Benefits of Swaddle Blankets

After spending nine+ months in the tight, cozy quarters of the womb, newborns can find their new, spacious environment a bit startling—which doesn’t bode well for a good night’s sleep. It makes sense, then, that many infants enjoy the gentle, reassuring restrictions of a swaddle. To quell a fussy baby when it’s time to rest—or to stretch the amount of time your sleeping baby stays down—give swaddle blankets a try.

Not only that, but swaddle blankets can help calm newborns’ startle reflex, which, when triggered, causes baby to flail their arms and legs and often rouses them from sleep. This reflex is “due to the lack of the development of the myelin sheath, which is a fatty layer that covers neurons in the brain,” Jordan explains. “Those jerky movements that present with the startle reflex are connected to those neurons jumping around, as opposed to smoothly going from one neuron to the next.” Because the startle reflex can be set off by quick changes in position, a great way to keep it in check is by swaddling baby.

Types of Baby Swaddles

Swaddling babies is a centuries’ old practice, but the modern-day version of swaddle blankets is a bit more sophisticated than strips of cloth tied together that babies of yesteryear had to put up with. These days, the best swaddle blankets come in a variety of styles, colors and fabrics to suit baby’s needs. These are two main types of swaddle blankets you can choose from:

• Baby swaddle wraps. Typically square-shaped and made of muslin or cotton, these swaddle blankets call for the hospital-wrap method of bundling baby like a little burrito—you won’t find any snaps, zippers or Velcro closures here. They’re great for versatility but require a multi-step swaddling process and may become loose if not wrapped properly.

• Baby swaddle sacks. For parents who prefer to take the guesswork out of swaddling, a swaddle sack or swaddle pod is the answer. These feature zippers, snaps or hook-and-loop closures to keep baby bundled up inside, making swaddling much easier and faster. Plus, if they have two-way zippers, you can handle middle-of-the-night diaper changes without having to completely remove the swaddle.

What to Look for When Buying Swaddle Blankets

Keeping safety in mind above all else, here are a few features you’ll want to keep an eye out for when shopping for the best swaddles:

• Breathability. According to Jordan, “breathability is the key to swaddle shopping, as you can always ensure warmth for baby with the clothing you choose to sleep them in”—but if the swaddle is too stuffy or constricting, it can reduce proper airflow for baby. Look for swaddle blankets crafted from soft, lightweight and breathable fabrics like muslin cotton or moisture-wicking bamboo.

• TOG rating. You’ll also want to pay special attention to the thermal overall grade (TOG) ratings, which tell you how warm the swaddle will be. Higher TOG ratings are best used in colder climates or on cooler nights, while lower TOG ratings are better for warmer climates or particularly hot summer evenings.

• Functionality. Some swaddles are for newborns adjusting to life outside the womb, while others are for babies transitioning out of the full-on swaddle phase and into more freestyle sleep. If you’re looking for a swaddle for their first few months of life, you’ll want to go for one that can wrap baby up snuggly with their arms at their side; for preemies, you can have their arms bent and placed on top of their chest (with hands closer to their face). If you need a transitional swaddle, look for one that lets baby sleep with one or both arms free.

• Comfort and safety. Pay attention to the manufacturers’ age recommendations and maximum weight limits for every swaddle blanket. Swaddles are not a one-size-fits-all garment; rather, they typically come in small, medium and large options that correspond with baby’s age and weight. Swaddles that are too big or wrapped too loosely not only “waste the effects of that cocooning and calming the swaddle provides,” Jordan says, but also create a suffocation hazard if it ends up covering their face. This is also why she warns against makeshift swaddles. “Babies should be swaddled in products from reputable manufacturers versus DIY or homemade designs to ensure all safety standards have been met,” she says. Brands have to put their swaddles through rigorous testing and trials to be deemed safe for newborns.

• Leg room. Jordan also recommends finding swaddles that wrap securely around baby’s arms but allow the legs and hips to move freely, to avoid the risk of hip dysplasia. You can usually check for hip-friendliness in the product details.

• Ease of use. Swaddles with adjustable openings at the bottom or two-way zippers (that can be zipped down or up) allow for easy diaper-changing access. And if those middle-of-the-night changes or feedings (and subsequent spit-up stains) end up soiling your swaddle, you’ll also want an easy way to clean it. Machine-washable for the win!

How to Use Swaddle Blankets

Jordan encourages parents to begin swaddling their baby from day one—even in the case of preemies. The comfort and calm that can come from being swaddled is no different for a premature newborn versus a full-term newborn, and since adequate rest is just as important, being able to increase sleep is a huge win (for both baby and parents). Head here for step-by-step instructions on how to wrap baby in a swaddle.

Once baby starts to (or attempts to) roll over, it’s time to stop swaddling—otherwise, it can create a suffocation hazard. A swaddled baby who rolls over onto their stomach can’t free their hands to push up and reposition their face for air. Babies can roll over as early as 2 months of age, but it’s more typical to see successful rolling between 3 and 4 months. You may be nervous to drop the swaddle, especially if you’d had good success with one, but babies start rolling over around the same time that their startle reflex is becoming less pronounced. “As baby receives nutrients via breast milk or formula, that fatty layer on their brain becomes more developed and insulative: It relaxes the firing neurons and leads to the reduction and calming of that primal startle reflex,” Jordan says. “Lots of tummy time and exposure to stimuli such as noises and lights will be helpful to acclimate baby” to their new swaddle-free life.

Safety Tips for Using Swaddle Blankets

While swaddle blankets can be a lifesaver, there are safety tips to keep in mind before you start using them: Most babies enjoy being swaddled—that’s why hospital nurses do it. But it’s possible baby will object once they’re home. Sometimes it’s as simple as switching the swaddle blankets you’re using. Or, baby may simply need to get used to your swaddling technique, so don’t let the first few fussy swaddle sessions dissuade you.

Make sure the swaddle is secure; you don’t want it coming undone overnight, as that becomes a suffocation hazard. Leave room for baby’s legs to freely move about, to avoid potential hip problems. When they’re around 2 to 3 months old, babies generally want (and need) their arms free. You can swaddle baby with or or both arms out (depending on the type of swaddle blanket you’re using) or transition to a wearable blanket to keep baby warm. A swaddle or wearable blanket and a fitted crib sheet are the only bedding you should use in the crib or bassinet. Keep bumpers, loose blankets, pillows and stuffed animals out of the crib for a safe sleep environment.