Best Swaddles for Newborns
Being a newborn is hard. Suddenly your world is much bigger and brighter than it was, and everything is new. It’s an extremely vulnerable stage of life.
Swaddles are designed to help newborns adjust to their new life outside the womb by wrapping them up tightly in a way that mimics the natal environment. The best swaddles for newborns provide comfort, security, and safety. They can even help regulate your little one’s temperature and help them sleep through the night – or at least some of it!
If you’re a brand new parent or in the late stages of pregnancy, a good swaddle is a definite must-have. Here are our top picks for the best swaddles for newborns!
Benefits of Swaddles for Newborns
There are a number of benefits to swaddling your little bundle of joy. With the right product and technique, swaddling your new baby can:
- Promote quality sleep
- Calm and soothe by simulating the feeling of the womb
- Prevent scratching
- Help with temperature regulation
- Improve muscle development
- Prevent the startle reflex
- Help maintain back-sleeping position
What To Look for in a Newborn Swaddle
When choosing a swaddle for your newborn, consider the following factors:
- Quality material: You want your swaddle to be made of soft, breathable material that won’t degrade or become rough when washed. The most popular swaddle material is cotton muslin followed by moisture-wicking bamboo blends.
- Adaptability: Newborns grow quickly. Choosing a swaddle that can grow with your baby can be a big help.
- Size and fit: Swaddles should always be snug, but never too tight. Your little one should feel safe and secure while still maintaining some range of motion.
- Temperature control: Newborns heat up much faster than adults. That’s why it’s essential to choose a swaddle that won’t trap heat and will keep your baby cool.
- Safety: Newborns are just getting used to being out in the open, and sleeping can make them more vulnerable. A safe swaddle should allow for some hip and leg movement and should not have any buttons, ribbons, snaps, or other choking hazards.
- Easy wrapping: While some parents prefer to use traditional blanket-style swaddles, you can also opt for wrap or sack swaddles that attach with velcro or zippers to make the process simpler.
Love to Dream Swaddle UP Baby Sleep Sack
The Love to Dream Swaddle UP Baby Sleep Sack has a unique “arms-up” design that offers a snug, comfortable fit while allowing your baby to sleep in a natural position with their arms above them. This helps them learn to self-soothe, limits the risk of rolling over in the night, and encourages longer sleep.
The material of this swaddle is 93% cotton and 7% elastane, which provides a snug, yet flexible fit that still allows a baby’s hips and legs to move freely within the sack. While it allows for more range of motion than some other swaddles on this list, the stretchy fabric ensures there are no loose layers that could tangle up your little one in the night.
Galabloomer Newborn Receiving Swaddle Blanket
If you’re looking for an affordable, traditional-style swaddle, the Galabloomer Newborn Receiving Swaddle Blanket is a great option. Its simple design has no zippers, snaps, or other finicky pieces. It’s made from a lightweight, stretchy knit that makes it safe and comfortable. The material is also breathable, so it’s appropriate for the warmer months.
Despite its no-frills ergonomic design, this swaddle comes in a variety of adorable colors and patterns, perfect for cute newborn photoshoots! It even comes with a matching knit headband to keep your baby’s head nice and warm while they snooze.
Comfy Cubs Swaddle Blanket
The Comfy Cubs Swaddle Blanket is super snug, comfortable, and easy to use. It has an adjustable hook-and-loop design that doesn’t come loose over time. This light-pressure swaddle sack is ideal for preventing the startle reflex during sleep. But it’s still flexible and lightweight, and has a looser fit in the leg area to allow your baby to move their feet.
The nice thing about this option is that it comes in a 3-pack, which means you can just switch out your baby’s swaddle if they spit up or have an accident.
Halo Adjustable Sleep Sack
The Halo Adjustable Sleep Sack is made of 100% cotton double-knit fabric and is soft, breathable, and roomy. Perfect for promoting sound sleep and healthy motor development, this swaddle can be wrapped in three different ways: arms out, arms in, and hand-to-face. It also has large fasteners, which allow you to easily control how loose or tight the swaddle is.
With simple velcro wraps and an inverted bottom zipper, you can change your baby’s diaper without having to undo the swaddle. The newborn size is made for babies from 0-3 months. But they also have a preemie size designed specifically for little ones under six pounds.
SwaddleDesigns Omni Swaddle Sack
The best newborn swaddles are the ones that serve all your baby’s needs and can grow with them. If you’re looking for a super versatile, all-in-one newborn swaddle, you can’t go wrong with the SwaddleDesigns Omni Swaddle Sack. It comes in a variety of different colors, and has an adjustable design that can accommodate up to 6 different sleeping positions.
The swaddle sack comes with arms-up sleeves and mitten cuffs, which you can choose to use or not depending on your baby’s needs. It also features a 2-way zipper that allows you to change your baby’s diaper while their upper body remains tightly wrapped.
The Ollie Swaddle
Don’t let the simple design of this swaddle fool you. The Ollie Swaddle is made from a unique, moisture-wicking blend of polyester and spandex that keeps your baby dry and comfortable while they slumber.
It’s designed to grow with your little one throughout the early stages of development. It has a super-stretchy design, a custom hook-and-loop closure, and an opening at the bottom for easy diaper changes. It also comes with a laundry bag for convenient washing!
Final Thoughts
Swaddles have come a long way over the years, offering a wide range of features to make swaddling your little one easier, safer, and more effective. Choosing a high-quality, versatile swaddle can do wonders for your baby’s comfort, sleep, and development in their first few months of life.
If you’re looking for an infant formula to make those frequent nighttime feedings easier, consider Aussie Bub’s range of formulas for infants.
