Swaddle blankets can help soothe and comfort your little one and keep them cozy when they’re brand-new.
But before you stock up on these lifesaving baby devices, there are a few things you should know. Not all swaddles serve the same purpose, and incorrectly swaddling your baby can damage their hips.
We’ll show you how to wrap your little burrito safely and securely, and we’ll compare and explain the different styles available. We’ll even review this year’s best swaddle blankets, listing their pros and cons so that you can make the perfect choice for your little one’s comfort.
- No parts to wear out
- One size fit
- 100% cotton
- Adorable swaddle blanket
- Zipper design
- Baby enjoys the calming effect
- Soft cotton
- Cute colors
- Can be used with car seats
- Prevents hip dysplasia
- Three arm positions
- Versatile and unique design
- Lightweight
- Economical 4-pack of blankets
- Can be used as nursing covers
- Great for preemies
- Mimics the womb environment
- Two-way zipper
- Large size
- Multi-functional
- Certified organic
- Warm and great for winter
- Transitional
- Certified hip healthy
- Use with car seat, swings, bassinets
- Access diaper without unwrapping
- Made of soft cotton
- Used with arms in or out
- Provides tight comfort of a swaddle
- Larger size than most
The Best Swaddle Blankets of 2024
Here are the top swaddlers for babies on the market.
Miracle Blanket Baby Swaddle
Best Swaddle for Newborns
This snuggly option doesn’t need you to learn any fancy folding methods but guarantees you an escape-proof swaddle every time. It has additional arm flaps to prevent the baby from maneuvering their little arms up and out of the swaddle, Houdini-style.
There’s a bit of a learning curve with this product since it’s not a “traditional” style and not quite as simple as velcro varieties, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to wrap your little munchkin like an expert.
Since one size fits all and there are no velcro fasteners to wear out, you’ll only need to buy one which you’ll be able to pass down to your next child, too.
Pros
- There are no parts to wear out.
- One size fit.
- It is 100 percent cotton.
Cons
- This is a single-use product that’s not functional as a blanket.
- There’s a bit of a learning curve.
- Other caregivers may have trouble using it.
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Love To Dream Swaddle Up
Best Swaddling Blanket for Self-Soothing
Swaddling is a lifesaver for many moms, but others have fussy babies who don’t like to be restricted. How can you enjoy the benefits of swaddling while allowing your little one to self-soothe by giving them access to their hands?
This adorable swaddle blanket was designed specifically to keep your baby’s arms up, which is their natural sleeping position. Simply slip your baby’s legs into the bottom swaddle pouch and place each arm in one of the patented arm wings. Your baby will be able to touch their face with the soft material while still enjoying the calming effect of swaddling.
We also really like that the blanket works with a zipper. You won’t have to worry about the swaddle coming undone as your baby moves about. Plus, if you need to do a middle-of-the-night diaper change, you can unzip the bottom half without having to unswaddle your baby completely.
Pros
- Allows your baby to sleep comfortably on their back with their arms up.
- Zipper design makes swaddling easy and quick.
- Baby can self-soothe by touching their face with soft material.
Cons
- Small babies may not feel swaddled enough to enjoy the benefits.
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Personal Perspective
SwaddleMe Original Swaddle
Most Adorable Swaddle Blanket
Your little peanut couldn’t look any cuter than she will in these swaddles. Pretty in pink, the designs are adorable and girly and perfect for both slumber or photo ops. They’re super easy to use — simply wrap them up and secure them with the hook-and-loop fasteners. And because the tabs are adjustable, they’ll work — regardless of your baby’s size.
When you send your little one to the grandparents’ house, they shouldn’t have any trouble figuring out how to use these. They’re also 100 percent cotton, which is a breathable material that will stay soft on your baby’s skin and wash up easily in the washing machine.
Pros
- They’re made with soft cotton fabric.
- Cute colors.
- Easy to use.
- You can use them with car seats.
Cons
- The velcro can wear out over time.
- They are size-specific, so you’ll need to upgrade as your baby grows.
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Halo Adjustable 3-Way SleepSack
Best Swaddle Blanket for Hip Development
Are you worried about your baby’s hip development? Tight swaddling might lead to trouble, so the Halo SleepSack Swaddle was specially designed to ensure your baby’s hips wouldn’t be restricted.
A roomy sack design keeps your baby’s legs free to move about, while the comfy, adjustable fasteners allow you three swaddle options for your baby’s arms. The SleepSack was even recognized by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Keep both arms in, allow your baby’s hands to stay near their face for self-soothing, or keep one or both of their arms out for an easy transition from swaddling. The generously-sized fasteners also offer adjustability for a perfect fit.
This swaddle blanket’s versatile and unique design makes it a good choice for moms worried about hip problems or who want to use swaddling techniques as their baby grows.
Pros
- Unique, roomy design prevents hip dysplasia.
- Three arm positions cater to your baby’s preferences.
Cons
- Extra fabric can ride up and get close to your baby’s face.
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First-Hand Impression
Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle Blanket
Best Muslin Swaddle Blanket
This four-pack of soft muslin blankets will ensure you always have a clean blanket on hand — no matter how behind you are on laundry.
The whimsical, cute designs will have your baby looking adorable, whether it’s the middle of the night or the middle of a photoshoot. And since they’re multifunctional, you might not need any other blankets for your baby — period.
Aden + Anais Classic Swaddles are made from 100 percent cotton muslin and are incredibly lightweight and breathable. This will help keep your baby warm and cozy without overheating. These also keep your baby safe, as plush, heavy bedding is not recommended.
You can also use these as a car seat cover, stroller blanket, or nursing cover.
Pros
- They’re lightweight.
- You get an economical 4-pack of blankets.
- You can use them as nursing covers.
- They’re super cute.
Cons
- At 44 inches, they’re an inch smaller than typically recommended.
- You (and other caregivers) must know how to swaddle your baby correctly.
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User Experience
SwaddleMe Pod
Best Preemie Swaddle Blanket
The cotton-spandex combination on the SwaddleMe Pod mimics the slight elasticity your babe experienced in the womb, so they’ll be nice and comfy in a familiar environment. And since it’s appropriate for babies as small as five pounds, it’s perfect for your tiny preemie.
Its simple zippered design makes using it a breeze, and since the zipper operates from both ends, you can even change your baby’s diaper without disturbing their sleep! This is perfect for middle-of-the-night diaper changes or cold environments, where unwrapping the baby can cause them to get chilled — and cranky.
Pros
- It’s great for preemies.
- Mimics the womb environment.
- Two-way zipper makes diaper changes easy.
Cons
- Strong babies can get their hands out.
- The maximum weight is 12 pounds, so it is not suitable for bigger babies.
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Kaydee Baby Organic Muslin Swaddle Blankets
Best Organic Swaddle Blanket
These plush, muslin blankets are made from 100 percent organic cotton and are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Because they’re simple cotton, washing is a breeze — and they grow softer with each wash.
They are a 47” square, so you’ll be able to wrap your baby at any size, eliminating the need to size up as they grow. They’ll also come in handy as a play blanket on the floor, a lightweight blanket in the stroller, or a snuggle blanket in your lap.
Since they come in pairs packaged in a cute bag, they’d also make an excellent gift for any mama-to-be.
Pros
- They’re a large size.
- The colors are gender neutral.
- Multi-functional.
- Certified organic.
Cons
- They do not fasten.
- There is only one color/design option.
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Halo Microfleece SleepSack Swaddle
Best Winter Swaddle Blanket
This sleep sack is made of microfleece, which is designed to keep your baby’s tootsies toasty throughout the cold winter months. The upper portion is a swaddle, while the bottom is a loose sack that allows your baby’s feet, legs, and hips to move freely for optimal development. It’s even endorsed by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
It’s designed to be appropriate for transitioning your baby from their swaddle, so once they show signs of rolling over, you can position their hands either to their face (for self-soothing) or with their arms completely out, so they have full control. This will allow your baby to stay warm and their torso to feel slightly swaddled — while also keeping them safe.
Pros
- Warm and great for winter.
- It’s transitional — you can leave arms out as baby grows.
- Certified “hip healthy.”
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Made of polyester.
- The maximum size is 18 pounds.
- The velcro enclosure can wear out over time.
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SwaddleMe Original Busy Bees Swaddle
Best Velcro Swaddle Blanket
It doesn’t get much easier than these adjustable wraps. Simply insert your baby, fasten the velcro enclosure, and you’ve got an instant swaddle. They’re especially handy when leaving your baby with caregivers who might not be very comfortable doing a regular swaddle.
Because it has adjustable Velcro tabs, it leaves room for flexibility as your child grows. It also allows you to access your baby’s diaper without unwrapping their arms, so you can easily change them in the middle of the night.
Finally, it has a harness slit that will allow you to safely secure your baby in their car seat, swing, or bouncer even while they’re wrapped up.
Pros
- You can use it with your car seat, swings, bassinets.
- You can access the diaper without unwrapping.
- Made of soft cotton.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- It isn’t multifunctional.
- Velcro can snag other items in your laundry.
- The maximum size is 14 pounds.
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User Experience
SwaddleMe Night Sack Sleeper
Best for Older Babies
This cotton transitional swaddle sack is perfect for older babies who have learned to roll over but still like the security of a swaddle. It’s designed to be used with arms in or out, so as your baby gains new skills and is able to roll on their own, you can still tightly wrap their torso while leaving their arms available to ensure safety.
Used this way, it’s more like a wearable blanket — which is ideal for older babies since they shouldn’t have loose items in the baby crib until after they’ve turned one. And since the sack has a zipper in the bottom half, you’ll be able to change their diaper without having to unwrap their torso.
Pros
- It can be used with the arms out.
- It still provides the tight comfort of a swaddle.
- Nice size for older babies.
Cons
- You need to buy the proper size.
- The item may still run a bit small for those babies with bigger built.
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SwaddleDesigns Muslin Swaddle Blanket
Best Budget Swaddle Blankets
This four-pack of blankets is a fantastic value. They’re made of 100 percent cotton in a lightweight, breathable muslin weave that will keep your baby comfortable while also keeping them safe and secure. They’re easy to wash and dry along with the piles of laundry you’re already doing.
Sewn into the edge of each of these blankets are swaddling instructions, so you can get a perfect wrap every time — and any caregivers get an instant tutorial. And since they’re 46 inches long on each side, you can swaddle babies of all sizes.
Pros
- They are multi-functional.
- Swaddle instructions included.
- They are an ample 46” x 46”.
- Handy four-pack.
Cons
- There is no fastener.
- The multiple tags can be irritating.
- Some reviewers complained of the fabric pilling.
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Nested Bean Zen Swaddle Blanket
Best Weighted Swaddle Blanket
The Nested Bean Zen Swaddle may help you improve your child’s sleep in several ways. It’s a gently weighted swaddle that’s meant to mimic your comforting touch. So, if your baby is a poor sleeper who wakes up the minute you put them in their crib, this may help.
The double-pouch design allows you to swaddle your baby with the inner pouch for the first few weeks of their life and graduate to the outer pouch for as many months as they’ll tolerate it. If your child is the type who seems to hate being swaddled, however, you can allow them to sleep with their arms free inside the sleep sack.
It provides a customizable approach to sleep.
Pros
- The weighted aspect of the swaddle sets it apart from many of its competitors.
- The fabric is light, yet warm enough to be comfortable all year.
- It allows for various sleep situations, such as arms in or arms out.
- You can clean it in the washer and dryer.
Cons
- You can’t use the newborn size for babies below 7 pounds.
- It’s pricier than many other options.
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What Is a Swaddle Blanket?
A swaddle blanket is any blanket you can usethat can be used to tightly wrap a baby in a way that mimics the feeling of the womb and helps them feel safe and secure.
Because the process of learning how to swaddle a baby can be daunting, there are also products on the market that offer the security of a traditional swaddle with the convenience of modern design.
Some swaddle blankets include velcro, elastic, and even zippers to achieve the benefits of a swaddle quickly and easily.
Why Do I Need a Swaddle Blanket?
Swaddle blankets are invaluable to a new mom in helping keep her baby soothed, comfortable, and asleep. They do this in the following ways:
- Provide warmth: In the womb, babies are accustomed to a constant, warm body temperature. Outside the womb, they need to be covered to maintain the appropriate temperature. A swaddle blanket can offer the extra layer of warmth they need.
- Offer safety: It’s not safe for babies to have loose bedding in their crib before the age of one due to an increased chance of suffocation (1). Swaddle blankets provide a safe alternative to keep your little one warm and covered at night, giving you peace of mind.
- Prevent the startle reflex: Up until about four months of age, babies have a “startle reflex” — officially known as the “moro reflex” (2). Your baby will often appear “startled” and will quickly lift their arms out to their sides. When this happens during sleep, it wakes them, and babies at this age are not yet able to self-soothe back to sleep. A tight swaddle keeps a baby’s arms securely pinned to their sides, preventing the startle reflex and subsequent waking.
- Soothe anxiety: In utero, babies were in a very tight, confined environment. While the thought of being so confined may give adults claustrophobia, babies find it very comfortable, safe, and soothing. A swaddle helps mimic that restrictive environment and keeps babies feeling safe and secure.
Types of Swaddle Blanket Options
Here are three of the most popular kinds of swaddle blankets.
Blanket
This is the original swaddle. It’s simply a large blanket that’s folded and wrapped around a baby, keeping them tight, snug, and secure. The best swaddle blankets are square-shaped, a minimum of 45 inches on each side, and made from a non-elastic material.
Pros
- It’s a one-size-fits-all design.
- Swaddling is a technique you can use with almost any blanket.
Cons
- You must have a large enough blanket.
- It can be difficult to learn the technique.
- Other caregivers will have to learn the technique as well.
Swaddle Sacks
These are a combination of a sleep sack (a loose, wearable blanket that’s safe for babies to wear to bed) and a traditional swaddle blanket. They take the guesswork out of the process by providing hook-and-loop (Velcro) or snap closures to keep the baby snug.
Pros
- They’re easy to use.
Cons
- The closures can wear out.
- You will need to size up as your baby grows.
- Babies can become strong enough to escape the enclosure.
Stretchy Pods
Known by names such as the Woombie or SwaddlePod, these are made of stretchy, elastic fabric and zip up to enclose your baby and keep them swaddled. They have no arm or leg holes and are designed to mimic the enclosed, yet slightly flexible, environment of the womb.
Pros
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Not as tight as a traditional style swaddle.
- You’ll need to buy different sizes as your baby grows.
- Babies can get their arms out once they become strong enough.
How to Choose the Best Swaddles
When shopping for the best swaddle blanket, keep the following in mind:
Ease of Use
If you’re concerned about the potential complexity of a traditional swaddle, you may want to choose swaddle sacks or another type of product that doesn’t require any special wrapping ability. They’re also easy to pass along to other caregivers watching your child.
Size
Choose an appropriately-sized blanket for your child. If you’re planning to use a traditional blanket, choose one that’s square and at least 45 inches on each side. If you’re using another product, you’ll need to pay attention to the sizing as they’re manufactured for specific ages, lengths, and sizes.
Fabric
Choose a breathable fabric — cotton is best. The weight of the material you choose will depend on the season, the temperature of your house, and how many layers you dress your baby in.
Usability
If long-term use is important to you, stick with traditional-style swaddles. They don’t have snaps, velcro, zippers, or elastic that can wear out, they will hold up enough to pass down to future children, and you can use them as multifunctional blankets.
The Best Fabric for Swaddle Blankets
Nearly every swaddle product you find will be made of cotton. Cotton is ideal as it’s soft, breathable, and not very stretchy.
Cotton is a natural fiber that can go by many different names, including:
- Muslin.
- Fleece.
- Gauze.
- Poplin.
- Linen.
When purchasing a blanket you intend to use as a swaddle, verify that it is made of cotton to help ensure your baby does not overheat from swaddling during the summer. Also, test to see that it’s not a stretchy fabric as it’s not possible to achieve the tightness necessary for an effective swaddle with a stretchy fabric.
How Do I Swaddle My Baby?
Swaddling with nothing but a square blanket can seem daunting in the beginning, but before you know it, you’ll be a burrito-wrapping master — even in the middle of the night.
Pro Tip
Once you’re ready to tackle swaddling on your own, follow these steps to achieve a tight and effective wrap.
- Spread the blanket flat on the floor in a diamond shape.
- Fold the top corner down toward the center of the blanket.
- Place your baby on the blanket with their shoulders parallel to the folded top section.
- Take the right corner of the blanket and wrap it tightly around your baby’s torso. Gently roll your baby on their side as you continue wrapping the blanket around to their back. Return your baby to their back.
- Take the bottom corner and bring it up and over your baby’s shoulder. This does not need to be very tight; it’s mainly to get the fabric out of the way.
- Take the left corner of the blanket and wrap it snugly around your baby’s torso in the other direction.
- The swaddle is not tied or fastened anywhere; the tight wrapping is what keeps it securely in place. If you’d like, you can tuck the loose end into the top of the swaddle to keep it out of the way.
When I was in the hospital learning how to swaddle, I was terrified of wrapping my baby too tight and causing potential injury. The nurses reassured me that it’s practically impossible to swaddle your baby too tightly, and the more snugly they are wrapped, the better — as long as you are only wrapping the top half of your baby tightly. Their hips and legs should still be free to move.
Remember
Most babies will fuss during and immediately after swaddling. This does not mean that they don’t like it, as many parents claim. After they’re swaddled and soothed, the wrap will help them maintain that calm feeling for a longer period than babies who are not swaddled.
Swaddle Blanket Safety Concerns
It’s important to note that the soothing benefits of tight swaddling apply to the baby’s arms and torso only. A baby’s legs do not need to be bound — in fact, doing so can cause developmental damage to their hips (4). To swaddle safely, make sure your baby’s legs can still move freely to prevent infant hip dysplasia.
Swaddle blanket FAQs
Do Babies Sleep Better Not Swaddled?
A lot of babies prefer to be swaddled while they sleep. Usually, babies sleep better in a confined space that reminds them of the womb. Still, every baby has their individual preferences.
Always start out with swaddling your baby when it’s time for them to go to sleep because odds are they’ll prefer that.
How Many Swaddle Blankets Do I Need for a Newborn?
We recommend you have five to seven swaddle blankets in your arsenal, just in case. This number may seem excessive to some, but as a mom, you know just about any piece of cloth can get ruined in ridiculous ways.
Five to seven blankets should last you through your baby’s time being swaddled.
Do Newborns Wear Anything Under a Swaddle?
If it’s warm, it’s okay to just dress your baby in a diaper before putting them in their swaddle. If it’s a little chilly, we suggest putting some baby clothes on your little one first. Just make sure you know what the temperature will be before heading out!
Can Babies Overheat in a Swaddle?
Babies can overheat in a swaddle if they’re being swaddled in a hot room or outdoors while the temperature is hot. Keep a vigilant eye on the temperature to make sure your baby won’t be too hot or too cold wherever you’re going with them.
Swaddles are meant to keep your baby warm and help them feel safe, but even swaddles can be bad in certain circumstances.
What’s the Difference Between Muslin Wraps and Swaddles?
These two terms are actually synonymous! Don’t be confused if you see a swaddle called a muslin wrap or vice versa because these two things mean the same thing.
What Type of Swaddle Is Best for a Newborn?
We recommend the Miracle Blanket as the best swaddle blanket for a newborn. This one-size-fits-all swaddle blanket comes in a huge variety of different colors. It’s made with 100% cotton, so it’s perfect for keeping your baby cool in the warm half of the year.
