The Benefits of Swaddling and When to Transition
One of my favorite sights in the world is a swaddled baby. Swaddling is a widely-used technique that mimics the snug environment of the womb and provides newborns with a sense of security and comfort. It can help soothe the newborn startle reflex, increase length of sleep, and help calm fussy babies. Generally, pediatricians recommend discontinuing swaddling your baby as he or she begins to show signs of rolling over, (typically around 3 to 4 months-old), to ensure safety and support healthy hip development.
My 8-day-old daughter swaddled for her newborn photoshoot
Comparing Top Swaddle Brands
I have swaddled all four of my babies for the first couple of months of their lives. By baby #4, I defitely have my favorite baby products - including swaddles. To assist you in choosing the best swaddle for your baby, I’ve compared my favorite five swaddles: Halo, Swaddelini, MamaCoco, Love to Dream, and Posh Peanut. Each has unique features catering to different needs and preferences.
The Halo brand has a few sleep sacks; this sleepsack swaddle is what I used for my newborn.
Pros:
Versatile Design: Offers a 3-way adjustable fit, allowing for arms in, arms out, or hands-to-face positioning.
Breathable Fabric: Made from 100% cotton, it's gentle on the baby's skin and helps regulate temperature.
Hip-Healthy: The spacious bottom supports healthy hip development.
Cons:
Limited Size Options: Available in specific sizes, which may not fit all babies perfectly as they grow.
Material Thickness: Some parents feel that the fabric is too thin for colder climates.
My take-away: This is a cozy sleep sack that helps her sleep longer stretches at night.
I used the swaddelini swaddle for the first time with my fourth baby, and LOVED it. It got so many compliments even at the hospital. It goes on the baby similar to a sock motion.
Pros:
Secure Fit: Designed to keep arms securely by the baby's sides, preventing accidental scratches.
Breathable Materials: Available in bamboo and nylon fabrics, promoting temperature regulation.
Ease of Use: It goes on kind of like a sock, up the babies body - which makes it feel very secure once on.
Cons:
Sizing Concerns: Some parents report that the smaller, 0-3 month size may be snug for larger babies .
Not Escape-Proof: Babies with strong movements might wriggle out over time.
My take-away: I LOVED having her in this in the first few weeks, especially as visitors arrived, because it is so cute and easy to put on. I plan on buying the next size up as she wraps up her “swaddle” stage.
The MamaCoco Cocoon swaddle is another new swaddle I tried out with my newest baby.
Pros:
Natural Fabric: Made from modal, a soft and breathable material.
Simple Design: Easy to use with a straightforward wrap-around method.
Stylish Patterns: Offers a variety of trendy designs.
Cons:
Not Escape-Proof: Some babies may manage to wriggle out.
Sizing Issues: The 0-3 month size may be tight for larger infants .
Price Point: Higher cost compared to basic swaddles.
My take-away: I’m not sure if it’s because she was a bit small for it, but this swaddle sometimes would come off of her. However, I liked it as a cozy and “dressier” swaddle to keep her in as visitors came to cuddle.
My sister introduced me to this Love to Dream Swaddle UP for newborns with my third, and I loved it so much I bought one for my fourth! It is so cozy and my babies sleep so well while wearing it.
Pros:
Arms-Up Design: Allows babies to sleep in a natural ‘arms-up position’, which promotes self-soothing.
Hip-Healthy: This allows hips and legs to flex naturally.
Ease of Use: Features a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes.
Soft and Stretchy: Made from a cotton-elastane blend, offering comfort and flexibility.
Cons:
Sizing Specificity: It's important to choose the size based on the baby's weight to ensure a proper fit, rather than age or height.
Not Escape-Proof: Some babies may manage to wriggle out if not fitted correctly.
Key Take-Away: I think this is an essential sleep sack to keep, especially for naps and bedtime, as it generally helps us get longer stretches of sleep.
If you want a swaddle that you can wrap around the baby, compared to a sleep sack, I love the material of Posh Peanut.
Pros:
Luxurious Fabric: Made from Päpook® fabric, a viscose from bamboo, known for its softness and breathability.
Stylish Designs: Features a variety of fashionable prints.
Multi-Use: Can be used as a swaddle, blanket, or nursing cover.
Cons:
Stretch Factor: Some parents feel the fabric stretches too much over time.
Not Escape-Proof: Lacks fasteners, so babies may escape if not wrapped snugly.
Price: On the higher end for a swaddle blanket.
My take-away: Although I don’t love manually folding up the swaddles on the baby (since there are so many easier alternatives now), I love the material of this swaddle. A bonus is that the swaddle comes with matching outfits for the baby and a robe for mom! I loved the quality, look, and feel of mine - and would get the whole set again!
Swaddle Comparison Table
Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fabric | 100% Cotton | Bamboo/Nylon | Modal | Viscose from Bamboo | 93% Cotton, 7% Elastane |
Arms Position | Arms In/Out | Arms In | Arms In | Arms In | Arms Up |
Hip-Healthy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ease of Use | Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Easy |
Escape-Proof | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Price Range | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right swaddle depends on your baby's needs and your preferences. My personal favorite is the Love to Dream Swaddle UP because my babies preferred to sleep with their arms up and need assistance with self-soothing. I loved the Swaddelini for a snug fit and the Mama Coco Cocoon for a looser fit - but both of them ideally for visitors as they are more stylish. I enjoyed the Post Peanut swaddle and robe as my baby-mama coordinated outfit in a luxury feel. The Halo SleepSack is my least favorite in appearance, but helpful with it’s versatility and secure fit - which makes it great for nighttime use.
Hope this insight helps you to optimize the swaddling phase of your baby!
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