Best Swaddles of 2023
A good swaddle can help soothe your baby and get them—and you!—better sleep.
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If you’ve never had a newborn, the thought of wrapping your baby up so tightly that they can’t move their arms might sound a little wild.
But many parents (and pediatricians) will tell you that lots of newborns are comforted by swaddles—they tend to cry less and sleep more when they’re snuggly wrapped.
In this article:
- What is Swaddling?
- Should All Babies Be Swaddled?
- How To Swaddle a Baby
- What Type of Swaddle Is Best?
- When To Stop Swaddling
- Babylist’s Best Swaddle Picks
What is Swaddling?
If you’re new to the notion of swaddling, don’t worry—the concept is pretty simple. It’s a way of wrapping a blanket around your baby tight enough so they can’t wriggle out.
Swaddling is great for a few reasons:
- It prevents the newborn startle reflex from waking them by keeping baby’s arms tight to their sides.
- Newborns feel comforted and calm in the tight, womb-like wrap.
- It keeps your baby warm while they sleep without any loose blankets, which are a suffocation hazard and are not approved for safe sleep.
Should All Babies Be Swaddled?
Generally, swaddling is safe for all newborns. But if your baby has hip dysplasia or other hip issues, swaddling may aggravate that. Be sure to check with your pediatrician if that’s the case for you.
Also, because all babies are different, some just don’t like being swaddled. Or, they may be fine with having their torso swaddled, but want their arms free.
How To Swaddle a Baby
Real talk: swaddling takes practice. Especially if you’re using a traditional swaddle blanket, getting the hang of swaddling your baby can take some time.
We recommend sticking with it. Most babies find swaddles comforting—even if they protest it at first. And swaddling can give you longer stretches of sleep, something every parent of a newborn appreciates.
What Type of Swaddle Is Best?
Swaddles fall into two camps:
- Traditional swaddle blankets: These are large, thin blankets that you wrap baby up in like a little burrito. They can be used for other things post-swaddling, like blankets and burp cloths, but there’s definitely a “how do you do this?” learning curve.
- Two-in-one swaddles: Easier to navigate for new parents, two-in-one swaddles, sometimes also called swaddle sacks, make swaddling a little simpler. They often come with features like Velcro, snaps and zippers to help you get a snug fit and, depending on the product, baby’s arms can go up, down or out.
Which type of swaddle is best? The best baby swaddle depends on you and on your baby. (And on your skill level as a swaddle ninja.) It’s a good idea to register for a few different types of swaddles to see which one your baby prefers.
When To Stop Swaddling
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should stop swaddling your baby as soon as they show any signs of trying to roll over. This can happen anywhere from about two months of age onward, but be sure to follow your little one’s cues.
Many parents move onto a sleep sack (a wearable blanket that’s a safer alternative to loose blankets in the crib) once the swaddling days are over. But it can be a bit jarring to make the switch from a snug swaddle to an unrestrictive sleep sack abruptly.
A swaddle transition is a good solution for that transitional time. It’s a wearable blanket that’s designed to let your baby’s arms be free, but still provides the coziness of a swaddle.
How We Chose Our Best Swaddles
- We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled almost 3,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
- We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including swaddles.
- We researched safe sleep guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.
Do you think this content is helpful? Let our editors know!
Best Newborn Swaddle
What Our Experts Say
Here’s the thing about babies—it’s hard to know what they’ll like (and what they most definitely will not) before they’re here. Instead of committing to one type of swaddle before they arrive, the ingenious Swaddle Box lets you try out four bestselling (and completely different) swaddle brands and styles. You’ll have the chance to see what you and your baby like the most and then can stock up from there.
What’s Worth Considering
The box includes four popular picks to help you find the best swaddle for your baby: the Love to Dream Swaddle UP Original, Happiest Baby’s Sleepea 5-Second Baby Swaddle, the Halo Cotton SleepSack Swaddle and Aden + Anais’s classic Essentials Cotton Muslin Swaddle.
What Babylist Parents Say
“We have tried all 4. Our baby is very picky and will not allow to swaddle her hands in it so Halo swaddle didn’t work for us. All others have a option to keep hands out which works perfectly for our LO. Love the combination of all four because is giving you an option to try what your LO would like.” -Beata
Best Velcro Swaddle
What Our Experts Say
The Halo Sleepsack makes swaddling a no-brainer thanks to the zipper and Velcro wings. And because it zips from the bottom, diaper changes are quick. Unlike typical swaddles, this sleepsack style is looser around the legs and provides more options for securing your baby’s arms. (You can even leave arms out and fasten the wings around their waist.) It also helps make the transition out of swaddles easier.
What’s Worth Considering
Parents across the board really love using the Velcro, but it does make a loud sound when you’re unfastening it, which may startle some sleeping babies.
Live in a cooler climate? There’s also a fleece version of this popular sleep sack swaddle.
What Babylist Parents Say
“This is our absolute #1 item that helped our child sleep.” -Angelica
Best Swaddle Blanket
What Our Experts Say
A swaddle blanket with no stretch makes it tough to get a snug fit, but one with too much stretch makes it too easy for your baby to wriggle out of. Copper Pearl’s swaddles are just right. Made from a polyester/rayon knit blend, they’re the ideal fabric to help you achieve a perfectly snug swaddle. They’re also soft, oversized and come in some of the best colors and prints around.
What’s Worth Considering
We prefer these swaddles over muslin swaddle blankets in the early days of swaddling due to their stretch factor. They’re easier to get on and much more secure.
What Babylist Parents Say
“LOVE COPPER PEARL PRODUCTS! This swaddle is amazing for my ninja baby who can work his way out of any fold! It’s super stretchy so he can still move his legs comfortably, not to mention the sheer size of the swaddle itself!” -Taylor
Best Swaddle for Your Budget
What Our Experts Say
The SwaddleMe Original is a simple pouch with fabric wings that’ll remind your kiddo of the good old days in the womb. And because they come in a super-affordable three-pack, you’ll always have a trusty backup ready to go when you need it (and you will need it!).
What’s Worth Considering
There’s no zipper, so you’ll have to undo the swaddle for middle-of-the night diaper changes. (If you’re willing to pay a little more, try the brand’s Luxe line, which features a zipper along the botton for easier diaper changes.)
What Babylist Parents Say
“I’m horrible at swaddling, so to have a blanket that does it for me is great.” -Ashley B.
Best Muslin Swaddle
What Our Experts Say
Aden + Anais’ swaddle blankets are the gold standard of muslin swaddles and are known for their soft, lightweight fabric that seems to get better after every wash. They’re also ultra-versatile and can be used well beyond the “baby burrito” phase. They do double duty as nursing covers, burp cloths, a playmat and even can be draped loosely over a stroller or car seat to provide shade. Better yet, the collection’s adorable prints are ever-changing and make a great baby shower gift.
What’s Worth Considering
There are no zippers or Velcro closures to aid your swaddling efforts. But once you get the hang of things, it’ll be a cinch (even at 3 a.m.). Some parents appreciate that the fabric allows a little wiggle room for babies to move their arms, while others find it tricky to get a super-tight swaddle. And when babies work hard enough, they can break free.
And if you just can’t make it work but love Aden + Anais, know they now offer a cotton Wrap Swaddle and Snug Swaddle.
What Babylist Parents Say
“These are the only swaddles I have used. I love how big and versatile they are. They are so thin and comfortable I would use them for myself if they were big enough.”
Most Stylish Swaddle
What Our Experts Say
From tropical fruit and summer vibes to boho florals and forest friends, there’s a style for everybody—and every baby—in Little Unicorn’s mudslide swaddle collection. Large, light and breathable, these cotton muslin swaddles offer just the right combination of sophistication and whimsy. Llamas, anyone?
What’s Worth Considering
Like all cotton muslin blankets, these truly do get softer with every wash. Little Unicorn makes bamboo swaddles, too.
What Babylist Parents Say
“These are definitely a must-have item in our house. The swaddles are nice and big, SO soft, and come in the cutest prints.” -Lauren
Best Transition Swaddle
What Our Experts Say
Lots of babies actually prefer to keep their arms up (“raise the roof” style) rather than tucked down at their sides or chest. The Love to Dream creates a secure space, while allowing newborns to position their arms upward. This is a great choice for babies who don’t like traditional swaddles, but still need their startle reflex calmed. It’s also the perfect transition swaddle if you’re looking to make the switch from a traditional arms-in swaddle to a sleep sack. Parents also love the ease of the zipper and hip-friendly leg positioning.
What’s Worth Considering
You’ll want to make sure you stick to the correct sizing when using this swaddle. Because it’s designed to be used with baby’s arms up, you need to make sure the fit around the neck is snug enough that no fabric is making its way up over their mouth or face.
You may also want to try the brand’s Swaddle UP Transition Bag. Each arm wing zips off, transforming the arms-up swaddle into a traditional sleep bag.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Swaddle Up was a lifesaver for our newborn that hated being swaddled. Once he could sleep with his arms up, we all started sleeping!” -Jenn
Another Transitional Swaddle Pick
What Our Experts Say
This unique sleepsuit is at the top of the list as another swaddle-to-sleep-sack transition option. It’s designed to hug and comfort your little one with super soft cotton inner and outer layers and a cloud-like polyester fill in between, helping your baby feel snug and secure and dulling their startle reflex while simultaneously allowing them a bit more freedom of movement than a traditional swaddle. One of the best features is the suit’s breathability. It’s the only one with mesh panels on the legs and sides and removable arms to convert the suit into a sleep vest.
What’s Worth Considering
This sleepsuit is safe for back sleeping, but you’ll want to stop using it as soon as your little one shows any signs of rolling over. Also keep in mind that although the suit is breathable, it’s still on the warmer side, so dress your little one accordingly underneath.
Best Easy Swaddle
What Our Experts Say
About five seconds is all you’ll need to get your little one into this amazing swaddle. Even better? Houdini babies may have met their match. The swaddle’s inner band secures arms to sides and an outer layer that zips up over that, even the wriggliest of little ones won’t be able to find their way out here. Quiet Velcro doesn’t rouse sleepy babies and organic cotton and open-weave mesh prevent overheating.
What’s Worth Considering
This swaddle won’t offer little ones any arm movement, which is great for sleepers who like being in that position but not-so-hot for babies that want their hands near their face. We also found that it didn’t work quite as well on very small babies (under eight pounds or so) but was great once they got a little larger.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Worth every penny and the charge to ship from abroad. Being a midwife and swaddling my baby from birth, I know the importance of safe (and good) sleep. It is honestly amazing. He loves it and sleeps a full night ever since using it. I will definitely buy more in the next size up. Thank you for creating such a fabulous product! One very happy customer and will recommend to all mum friends.” -Abi
Most Secure Swaddle
What Our Experts Say
There’s no Velcro or zippers on this swaddle, just a pouch and long fabric wings—but don’t let that fool you. The Miracle Blanket is one of the most secure swaddles around, foiling even the best tiny escape artists. Simply wrap the wings around your baby several times and then tuck the loose end into the fabric (similar to wrapping a towel around your body.) This design lets you easily adjust to fit every baby shape, from petite to future linebacker.
What’s Worth Considering
You’ll have to undo the swaddle for diaper changes, unlike others that have a zipper.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Every other swaddle we tried allowed my baby to move his arms enough that he became determined to get his arms out. The Miracle Blanket worked wonders, and he was so comfortable in it and slept long stretches as soon as we started using it.” -K.L.
Best Swaddle for Winter
What Our Experts Say
Is winter chilly where you live? This swaddle bag was specifically designed to be used when the temperatures drop. With a TOG rating of 2.5 (Thermal Overall Grade, a term that indicates how much heat fabric retains), the Cocoon will keep your little one warm down to about 63 degrees Fahrenheit/17 degrees Celcius. The snug fit helps to restrict your baby’s startle reflex and the bag can be transitioned to an arms-out sleeping bag once it’s time.
What’s Worth Considering
You want your baby to be warm enough but never too warm. Since this sleep bag is heavily insulated, you’ll likely only need one mid-weight layer underneath (like thin footed pajamas, for example).
Best Swaddle for Summer
What Our Experts Say
Just like you want to keep your baby warm when it’s cold outside, you also want them to be cool and comfortable when the temperatures start to rise. The Ideal Sleep Sack Swaddle is made from temperature-regulating fabric that absorbs, stores and releases heat while your baby sleeps. We also love it because you can use it three ways: arms in, arms out or hands-to-face.
What’s Worth Considering
This swaddle’s material is on the stretchier side, and it runs large. Be sure to choose the correct sizing for your baby’s height and weight for a secure fit, and size down if your little one is between sizes.
What Babylist Parents Say
“My little one is very temperature sensitive, so I had high hopes that this would help. He loves the warmth (more than most babies it seems), but he is a very sweaty baby as well, with this swaddle he stays warm through the night and doesn’t seem to be near as sweaty when we wake up to feed at night or when we wake up for the day.” -BoyMom0722
Best Swaddle for Tall Babies
What Our Experts Say
The bottom of this swaddle is left open so you can adjust the length of it by using an elastic tie below your baby’s feet. It’s perfect for longer newborns and can be adjusted as your baby grows. It also offers easy access for diaper changes. The bonus? The fabric is extra soft and moisture wicking, ensuring your baby doesn’t get overheated.
What’s Worth Considering
It’s on the pricier side, but the one-size-fits all design will last as long as you need to swaddle your baby.
What Babylist Parents Say
“We went through numerous swaddles until we found this one. It was a lifesaver! Very easy to use. Velcro is secure, making it almost impossible for the baby to wiggle out. It grows with the baby and can be used as a wearable blanket when they outgrow the swaddle.” -O.Y.
Best Floral Swaddle
What Our Experts Say
If charming florals are what you’re looking for, you’ve found them. Oilo Studio makes the most beautiful floral swaddle blankets around. They’re oversized (46 inches by 46 inches), made from cotton muslin and come in a set of two.
What’s Worth Considering
Want to spread the floral love? The brand also makes jersey crib sheets in similarly stunning floral designs.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Super soft and love the colors! Coloring matches the photos and I can’t wait to use this with our baby girl!” -Stephanie
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