What To Expect
I Didn’t Think a $70 Swaddle Was Worth It — Now I Gift It to Every New Mom
published February 19, 2025
source What To Expect
There are two undeniable truths about swaddling. First, turning your baby into a tiny burrito isn’t just ridiculously adorable, it actually helps them sleep longer by reducing startle reflexes. Second, mastering the art of swaddling with a regular blanket requires the patience of a saint. Since I lack that trait, I stocked up on plenty of swaddle blankets before my daughter arrived. But that didn’t stop one of my dear friends (a seasoned mom and trusted baby guru) from sending me the Ollie Swaddle Opens a new window, swearing it would change my life.
I stifled an eye-roll. What could be so special about this seemingly basic blanket that it justified a $70 price tag? Did it swaddle itself and then rock the baby to sleep, too?
Cut to two weeks after my daughter was born, I was singing the Ollie’s praises like a lullaby and ordering a backup. Now, almost three years later, it has become my go-to baby shower gift. Here’s why.
Adjustable as Baby Grows
One of the Ollie’s biggest perks? It’s one-size-fits-all. No need to size up as your baby grows — you just adjust the fit for a snug yet comfy wrap.
Another win? Traditional swaddles should sit at your baby’s shoulders to reduce the risk of suffocation, but getting that perfect fit can be tricky. Since the Ollie adjusts to your baby, not the other way around, I never worried about it creeping up too high.
And unlike most swaddles that get the boot once your baby starts rolling over (around 3 to 4 months), the Ollie can stick around for almost a full year. Just transition to wrapping with arms out. My daughter was a winter baby, so I loved that she could stay cozy and snug long past her first birthday.
Soft, Durable Material
Unlike most swaddles, the Ollie isn’t made of cotton. Instead, it’s crafted from a polyester and spandex blend that has just the right amount of stretch to accommodate your ever-growing baby. And despite being washed on repeat, my Ollie never lost its shape or became too loose.
Plus, no need to stress about picking the right TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) rating for the season. The Ollie’s moisture-wicking fabric helps regulate temperature, keeping babies cool in the summer and warm in the winter. One less thing to worry about? Yes, please.
Escape-Proof
My daughter wasn’t exactly Houdini, but she wasn’t the most still sleeper either. With other swaddles, she managed to wiggle free multiple times a week (Weak velcro? Superbaby strength? Who’s to say). But with the Ollie? Never.
The extra-large velcro closures kept everything extra secure, so there were no unexpected 2 a.m. jailbreaks.
Final Thoughts
Despite my initial skepticism, the Ollie Swaddle Opens a new window turned out to be every bit as life-changing as my friend promised. It was easy to use (even with my eyes half-closed), held up through countless washes, and kept my daughter snug and secure — which, if I’m being honest, totally contributed to her becoming an A+ sleeper. Plus, knowing she was safe in her crib helped me sleep better, too.
And I’m not the only mom who feels that way. Many What to Expect Community members praise the Ollie swaddle for being, “the whole reason we get such good sleep,” as one mom writes.