Swaddling can dramatically help your newborn baby sleep, but the swaddling world can get a little overwhelming as there are so many swaddles on the market, and they all claim to be the best.
Swaddle school is here to help you cut through the noise and figure out which will be the best swaddle for your baby.
The team at Swaddle School has spent hours testing the swaddles in both our sleep lab and real life. We are made up of children’s sleep consultants, occupational therapists, and, of course, parents.
The price range is wide, from USD 9 to USD 75. However, we’ve found quality swaddles in all pay ranges.
You’ll need 3 or 4 swaddles, so you always have at least one clean one.
TYPES OF SWADDLES
We have classified the swaddles into three types: PODS, WRAPS, & HYBRID swaddles.
PODS: These swaddles are one piece. You can pop your baby in and secure.
WRAPS: These swaddles often have fabric that wraps around your baby and is secured.
HYBRID: These swaddles have both a pod part and a wrap part.
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR
SAFETY
The swaddle should be labeled according to the wearer’s size and weight. When choosing a swaddle, choose the correct weight rather than the size.
EASE OF USE
The swaddle should be easy for everyone who will be swaddling your baby.
NOISE
Velcro can get noisy, and that can make stealthily taking the swaddle off hard to do.
WASH AND DRY ABILITY
You want a swaddle that you will be able to easily wash and dry according to your at home setup.
HOW TO CHOOSE A SWADDLE
You’ll only use a swaddle for a few months, but choosing the right swaddle can make a big difference to how your newborn sleeps.
Ensure your swaddle adheres to safety regulations in your country. You can read more about those HERE for the USA, HERE for Canada, and HERE for the UK.
Your swaddle should be easy to use for you and everyone who’s swaddling your baby.
Read the reviews from others. This will give you a good idea of what parents liked and didn’t like.
SHOPPING TIPS
When ordering online, check how long it will take for the swaddle to arrive. Some swaddles we ordered here at Swaddle School took over a week to arrive.
Check the return policy. If you buy two or three of one swaddle, only wash a dry one before you try. If your baby dislikes the swaddle or you can’t get on with it, you’ll want to be able to return the unused swaddles easily.
SWADDLE SAFETY
When swaddled, your baby should always be placed on their back on a firm surface for sleep.
If you’re safely bedsharing, your baby shouldn’t be swaddled.
If you’re going to hold your baby whilst they’re sleeping, they shouldn’t be swaddled. You can help them to sleep whilst swaddled and then lay them down.
Your swaddle should fit your baby perfectly. Check the weight recommendations for the swaddle.
The swaddle shouldn’t cover your baby’s face.
Don’t use blankets in addition to swaddling.
The swaddle shouldn’t be too tight around your baby’s hips.