Baby Registry Products
- Story By:Amanda Shapin Michelson
- Feature Image By:@theollieworld
To say there is an overwhelming number of baby products to choose from would be an understatement.
now's the time to stock up for fall!
I asked my mom friends for baby registry recommendations, and while there were some overlaps, it seemed like everyone had their own list of “can’t-live-without” products. One such item was the swaddle. Swaddles are a must, and when you start researching, you’ll see that there are hundreds to choose from. And I bet if you ask your friends, each one will have a different favorite.
While we were in the hospital following our baby Millie’s birth, my husband became a pro at using a muslin swaddle blanket. Nurses would stop by and ask, “Who did this amazing swaddle?” Dad of the Year material, right? And he was a pro. But when we got home and we hadn’t slept in days, it was the middle of the night, the lights were low, and there’s a flailing hysterical baby. Well, that muslin swaddle was nearly impossible. Cue the frustration and hopelessness. Will we ever sleep again?
Babies are true Houdinis, and no matter how tightly we wrapped that swaddle, Millie’s arms were free within a matter of minutes. Exhausted and willing to do anything for a peaceful night, we went on a swaddle buying spree.
We experimented with different swaddles until we found the right match for Millie (which was an Aden and Anais Muslin Swaddle with The Ollie Swaddle on top. Double layers for this girl!).
It’s my first instinct to recommend this combination to everyone, proclaiming The Ollie Swaddle is THE best swaddle on the market. But I can’t end the conversation there. Each baby is different; you need to figure out which products work for your child. It takes time, but eventually, you become the expert on your child.
We’re here to help you get there faster. Here’s some more information on why you should swaddle, how to do it safely, plus our favorite swaddles and why they might be the right fit for your baby.
Why swaddle
Before we jump into recommendations, let’s chat about why we swaddle and how to do it safely. Before babies are born, they are super snug in the womb. Swaddling mimics the comfy tight quarters of the womb and promotes calmness. Swaddling is said to decrease the moro reflex (or startle reflex) and often leads to more sleep and better sleep.
How and when to swaddle for safe sleep
Swaddles should be snug around the arms but loose in the hips so a baby can flex their hips. Make sure the swaddle doesn’t cover your baby’s head, nose, or mouth. Each swaddle design has a different way to properly be worn. Make sure to read the directions and/or watch videos to learn the correct way to put it on. Be aware of the temperature and the fabric choice; make sure your baby is not overheating. Check their neck and ears; if their ears are red and their neck feels sweaty, they may be too warm. Always place your baby on their back to go to sleep.
Babies should only be swaddled when it’s time to sleep, not all day. And finally, it is important that you stop swaddling as soon as they can rollover. If they are able to roll, they may prefer to sleep on their bellies, and it is absolutely time to ditch the swaddle.
The AAP recommends that babies do not have anything in their crib until they are one year old. That means no blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals. Sleep sacks and other post-rolling sleep outfits are the ideal way to keep your baby warm and cozy while avoiding sleep hazards.
You’ll see below that we include recommendations for when your baby is about to roll (typically around 3 to 4 months) and when they are fulling rolling over.
Swaddles for 0-3 Months
Amazon
The Ollie Swaddle
The Ollie Swaddle is for the baby that loves to be super snug. The design is simple, and it’s easy to put on. I’ve heard it described as a “baby straight jacket,” but ya know, in a good way. You can also use this as a transitioning piece by leaving your baby’s arms out. This is the highest priced swaddle on the list, and it's because it's a high quality product that lasts. The fabric is soft and luxurious, and the velcro is strong. If you are a fan of Taking Cara Babies, this is one of Cara's product recommendations, often shown in her sleep videos.
Target
Love To Dream Swaddle UP
The Love To Dream might be right for your baby if they like to sleep with their arms up by their head but still require the coziness of a swaddle. It’s a zipper closure and is the easiest to put on your baby.
Amazon
SwaddleMe
This is another velcro option that is relatively easy to put on once you get the hang of it, but it takes a couple of steps. It offers your baby an arms-down tight fit. The SwaddleMe is significantly less expensive than The Ollie Swaddle. Over time, the fabric may stretch, and the velcro may lose its strength. This is probably fine since you aren't swaddling forever, and you can buy a three-pack at a good price.
Target
Aden + Anais Essential Muslin Swaddles
Master swaddler looking to show off your baby-burrito-making skills? This one is for you! These are large pieces of fabric that require you to do all the work. It’s no easy task, but if you watch YouTube videos and practice, you’re likely to get the hang of it (I never did, but that’s just me). If you are double swaddling like we did, this is a great first layer as it’s thin and breathable. Even if you don’t end up using these to swaddle, they are an excellent all-purpose product (light blanket, breastfeeding cover, stroller cover, giant burp cloth, play mat, etc.).
Transitional and Non-Swaddles
Target
Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit
The Merlin may be worth buying just so you can put your kid in it and make them look like a marshmallow astronaut; it’s so silly and cute! But there is a real purpose. The Merlin is a great transitional product when your baby is too old to swaddle but can’t yet roll in The Merlin. The thick material softens the moro reflex, allowing your baby to sleep longer without waking themselves up. Be warned, this product has a short lifespan as you can’t use it once your baby is rolling. We only used it for two weeks, but honestly, when you’re in the thick of sleepless nights, it’s worth buying for two weeks of improved sleep.
Target
Nested Bean Zen Sack
When your baby is out of the swaddle but needs a little something extra, the Nested Bean is a nice option. You may notice your baby calms down when you put your hand on their chest. The weighted bean in this sleep sack acts as that weight to help calm your child and to extend the “cuddle effect” for longer sleep. Think of this as a weighted blanket for babies.
Amazon
Halo Sleep Sack
Another great transitional piece, this product goes from an arms-in swaddle to an arms-out sleep sack. Unlike some other products, if your child responds well to the design, they can use this for many months.
Amazon
Zipadee Zip
This star-fish shaped swaddle provides babies with slight resistance and the unique ability to freely move while keeping them cozy. Babies can roll around and use their hands while still holding onto that "womb-like" feeling. Plus, it keeps baby hands warm! Since the baby's body is fully covered, there's no need for PJs underneath (if the temperature is right).
Target
Burt's Bees Baby Beekepper Wearable Blanket
And finally, when your baby is rolling around, the wearable blanket is a great option. The wearable blanket keeps your baby warm, allows their arms to move freely, while keeping sleep hazards out of the crib.
FAQs
Our Favorite Swaddles and How to Choose the Right One for Your Baby? ›
Muslin and cotton are the most popular choices, as they are breathable, soft, and safe for your baby's delicate skin. Avoid any materials that may be rough or irritating to your baby's skin. Not only that, but studies have shown that babies sleep longer and more soundly when they are swaddled in breathable materials.
How do I choose a swaddle for my newborn? ›- #1. Soft and Breathable. Your baby has soft, sensitive skin, and you want to make sure that any material coming in contact with that skin is not going to create any issues. ...
- #2. Neutral and Calming. ...
- #3. Durable and Versatile.
- Best Overall. Happiest Baby Sleepea 5-Second Baby Swaddle.
- Best Value. Summer Infant SwaddleMe Natural Position 2-in-1 Swaddle with Easy Change.
- Summer Infant SwaddleMe Pod.
- Halo Micro-Fleece SleepSack Swaddle.
- Ollie Swaddle.
The idea is to wrap babies snugly so they won't try to wiggle out of the swaddle, but leave enough room at the bottom of the blanket for them to bend their legs up and out from their body. Do swaddle your baby for naps, for the night, and when they're crying. Don't swaddle when they're awake and happy.
What is the difference between love to dream swaddle and normal swaddle? ›The Love to Dream creates a secure space, while allowing newborns to position their arms upward. This is a great choice for babies who don't like traditional swaddles, but still need their startle reflex calmed.
Do babies sleep better swaddled or Unswaddled? ›Babies don't need to be swaddled, and some actually snooze more soundly without being wrapped up. Though before you give up on swaddling altogether, you might want to consider looking into a Velcro or zipper swaddle wrap.
Should a newborn sleep in a swaddle or sleep sack? ›Swaddles are typically suitable for young infants up to around 3-4 months old, depending on their developmental stage and preferences. Once your baby starts showing signs of rolling over or resists being swaddled, it's time to transition to a sleepsack for safer sleep.
How many Swaddles do I need for a newborn? ›While this really comes down to personal preference, on most baby registries you'll find that your newborn should have three to six swaddle blankets in their wardrobe. That's a couple to have on hand while one or two are in the wash, and an extra to use as needed for naptime, a walk in the stroller, and as preferred.
Do doctors recommend swaddling babies? ›According to the AAP, swaddling is safe when used correctly. Moreover, it really can help babies sleep, which is no small success—better sleep for babies often means better sleep for mothers, which may help decrease the chance of accidental bed-sharing, a risk factor for sleep-related infant deaths.
Why swaddling newborns is no longer recommended? ›But there are downsides to swaddling. Because it keeps the legs together and straight, it can increase the risk of hip problems. And if the fabric used to swaddle a baby comes loose, it can increase the risk of suffocation.
How many months do babies like to be swaddled? ›
When to Stop Swaddling Your Baby. You should stop swaddling your baby when they start to roll over. That's typically between two and four months. During this time, your baby might be able to roll onto their tummy, but not be able to roll back over.
What are the 5 S's for newborns? ›The Basics of the 5 S's Method for Soothing Babies
Parents around the world have invented all kinds of variations on the calming womb-like sensations that I've dubbed the 5 S's: Swaddle, Side-Stomach Position, Shush, Swing, and Suck.
The half swaddle technique involves wrapping your little one up with a swaddle below their armpits so that their arms and hands are free. You can wrap your baby so that one arm is free only or you can wrap them so that both arms are free. Try out different options and see what works best for your child.
Is a onesie and swaddle enough? ›If you can keep your room at a stable temperature of 68-70℉ (20-22.2℃), a long sleeve onesie or pajama underneath a swaddle will be suitable for most babies. If the room is warmer, try just a short sleeve onesie or diaper. For colder temperatures, add an extra layer of clothing.
Does swaddle size matter? ›The ideal size for an effective swaddle is a 44-by-44 inch square. It must be large enough to provide a tight and secure fit that lasts until the startle reflex begins to disappear around 3 months of age.
What is the best size for a newborn swaddle? ›The ideal size of a baby swaddle blanket is no less than 42” x 42” and should be in a square form. This is to ensure equal folding and enough fabric for a snug and safe fit. It should also be noted that swaddles larger than 47” x 47” are not ideal because that poses difficulty in properly wrapping the baby.
How many swaddles should I need for a newborn? ›While this really comes down to personal preference, on most baby registries you'll find that your newborn should have three to six swaddle blankets in their wardrobe. That's a couple to have on hand while one or two are in the wash, and an extra to use as needed for naptime, a walk in the stroller, and as preferred.
What is the ideal swaddle size? ›A swaddle blanket should be no less than 42” x 42” in size and square in shape to make it easy to swaddle, and have enough fabric to tuck into itself to secure.