Finding the best swaddle for your newborn can make those early weeks a little easier by helping your baby feel secure and sleep more peacefully. With so many styles available, from traditional muslin blankets to easy-to-use zipper and Velcro swaddles, it can be hard to know which one is right for your little one. As a mom of 3, plus twins, I’ve used my fair share of swaddles. In this guide, I am sharing my top picks for the the best swaddles for newborns.
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Why Swaddling Helps Newborns Sleep
Many newborns sleep better when swaddled because it can:
- Reduce the Moro (startle) reflex
- Help your baby settle faster
- Prevent unnecessary waking from arm movements
- Create a snug, comforting environment
- Help parents establish a bedtime routine
While every baby is different, many parents (myself included) notice longer stretches of sleep during the newborn stage when using a properly fitted swaddle.
What to Look for in the Best Newborn Swaddle
Before choosing a swaddle, these are the top features to consider.
Breathable Fabric
Look for lightweight cotton, bamboo, or muslin fabrics that help regulate your baby’s temperature and reduce the risk of overheating.
Easy-To-Use
If you prefer a traditional blanket, ensure it is the right size and has the right stretch to create a good swaddle. On the other hand, you can opt for Velcro or zipper or swaddles to make swaddling and nighttime diaper changes much easier than traditional blanket swaddling.
Proper Fit
A swaddle should fit snugly around your baby’s chest while allowing enough room for healthy hip movement.
Durable
Newborns go through plenty of outfit changes. Choose swaddles that are easy to wash and durable enough for frequent use.
Best Swaddles for Newborns
Here is my list of the best swaddles for newborns. I have picked these items based on their comfort, ease of use, how well my babies slept in them, and whether they could break out of the swaddle or not.
1 – aden + anais Muslin Swaddle
I absolutely love the aden + anais Muslin swaddle blankets. They are stretchy, good quality, breathable, and cozy all at the same time.
I found these blankets super easy to create swaddles with because they are the perfect size – not too small or too large and they have just the right amount of stretch to make swaddling easy. And last but not least, all my babies always seemed comfortable in these swaddle blankets and did not break out of them.
2 – SwaddleMe Velcro Swaddle
Do you find swaddling intimidating? If so, that’s why Velcro swaddles are the best! If you don’t want to or just can’t make a good swaddle – then you don’t have to.
My favorite brand of Velcro swaddles are the SwaddleMe by Ingenuity swaddles. The material is soft, but also holds up really well. I rarely had issues with my kids breaking out of these too.
3 – Flannel Blankets from Hospital
You will actually get a few swaddle blankets at the hospital. I loved these blankets because they were very functional as either a swaddle blanket or a burp cloth. For reference, these are white blankets with pink and blue stripes on them. My advice is to take as many of these blankets home with you as possible.
4 – HALO SleepSack with Velcro Swaddle
If you want your newborn to have some room for their feet, the HALO newborn cotton SleepSack is perfect. These sleep sacks also come with a Velcro swaddle for the newborn and 3-month sizes. That means you don’t have to know how to swaddle to use them.
These sleep sacks are very durable. I recommend the 100% cotton HALO sleep sack because it’s a lighter-weight fabric, which will prevent any overheating issues for your baby. Try to avoid fleece and other heavy fabrics for sleep sacks and for your baby’s sleep clothes.
5 – Love To Dream Swaddle UP Zipper Swaddle
If you really don’t want your baby breaking out of their swaddle, a zipper swaddle is probably your best option. Personally, I preferred a traditional swaddle or a Velcro swaddle, but some parents love these and their babies do too.
If other swaddle options aren’t working for your newborn, then the Love To Dream Swaddle UP is a great choice. Simply position your newborn baby in the swaddle device and zip it. This zip-up swaddle allows your baby’s arms to be positioned upward and it is made of cozy, breathable fabric.
That wraps up my list of my favorite newborn swaddles. Now let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about swaddling.
Newborn Swaddling FAQs
These FAQs cover the most common new parent concerns about swaddles to help you feel confident and informed when it comes to swaddling your baby.
How Many Swaddles Do You Need?
I recommend having a total of 8 swaddles. Keep in mind it’s not uncommon to change a newborn’s clothing two or even three times a day between diaper leaks and spitting up. If you also need to change swaddles for at least some of these outfit changes, this will give you the option to go about 3-4 days between doing laundry.
Learn more details in this blog post: How Many Swaddles, Sleep Sacks, & Receiving Blankets Do I Need?
How Long Do Babies Use Swaddles For?
Babies can be swaddled until about 3 months old. Around this age, they start moving more and are getting close to rolling over. Once your baby can roll over, you do not want them in a swaddle. After your little grows out of their swaddle, you can transition over to a sleep sack (that doesn’t have Velcro swaddles attached).
How Do I Choose Between a Traditional, Velcro, or Zipper Swaddle?
The simple answer is to pick the one that works best for your baby and for the parent. You could get one of each and see which ones works best before buying more. Or try borrowing from friends or family whose babies are older and have grown out of their swaddles.
What Is The Best Fabric for a Swaddle?
I recommend a breathable, soft fabric. Lightweight cotton material is perfect and will not overheat your baby.
Can Newborns Safely Sleep All Night in a Swaddle?
A newborn can sleep in a properly fitted swaddle during naps and nighttime sleep as long as safe sleep guidelines are followed and the baby is placed on their back.
Investing in the best swaddles for newborns can make bedtime less stressful and help your baby sleep more comfortably during the first few months.
Whether you prefer a traditional muslin blanket or an easy-to-use Velcro swaddle, the right choice depends on your baby’s sleep preferences and your family’s routine. Remember that swaddling is only temporary. Once your baby begins showing signs of rolling, transition to a wearable sleep sack to continue supporting safe, comfortable sleep.
