet and calms down compared to before when he would be fussy and crying. I love that the Zen Neo swaddle has more of the weighted beans to it. We have now bought a couple of friends and family members the Nested Bean swaddles for their upcoming babies.'
- Kelsey Kight, Zen Neo review
We believe that swaddling is a fantastic choice for the wellbeing of both you and your baby - and that with our Zen Neo swaddle pod, you can all get the rest you need for the waking moments that matter the most.
Still Not Sure Which of These Swaddle Types is Right For You? Nested Bean is Here to Help!
Beyond the different types of swaddles for newborns, it's important that you consider the individual swaddles themselves. That means paying close attention to materials, sizing, features, and more:
- Material: The fabric of the swaddle should be soft, breathable, and suitable for the climate. A good swaddle will help regulate your baby's temperature, keeping them warm but not overheated. Look for natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo that are gentle on your baby's delicate skin.
- Size: Make sure to choose a swaddle that's appropriate for your baby's age and weight. An ill-fitting swaddle can either be too constricting or fail to secure the baby properly.
- Ease of Use: If the swaddle is too complicated, it's going to cause more stress than comfort. Look for a swaddle with an easy-to-use design, such as those with zippers or Velcro closures.
- Versatility: Can the swaddle grow with your baby? Some swaddles offer the versatility to transition into a wearable blanket once your baby is ready to move beyond swaddling.
- Unique Features: Some swaddles, like our Nested Bean swaddles, come with gently weighted pads that mimic a parent's soothing touch, aiding in longer and more restful sleep for your little one
We know what you're thinking...that's a lot to keep in mind! But choosing between all the different swaddle types doesn't have to be daunting. We're here to help.
Nested Bean is your trusted guide through early parenthood - particularly, as it pertains to sleep. As parents ourselves who struggled with getting our babies to sleep on a regular schedule, we know what you're dealing with and we want to help you overcome it.
So - don't hesitate to reach out if you're not sure which of our swaddle styles is best for your child. We'll be happy to point you in the right direction!
Common questions about swaddling and types of swaddles
Before we wrap up our guide on the different types of swaddles for newborns, we want to address a few questions we get asked all the time about swaddling in general.
What is TOG?
You'll see this rating on sleepwear for babies quite frequently...what is TOG, though? TOG stands for "Thermal Overall Grade." It is a unit of measurement used to quantify the thermal resistance, or insulating properties, of a fabric or garment.
When it comes to baby products like swaddles, sleep sacks, and bedding, TOG ratings are often used to help parents choose the appropriate thickness based on the room's temperature where the baby is sleeping. Lower TOG ratings indicate lighter, more breathable fabric suitable for warmer weather or heated rooms. Conversely, higher TOG ratings are found on thicker, more insulated items that are ideal for cooler temperatures.
Is swaddling safe for my baby?
If you follow the safe sleep guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, swaddling is a safe option for your baby and an effective way of helping babies sleep for many families. This includes keeping your baby's sleep space clear of any loose blankets, stuffed animals and other toys and pillows, and placing baby on their back when you're putting them to bed.
Can you swaddle your baby's arms too tightly?
Yes, but getting the right fit is simple! If you can fit between two and three fingers between your baby's chest and the fabric, you have the correct fit - any less and it's too tight, any more and it's too loose. In fact, having the swaddle too loose is a more common problem than swaddling baby tightly, and can actually be more dangerous as it can allow the fabric to cover your baby's face, posing a suffocation risk.
The fit of the swaddle is also super important when it comes to your baby's legs and hips, which need enough room to comfortably move around. his is to prevent conditions such as hip dysplasia from developing (see the International Hip Dysplasia Institute for more information).
What's the difference between a swaddle blanket and a wearable blanket?
It can be tricky to know which is the best swaddle blanket for your baby; swaddles come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and knowing which kind of baby gear works for you and your little one can be a learning curve!
A swaddle blanket is a large fabric wrap that you need to fold and wrap around your baby correctly - think of the classic baby burrito image.
A wearable swaddle blanket is more like a baby swaddle sack or sleep sack. It's completely up to you which kind to use - or you could even use a swaddle pod like our Zen Neo, a new kind of swaddle that's stretchy, easy to use, and super cozy for your little one!
When should you stop swaddling?
You should stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of being able to independently roll over onto their front; this is usually around the 3 or 4 month mark, but can be a little earlier or later. You need to stop because a swaddled baby sleeping on their front faces a much higher risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as they're unable to move back into a safer position when bundled up.
At this point, you can switch to a sleep sack like our Zen Sack, which combines the comfort of swaddling with greater freedom as your baby grows and uses the same gently weighted cuddle pad as all of our other Zen Sleepwear™. You can learn more in our article on when to stop swaddling baby.
How do you keep your baby from overheating when swaddling?
If you live in a hot climate or are due to have your little one in the summertime, you might be nervous about keeping your baby swaddled during naps and nighttime sleep.
Signs of overheating can include damp hair, flushed cheeks, feeling hot to the touch, and seeming more fidgety or lethargic than usual. However, there are ways of swaddling your baby safely and keeping the risk of them overheating low!
For instance, you can keep the room cool with a fan (not pointed at baby), dress baby only in a diaper under the swaddle, and use baby gear like our Zen Swaddle Premier made from a breathable bamboo cotton blend. Learn more about how to dress newborn for sleep in our blog.
Final Thoughts on the Different Types of Swaddles for Newborns
That concludes our full guide to choosing among the different types of swaddles for newborns. While you may have come here stressing about choosing the right swaddle sack for your baby, we hope you now feel at ease and a lot more confident in shopping. There are just three common types, but they all work towards the same goal of helping calm your baby and soothe them into a deep, restful slumber.
Whether you need a sleep sack vs swaddle, Nested Bean has you covered with safe, comfy, cozy weighted sleepwear. You can browse our zipper swaddles, arms up swaddles, weighted swaddles, weighted sleep sacks, winter sleep sacks, and bamboo sleep sacks to find the perfect pick for your little bundle of joy.
For more advice on this topic, you can read our guides on how to swaddle a baby in general along with our list of different swaddling techniques. We have resources on how to keep baby warm without swaddle, what to do if your baby wants hands out of swaddle, and more.
Otherwise, it's time to chose the right swaddle type of swaddle for your baby at Nested Bean and see what a difference it can make in your parenthood journey!
