8 Best Swaddles For Newborn: Better Sleep For Parents and Babies

The idea of wrapping up a baby tightly may sound wild for new mothers. However, pediatricians and experienced parents confirm that swaddle blankets can comfort newborns. They tend to sleep more and cry less when snuggly wrapped.

Of course, you don’t have to do the swaddling. But, we highly recommend this technique as it helps calm your little one during the first weeks after coming into life.

While a simple receiving blanket is fine, the best solution is a swaddle blanket specifically made for this job.

We have listed the 8 best swaddles for newborn that receive high ratings and rave reviews from many parents. If you want to give this baby-soothing technique a try, then read on!

Should You Swaddle Your Baby?

As mentioned, swaddling is not a must. Yet, it’s proved to be highly beneficial during the initial days and weeks of a baby’s life.

Nevertheless, it’s essential to cease swaddling once the baby begins attempting to roll from their back to their front, a milestone that might occur as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age.

Also, if your baby has hip dysplasia or any other hip-related concerns, swaddling could potentially exacerbate these issues. It’s advisable to consult your pediatrician if this situation applies to your baby.

Additionally, since every baby is unique, some infants simply do not enjoy being swaddled. Alternatively, they might be comfortable with their torso being swaddled but prefer to have their arms unrestrained.

When wrapping your child, you need to strictly follow the safety swaddling recommendations by AAP. We’ve also compiled a guide post on what you should and shouldn’t do when wrapping your baby. Stick to those guidelines to avoid any harm to your kid.

What To Look For In A Baby Swaddle Blanket?

When buying a cozy wrap for your little one, there are some factors to keep in mind. One that combines the following qualities will be sure to be among the best swaddles for newborn that keep your child content and calm.

Functionality

Since swaddling remains safe only until your baby begins rolling over, typically around the two-month milestone, it’s crucial to clarify the intended purpose of the swaddle before making a purchase.

Not all swaddles are suitable for immediate use after birth, so it’s important to contemplate the intended use of the swaddle.

As babies will eventually need to adapt to sleeping without swaddling, there are swaddles specifically designed to facilitate this significant transition.

The key consideration is to ensure that your baby’s hips have the freedom they need to prevent the risk of hip dysplasia or dislocation.

Breathability

Prioritizing breathability is the cornerstone of selecting swaddles, as you can always ensure your baby’s warmth through the choice of sleep attire. But, if the swaddle happens to be excessively stifling or restrictive, it may impede proper airflow for the baby.

Seek out swaddle blankets crafted from gentle, airy fabrics such as muslin cotton or moisture-wicking bamboo.

Additionally, pay careful attention to the “TOG” (Thermal Overall Grade) ratings, which indicate the swaddle’s warmth level.

Higher TOG ratings are most suitable for colder nights or climates, while lower TOG ratings are preferable for warmer regions or particularly hot summer evenings.

Size

Swaddles are available in various sizes tailored to different ages, a crucial aspect that often eludes many parents and caregivers. A blanket that’s excessively large might become loose, posing a potential suffocation risk.

Before making a purchase, thoroughly verify the manufacturer’s recommended age for the swaddle. Adhering to this guidance guarantees your baby will enjoy a secure fit and remain protected.

Ease Of Use

Swaddles featuring adaptable openings at the bottom or dual-direction zippers (which can be zipped up or down) provide convenient access for diaper changes.

Moreover, in case those nighttime diaper changes or feedings (and the resulting spit-up incidents) lead to the swaddle getting soiled, having a hassle-free cleaning method is essential.

Opting for machine-washable swaddles is a definite advantage!

8 Best Swaddles For Newborn Tested By Parents

Best Overall Baby Blanket: The Ollie Swaddle

The Ollie Swaddle, our top pick for the best baby blanket, boasts some impressive features that cater to both your baby’s comfort and development.

With a smart approach to ensure a cozy and secure experience for your little one, it’s among the best swaddles for newborn sleep.

First off, the Ollie Swaddle stands out with its moisture-wicking quality. The fabric contains special threads that help prevent overheating, keeping your baby just the right temperature. This is essential for your baby’s well-being.

What’s even more remarkable is the swaddle’s ability to fit perfectly. Thanks to its customized closure, you can adjust it to your baby’s size and needs.

This adaptability means that it can grow along with your baby, eliminating the need to buy different sizes as they progress.

The Ollie Swaddle makes diaper changes a breeze.

With an opening at the bottom, you can change diapers without having to unswaddle your baby entirely. This convenience saves time and keeps your baby comfortable.

Not only does the Ollie Swaddle provide practical benefits, but it also plays a role in your baby’s development. It supports your baby’s neuro-development, helping them achieve important milestones.

Creating positive sleep cues, it eases the transition from the womb to the outside world, promoting a soothing environment.

Best Baby Swaddle For Budget: Little Seeds Organic Cotton Blanket

The list of the best baby swaddles will not be complete without the Little Seeds Organic Cotton Blanket. It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious parents seeking comfort and coziness for their little ones.

These swaddle blankets are a soothing haven for newborns and young babies, helping guide them into peaceful and uninterrupted slumber.

Crafted entirely from 100% organic cotton, they offer a delicate touch against your baby’s skin.

The remarkable breathability of these blankets ensures your baby remains snuggly warm during colder months while keeping comfortably cool when the weather turns warmer.

The Little Seeds swaddles are brilliantly designed to be uncomplicated in use. Adjusting them to find the perfect fit for your baby is a breeze.

This thoughtful design not only adds a touch of convenience but also brings an extra layer of safety and comfort, setting them apart from traditional swaddle blankets.

One of the most charming aspects of the Little Seeds swaddle blankets lies in their timeless prints. From stars to stripes and cloud motifs, these swaddle packs come adorned in designs that never lose their charm.

Your swaddled baby will be in not just comfort but also in these adorable patterns that add a touch of visual delight to their swaddling experience.

Best Personalized Swaddle: Caden Lane Custom Baby Name Blanket

Tenereteam has already put up a Caden Lane Personalized Swaddle review that talks about what’s special about this baby brand’s products.

This offering combines their most beloved colors with endearing graphics, creating a unique and heartwarming swaddle and hat combo.

Caden Lane swaddles are celebrated for their gentle softness and remarkable stretchiness, ensuring a snug and comfortable cocoon for your baby.

What truly sets this product apart is the personalization factor. The company understands the importance of making your baby’s swaddle truly special.

Did you know that each of their personalized items is meticulously crafted right here in the USA? The dedicated team custom designs every piece, ensuring it’s tailor-made to your specifications.

This touch of personalization transforms a simple swaddle into a cherished keepsake that speaks volumes about your love for your little one.

Best Swaddle For Arms-Up Babies: Love To Dream Swaddle Up

There’s a good reason this innovative swaddle must show up on the list of best swaddles for newborn. It stands out for its unique patented wings that cater to your baby’s natural instinct to have their arms in an upward position.

The Love To Dream Swaddle Up takes this arms-up position a step further, allowing for true self-soothing. That means a more peaceful baby sleeps and, by extension, for you as well.

The design is ingeniously crafted to keep your baby’s arms in a comfortable position, reducing any possibility of sudden wake-ups.

A major advantage of this swaddle is its ease of use. Swaddling your baby is a breeze, and there’s no worry of breakout.

The convenience extends to nappy changes too, thanks to the twin zipper feature. No need to wrestle with layers or complicated closures.

The well-being of your baby’s hips and legs is a priority, and the Love To Dream Swaddle Up doesn’t disappoint. It’s acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as a hip-healthy product.

The thoughtful design promotes the recommended flexion for hips and legs, ensuring your baby’s comfort and health.

Best Swaddle For Transition: Happiest Baby Sleepea 5-Second Swaddle

The Happiest Baby Sleepea 5-Second Swaddle is literally a game-changer for parents navigating the world of swaddling and transitions.

waddling is made easy with this design, taking away any uncertainty or fumbling. Each wrap results in a secure hold, ensuring your baby’s comfort and safety throughout the night.

And here’s the reassuring part: Sleepea was conceptualized by Dr. Harvey Karp, a renowned pediatrician, meaning every aspect of its design is tailored to safeguard your baby and maintain your own sanity.

Dr. Harvey Karp’s expertise in swaddling and infant care shines through in this creation.

The inner flaps of the Sleepea recreate the cozy embrace of the womb, a sensation babies adore. These flaps also act as a barrier against the escape tactics of even the most determined mini-wrigglers.

An exceptional feature of the Sleepea is its versatility.

Unlike many swaddles, it accommodates arms-out swaddling, making it the ideal transitional swaddle for babies on the cusp of moving beyond swaddling altogether.

Best All-Purpose Blanket For Newborn: Copper Pearl Knit Swaddles

As brought up in our Copper Pearl review, this brand is famous for its multi-purpose baby wraps. 

Measuring an expansive 46’’ x 46’’, its blanket doesn’t just cater to the newborn phase. It grows with your baby through the toddler years, ensuring longevity and value for your investment.

The blend of polyester and rayon strikes a harmonious balance between premium fabrics. This combination results in a delightful softness that your baby will revel in.

It also offers the perfect amount of stretch and durability, ensuring that the blanket remains a reliable companion in your baby’s journey.

One of the standout attributes of the Copper Pearl knit swaddle is its lightweight and breathable nature.

This ensures your baby remains not only cozy but also comfortably snug. It’s the optimal blend to keep your little one feeling secure without overheating.

The modern and trendy designs of these swaddles make them adaptable to any style.

Whether you’re a fan of minimalism or vibrant prints, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, these stylish designs make the Copper Pearl Knit Swaddle a thoughtful gift choice for new moms.

Best Baby Swaddle For Escape Sleepers: Ergobaby Swaddlers

Here comes the ultimate solution for parents dealing with escape-artist sleepers!

This swaddle does not only provide your baby with longer, uninterrupted sleep but also grant you the peace of mind you deserve.

The Ergobaby Swaddler boasts a thoughtful and user-friendly design that makes swaddling a breeze. No more wrestling with unruly blankets or complex wraps.

This swaddle is designed to be intuitive, ensuring that you can create a secure and snug environment for your baby with ease.

Your baby’s comfort is a priority, and the Ergobaby swaddler delivers just that. Crafted to ensure your baby feels cozy and content, this swaddle aids in creating the perfect sleep atmosphere.

Diaper changes can be daunting, especially at night.

However, the Ergobaby swaddler’s design takes this into account. The removable leg pouch simplifies diaper changes, allowing you to handle these tasks smoothly without disrupting your baby’s sleep.

Breathability is essential for a good night’s sleep, and Ergobaby Swaddlers’ breathable cotton fabric ensures that your baby stays comfortable without overheating.

Supporting your baby’s hip development is crucial, and Ergobaby swaddlers maintain a healthy hip position.

They promote the natural development of your baby’s hips, providing you with peace of mind about their well-being.

For those babies who seem to possess Houdini-like escape skills, the escape-proof arm pockets of the Ergobaby swaddler come to the rescue.

These arm pockets keep your baby securely swaddled, preventing those sudden wake-ups caused by escaping limbs.

You can read more about other smart features of Ergobaby swaddles in our Ergobaby Swaddler review.

Best Baby Blanket For Great Photos On Instagram: Snuggle Hunny Organic Jersey Wrap & Beanie Set

Undoubtedly, this item is one of the best swaddles for newborn photos. Parents looking to capture adorable Instagram-worthy photos of their little ones will surely fall in love with this wrap.

The set not only adds a touch of cuteness to your baby’s look but also provides comfort and versatility that goes beyond just photo opportunities.

Included in the set are a jersey wrap and a matching beanie.

The intricate design of this print is available for a limited time. So, it’s a chance you can’t miss out on if you’re seeking something truly unique.

The Limited Edition Snuggle Hunny Festive Berry design adds an exclusive charm to your baby’s attire, making it perfect for Christmas Day and the holiday season.

However, the versatility of this set extends beyond special occasions – it’s an ensemble that applying to any given day.

This set comes with a host of features that cater to both style and practicality. The lightweight and breathable fabric makes it suitable for all seasons. Measuring approximately 100cm x 100cm, the wrap is ideal for swaddling your baby.

It’s also a multi-purpose accessory – perfect for use as a blanket in the cot or bassinet, a pram cover when you’re out and about, a cover while feeding, or a snuggly blankie.

When To Stop Swaddling Your Baby?

Are swaddle blankets worth it? The brief answer is yes. However, once your baby starts attempting to roll over, it’s advisable to stop swaddling. This precaution is taken to mitigate the potential hazard of suffocation.

While this milestone generally surfaces around the age of two months, it’s important to remember that each baby follows their unique developmental timeline.

When your baby reaches the point of rolling over, you can smoothly shift to using a sleep sack. This alternative offers similar advantages to swaddling, but with the added benefit of allowing your baby to have unrestricted arm movement.

Bottom Line

Hopefully, the list of the best swaddles for newborn above has made it easier for you to choose a suitable wrap for your little one.

Indeed, there’s no swaddle that works for every newborn since not all babies have the same sleeping habits. Also, in different newborn stages, the right blanket for a baby may even change.

What we all have to agree on is that swaddling is one of the secrets to a peaceful night’s sleep for new parents and their children.