8 of the best baby swaddles for newborns 2024
WHAT IS A SWADDLE?
Swaddles (also known as swaddling and swaddle cloths) can make your baby feel more secure and like they are back in the womb. When they are asleep, a swaddle can also mean they are less disturbed by their Moro reflex. This is when the baby’s arms jerk out involuntarily, which can wake them up.
Do you need to buy a swaddle cloth?
You can make your own swaddle with a light breathable blanket or muslin cloth. It is important to swaddle correctly to ensure correct hip development and that they don’t overheat. Specially designed swaddle cloths make this a lot easier. They fasten with a zip or a hook and loop (Velcro) closure.
When to start and stop swaddling
If you plan to swaddle it’s recommended you start when your baby is a newborn rather than trying to introduce it later. Bear in mind that ready-to-use swaddle cloths have a minimum weight so check that before you use them.
You should stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs they are trying to or are able to roll over. This can be as early as 2 months old. This is because it could be dangerous if they roll onto their front in the night when swaddled.
It’s also time to stop if they’re starting to break, or attempting to break, free from the swaddle as any loose fabric could pose a risk.
Your baby may also let you know that they’ve had enough and would prefer to suck on their hands to self-soothe for example.
How to go from swaddling to not swaddling
Some babies will prefer this to be a gradual process. For example, you could first leave their legs unwrapped, then in a few nights try the arms. Or even go one arm at a time. However, if your child is fully able to roll, you must remove the swaddle completely straight away. The baby may feel happier going from a swaddle to a baby sleeping bag, rather than a blanket. Some swaddles can transition into a sleeping bag.
Swaddling in the summer
It’s not recommended during a heatwave, but on a regular warm summer day, it’s totally fine as you long as long as you use a light material. Extra large muslin cloths are very light and breathable so would be ideal. Alternatively, some ready-to-wear swaddles, like the Love to Dream, are available in a 0.2 tog.
swaddle cloth features to look out for
Tog: The tog of a swaddle refers to how warm it is. For example, a 2.5 tog will be warm for the winter, a 0.2 tog will be great when it’s hot and a 1 tog will be perfect for the rest of the year.
Double zip: This enables nighttime nappy changes, without having to fully remove the swaddle.
Material: Cotton is very popular as it’s a natural material that is breathable. Bamboo is becoming more common as this is also very breathable and also thermoregulating.
Design: It should be designed to allow for healthy hip development. Some put their baby’s arms in the ‘hand on heart’ foetal and others allow babies to have access to their hands for self-soothing.
Swaddle sleeping bags: A swaddle which can convert into an arms-out sleeping bag will last longer and save you money.
THE MOST POPULAR SWADDLE CLOTHS
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 26 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, I may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Love To Dream Swaddle UP Original
The award-winning patented design replicates a baby's natural sleeping position.
Babies still have access to their hands for self-soothing.
Can be used from 2.2kg to 3.8kg.
Double zip for easy nappy changes.
1 tog.
Made from 93% cotton and 7% elastane.
There is also a bamboo version and a 0.2 and 2.5 tog.
Also available is a transition swaddle, where the arms can be released.
2. tommee tipppe the original grobag swaddlebag
This swaddle can be worn from 0-3 months (5-12lbs).
It ensures your baby’s legs are in the best position for correct hip development.
Two-way zip for easy nappy changes.
Available in a variety of prints and in 1 or 2.5 tog.
3. Ergobaby Swaddle wrap
Arm pouches help put your baby into the ‘hand on heart’ foetal position.
100% cotton.
0.5 tog.
Can be used from 3.2kg/7lb.
Opens at the bottom for nappy changes.
Comes in a range of colours and prints.
4. MORI Swaddle Bag
Has an adjustable neckline and adjustable arm poppers so arms can be in or out.
Made from 30% organic cotton and 70% bamboo, making it very soft, breathable and thermoregulating.
No tog rating. It is comparable to a blanket.
There is a zip that goes all the way around for easy nappy changes.
Can be used from when a newborn is 15 days old (as long as they are 5lbs or more) until 12lbs (around 2-3 months old).
Available in a variety of colours.
5. Little seeds baby swaddle wrap
A pack of three 100% certified organic cotton swaddles.
Fastens with Velcro.
Fits from 0-3 months. The baby needs to be a minimum of 7lbs.
0.5 tog
UK-based company.
6. aden + anais essentials easy swaddle wrap
Pack of three 100% cotton swaddles.
1.0 tog.
Zipped bottom for easy nappy changes.
Fastens with Velcro.
Suitable from 3.0 to 6.3kg.
Available in a variety of colours.
7. Purflo swaddle to sleep baby swaddle
This is a swaddle sleeping bag and there is the option to have the arms in or out.
Hip healthy design certified by International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
The length can extend as your baby grows.
There is a zip at the bottom for easy nappy changes.
It is very breathable as there are mesh panels on the torso, neck and hip area.
The shape is designed to be used with harnesses in car seats and pushchairs.
This one is 0.5 tog which is suitable for rooms which are 18˚C to 27˚C. There is also a 2.5 tog available.
It is for babies 0-4 months old and will fit from 6.6 to 16lbs.
Comes in a variety of colours and prints.
Made from 100% cotton. The mesh panels are polyester.
Machine washable at 40°C.
8. summer infant SwaddleMe Original
Made from 100% cotton.
Has a leg pouch opening to make nappy changes easier.
Secure hook and loop closure.
Suitable from 0-3 months. Minimum weight is 7lbs.
0.5 tog.
Available in a variety of prints and colours.
