The Best Swaddle Blanket

Parents will be excited to learn that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) lists swaddling infants as a useful method for calming crying babies and ushering them into a healthy sleep pattern. There are a few different types of swaddlers on the market, which may leave mom and dad wondering which one is best. Reading about each type, as well as what to look for in a swaddler, will equip parents to make an informed decision about their purchase.

The first step is choosing whether you want to go with a swaddle blanket or a swaddler. The swaddle blanket requires you to wrap your infant yourself. The downside is that you may not get the blanket snug enough, which would cause it to unravel. The upside is the blanket has multiple uses. When you’re not swaddling your infant, you can use it as a burp cloth, nursing cover-up or tummy time blanket. On the other hand, the swaddler provides a better fit for your baby and won’t unravel, but it only has that one single use.

When shopping swaddlers, start by checking the size. For a snug fit, you’ll need to know how much your baby weighs. Typically, infants between 5 and 12 pounds use a small. Babies from  12 to 18 pounds use a medium,  and little ones who weigh 18 to 26 lbs use a large. Swaddle blankets typically come in just one size: 47” x 47”.

Make sure the material that the swaddler is made out of is soft enough to rest against baby’s sensitive skin. The aden + anais Classic Swaddle Baby Blanket comes pre-washed and consists of 100% cotton muslin that gets even softer with each wash.

In addition to ensuring the swaddler is soft, you also need it to be breathable.

Check that the swaddler is hip safe. For example, the Halo SleepSack Swaddle has been stamped “Hip Healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

Examine the swaddler to see how much of a custom fit you can get. Some swaddlers have inner bands that keep babies from being able to break out, while others utilize Velcro. There are also models that use a hook and loop attachment to secure the wings. As your baby gets older, you may notice the swaddlers switch to snaps. This is to give parents the option to free their babies’ arms during the weaning process.

Look for any extras the swaddler may offer. The SwaddleMe Pod 3 Pack, for example, has a harness slit, which is handy if you plan on using the swaddler in the car or in a bouncy or vibrating seat.

• Most swaddlers are machine washable, but you’ll want to check the tag just to be sure. Since the swaddlers are snug against baby’s skin, it is best to use a detergent free of dyes and perfumes. There are detergents made specifically for washing baby clothes, or you could select one designed for individuals with sensitive skin.
• As long as your baby doesn’t soil or spit up on the swaddler, you don’t have to wash it daily. Once or twice per week is just fine.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies, whether wearing a swaddler or not, be placed on their backs during naps and bedtimes. This reduces the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The organization further advises parents not to co-sleep with their babies or put them to sleep on a sofa or armchair. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in either a bassinet or a crib without any toys, bumper pads or pillows that pose a risk of suffocation or strangulation.
• Watch your baby for signs that it’s time to stop using the swaddler. These signs include rolling over, increased arm and leg movement, breaking out of the swaddler and disrupted sleep after having established a healthy sleeping pattern.
• Follow a few simple steps to transition your baby out of their swaddler, as doing so cold turkey could result in a negative change in your baby’s sleep pattern. First, allow your baby to remain in the swaddler, but with one arm free. Second, release the second arm after a few days have passed. Third, switch to a sleep sack or a wearable blanket after going a few days with both arms free. If the blanket is slightly weighted, the weighted portion should be on your baby’s tummy when sleeping on their back, and on your baby’s back when sleeping on their tummy.
• When comparing swaddler prices, you need to take into consideration how many swaddlers come in the pack. But luckily, you can find an array of swaddlers to fit your budget, no matter what it is.