Always follow the individual product’s guidance. (For example, some swaddle manufacturers recommend their product is based on a baby’s weight rather than age.) I have a load of these and love them. I’m on baby no. 4 now and the ones I bought for baby 1 are just as lovely as they were when new.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Isawthathaggis) Encourage tummy time during the day. Your baby may not love lying prone on a mat during awake hours, but keep at it. Strengthening their muscles helps with development and with safer sleep.

to 4.7 stars: These swaddles are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them. Swaddles come in different sizes for each age, which is an important factor many parents and caregivers don’t know. Knowing the correct size will keep your baby safe as a blanket that’s too big for them may become loose and then a suffocation hazard. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended that you stop swaddling your child around the time that they are 2 to 4 months old or as soon as you notice them starting to roll over on their own," McCutchen says. "This transition helps prevent various sleep-related dangers and SIDS." Some people say that swaddling seems to help their little one to settle more easily and sleep for longer, others find that it can help calm their baby. Research has shown swaddling, used alongside sound and movement, to be effective at soothing crying babies (Möller et al, 2019; Nelson, 2017). It can also encourage babies to sleep deeper and for longer (Nelson, 2017). Lipton EL, et al. (1965). Swaddling, a child care practice: Historical, cultural, and experimental observations.Our tester had no issues putting this on their child, scoring the swaddle 5 out of 5 for ease of use. A zipper down the front makes it easy, and you only need to put the baby’s arms into the wings (another simple step). Consider the season you’re in and how you’ll be dressing your baby underneath. For example, thinner blankets may work best for warmer conditions. Lay your blanket on a flat surface and fold the top corner about halfway down toward the middle of the blanket. Copper Pearl Baby Swaddle: While the polyester, rayon, and spandex materials are soft, this blanket got torn up in the washing machine. Since it’s priced higher than similar blankets, we think it should be more durable.

The cotton material is soft and of good quality, and there were no signs of wear or fraying during testing. With a 1.0 TOG rating, the swaddle is ideal in temperatures from 69 to 74 degrees. While it comes in only a few colors (gray, blue, and pink) and one pattern option, the swaddle was easy to use for our tester and comfy for their baby. Swaddling has been scientifically proven to soothe upset babies because it mimics pressure similar to the pressure felt in their mother’s womb," Ashton McCutchen, a certified pediatric sleep consultant and pediatric registered nurse, tells Verywell Family. "Swaddling also helps your baby control their startle reflex, which is what causes their arms and legs to jolt when startled by noise or movement." Grab the (baby’s) right corner of the blanket and wrap it around the left side of their body, under the armpit. While it’s available in multiple sizes (small through large) to accommodate any baby, it’s best as a newborn swaddle due to its snugness. You’ll want to ensure it’s not too restricting, as tightly wrapping a baby’s legs can lead to hip dysplasia or hip dislocation. Natalya also appreciated that the twin zipper meant she could change Sasha’s diaper without having to unswaddle her entirely. Comfort and features

Mumsnetters love Grobags for older babies, so it makes sense that the Grosnug swaddle is equally popular. Available in a range of cute and colourful designs, it features a zip opening which enables you to change your baby’s nappy without un-swaddling their top half.

Restricting airflow. Swaddling a baby too loosely may be dangerous because the blankets can cover their face and make breathing difficult. Your midwife or health visitor can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits if you’re still on the fence about whether you should swaddle your baby or not. Lay your swaddle fabric out onto a flat surface so it makes a diamond shape. You’ll want to fold the top corner down about a third of the way toward the middle of the blanket.T here are some important guidelines to follow if you would like to swaddle your baby or use a sling . We would encourage all parents and carers to familiarise themselves with this safet y guidance so that the chance of SIDS is reduced. While 100% cotton material is soft, it could have been softer, and the fabric’s quality started to lose its integrity after a few washes. Still, the receiving blankets come in several pattern and color themes, like mint green or dinosaurs, and are a solid budget choice, especially since no one really needs these to last very long anyway. Those extras are cute, but they aren’t safe. Remove any quilts, bumpers, stuffed animals, pillows, or blankets from the sleep space. Same goes with wedges and baby positioners. A tight-fitting sheet is all baby needs. Swaddling should only be introduced when your baby is a newborn. As soon as they show signs that they’re learning to roll over or they can already roll over, you need to transition them away from swaddling (Pease et al, 2016; The Lullaby Trust 2021; McDonnell & Moon, 2017; Nelson, 2017).

We asked a group of real mums what they used to swaddle their baby and what they liked and disliked about it. This reflex is present at birth, lasts until between 12 weeks and 6 months of age, and causes baby to startle with loud noises or large movements. As you can imagine, startling may jolt a baby enough to wake from slumber. Kitase Y, Sato Y, Takahashi H, Shimizu M, Ishikawa C, Yamamoto H, Hayakawa M. (2017) A new type of swaddling clothing improved development of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units. Early Hum Dev. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28675824/ [Accessed 21st December 2021] The Miracle blanket comes highly recommended by parents who’ve tried other swaddles and come to their wit’s end. So if your baby has a strong startle reflex, colic or finds it hard to settle, it’s definitely worth giving the Miracle Blanket a whirl.

3. Best swaddle sack: Tommee Tippee Grosnug

The practice of swaddling has been used in cultures throughout the world for thousands of years. The best swaddles will wrap your baby up in a way that mimics the womb, creating a warm, safe feeling for your baby, which encourages them to sleep for longer in their crib. The Tommee Tippee Gro Bag snuggle. It can be used as a swaddle with the arms poppered or as a regular sleeping bag with them undone. Just beware the sizing as I found they run really small.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter RandomQuest) Spread the blanket out flat – in a diamond shape – on a changing table, bed or the floor, and fold down the top corner In short, usually swaddling your baby is safe. The caveat: You must do it the right way and follow some simple guidelines. Although these safety warnings can sound alarming, it’s important to remember that SIDS is rare and that swaddling as a practice has been used for thousands of years. How long should you swaddle a baby for?