There are so many different swaddles to choose from for babies. We are sharing how to swaddle your baby as well as the best newborn swaddles, baby girls swaddles, and baby boy swaddles that we love so you can find the best swaddle that works for you and your baby.
Why Swaddle a Baby
If you think about it, when babies are in the womb, they are all curled up and protected by their mom. When they are born they don’t have that same protection. There is no wonder babies love to be swaddled. When you compare that comforting feeling in the womb to being swaddled, they are very similar. Babies love to be held and comforted, but mom and dad can’t always hold the baby.
- Swaddling is a great way for babies to feel that same protection they had in the womb.
- Helps secure your baby’s arms securely by their side preventing them from startling themselves a wake or accidently hitting themselves in the head or face. (These motions are caused because they don’t quite have control of their arms as a newborn)
How to Swaddle a Baby
There are 4 simple steps for swaddling your baby, so they are safe and comfortable.
- Place your swaddle blanket on a soft surface, like a bed. Lay it down like a diamond shape. Fold the top corner down so that it’s an upside-down triangle. Place your baby in the middle with the fold sitting right at their neck.
- Put your child’s right arm down by their side and bring the same side of the swaddle blanket down and over your baby’s arm to keep it securely at their side. Tuck the corner of the blanket under their body to keep it in place.
- Fold the bottom left side corner of the swaddle blanket upward and under your child’s left side of their body. Tuck the blanket behind to keep it in place.
- Hold your baby’s right arm by their side. Take the last part of the swaddle blanket, wrap it over their arm, and tuck it under their little body.
Keep in mind that the blanket area around your baby’s feet should be loose, and it should only be snug around their arms.
Is swaddling good for babies?
Yes. Swaddling is very comforting for babies and helps keep their arms from flailing during their sleep and startling themselves awake.
Baby Wants Hands Out of Swaddle
Every baby is so different. There isn’t a right or wrong way with swaddling your baby’s arms in or out. Some babies like to suck their hands and fingers for comfort. If this is the case, it might be smart to leave them out so they can keep doing that. Keeping their little arms bent might work in this instance, or leaving their arms out completely may be the answer.
Baby Keeps Breaking Out of Swaddle
There are some common mistakes and reasons your baby keeps breaking out of their swaddle. Most of the time, babies break out of their swaddles because they aren’t being swaddled correctly.
It’s best to practice swaddling when your baby is calm. Try wrapping the swaddle a little tighter! A simple trick is to keep your baby’s arms snug to their sides, but leave the blanket nice and loose around their knees and hips. This allows more movement in the lower half of their body.
Another reason your baby may be breaking out of swaddle is because their blanket is touching their cheek, making them think food is available to eat. Your baby becomes frustrated because they can’t find any food and fusses. Keep the blanket off of your baby’s face and folded nicely on their chest to avoid this.
Make sure to use a big enough blanket for your baby when swaddling. If the blanket is too small, it’s more likely that the tucking you did to keep things in place is coming undone.
SIDS Prevention from Swaddling
Safe sleep is so important for babies, and there are many guidelines regarding safe sleep to help parents make their child’s environment as safe as possible.
Swaddling helps prevent your baby from rolling, so it helps prevent SIDS risk.
Types of Swaddles
There are really only two types of swaddles. Different babies have different preferences, so it doesn’t hurt to try both kinds to see what works best.
- Swaddling Blanket- A large thin blanket that has many uses, including swaddling your baby.
- Swaddling Sacks and Swaddling Pouches- These are like little baby outfits that you can zip or button onto your child. They make swaddling easier because you can just velcro your baby in quickly.
Best Swaddle for Newborn
SwaddleMe Pod
This swaddle is a great pick for newborns and new parents because there isn’t any wrapping involved. It also has zippers for easy access for diaper changes. Newborns love this snug and comfy swaddle to sleep in. It also transitions well as your baby grows.
SwaddleMe Original Swaddle
If you’re looking for a swaddle that can do it all, this is it. This swaddle is secure with its hook and loop attachments. This helps keep everything in the right place. You can choose how you want to keep your baby’s arms in this swaddle too.
aden + anais Swaddle Blanket
These swaddle blankets are durable yet soft and breathable. They are also nice and large, making them versatile for use as a regular blanket, a nursing coverup, or really anything you might need. This is definitely the most versatile baby swaddle for newborns.
Happiest Baby Sleepea 5-Second Swaddle
A swaddle that only takes 5 seconds to secure? Yes, please! Every parent that wants to soothe their crying baby quickly needs to try this swaddle. Literally your baby can be swaddled in 5 seconds which is a huge help to new moms and dads. It’s breathable and has easy access for diaper changes.
Best Baby Girl Swaddle
SwaddleMe Original Swaddle
It’s incredible how many different prints swaddles come in. You will love the original SwaddleMe swaddles for little girls. They have rainbows, hearts, feathers, flowers, hearts, and more!
aden + anais Swaddle Blanket
There are way too many prints to choose from when it comes to aden + anais Swaddle Blankets, but you will adore the Heartbreaker collection for your little girl, guaranteed.
HALO Sleepsack
You can’t go wrong with a light pink sleep sack that is cute and functional. The Halo Sleepsack is an excellent pick because it has a nice zipper with velcro to help secure the swaddle on your baby girl.
Love To Dream Swaddle UP
The perfect swaddle for babies that like to keep their arms up while they sleep is here. This swaddle has wings to help keep your baby’s arms in place while also preventing startling and scratching their face.
Best Baby Boy Swaddle
Amazing Baby Swaddle Blanket with Adjustable Wrap
The perfect swaddle for your baby boy with stunning prints and is very functional is this Amazing Baby Swaddle Blanket. They are easy to adjust with velcro, and everything stays secure with the hook and loop fasteners.
SwaddleMe Original Swaddle
This Mountaineer print will have you swooning. The gorgeous deep colors and cute little triangles are just perfect for little boys.
The Original Woombie Baby Swaddling Blanket
If you are looking for a swaddle that lets your baby’s arms bend a little bit more, then this Original Woombie Baby swaddling blanket is for you. With the soft, breathable fabric and easy zipper, your baby will love how fast they can be wrapped up. No folding parts are needed.
Miracle Blanket Swaddle for Baby Boys
This swaddle doesn’t have any velcro; it is merely a sack where you put your baby’s arms in and then wrap the sides of the swaddle to be tucked around your baby. It’s perfect for any size baby.
When to Stop Swaddling
Parents want to stop swaddling when the baby starts to roll over. Pediatricians usually recommend stopping around the age of 2 months. Sometimes you can stretch swaddling your baby until around 4 or 5 months, but that is only if they aren’t rolling at all. It is better to air on the side of caution as to when you should stop swaddling your baby.
