Swaddles should be breathable, comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and most importantly, SAFE.

The market is full of options, so how do you pick the right one for your baby? It’s not like they can verbalize what feels right to them. But having all the information in one place can make your job a little easier.

Before we discuss the different options, let’s take a look at why you might want to swaddle your baby.

How swaddling helps with baby sleep

A 2022 study by Frontiers in Pediatrics researched the effects of swaddling on infant sleep and arousal. They discovered that swaddling appears to increase quiet sleep duration in infants and reduces the number of sleep state changes among infants naïve to the intervention. 

Here’s how swaddling helps with baby sleep:

• Mimics the womb: Swaddling creates a cozy and secure environment for your baby, similar to the feeling of being in the womb. This can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity that soothes your baby and helps your little one sleep better.
  
• Reduces startle reflex: Newborns have a strong startle reflex, which can cause them to wake up suddenly and disrupt their sleep. Swaddling helps restrict their movements, preventing these startles and allowing for longer, uninterrupted sleep.
  
• Maintains a consistent temperature: Swaddling helps regulate your baby’s body temperature, keeping them warm without the risk of overheating. This is especially important for newborns, as they have trouble regulating their body temperature on their own.
  
• Encourages back sleeping: Swaddling promotes safe sleeping practices by keeping your baby in the recommended back sleeping position. This reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
  
• Longer sleep cycles: Swaddled babies often experience longer sleep cycles, which means they can sleep for more extended periods between feedings. This can be a blessing for tired parents, as it allows for more restful nights.

That said, it’s essential to swaddle your baby correctly and safely. 

Can I swaddle my baby with Cradlewise?

Yes, you can safely swaddle your baby while they use Cradlewise!

Due to Cradlewise’s gentle up-and-down bouncing motion rather than a side-to-side sway, swaddling your baby is totally fine. (And usually helpful!) You do not need to use any additional straps.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you stop swaddling your baby when they start to show signs of trying to roll over, which can happen as early as two to three months. At that point, you’ll want to switch from a swaddle to a transitional item like a sleep sack. No matter what you use, the Smart-soothing feature of the smart crib will work its magic.

Here are some other signs that your little one might be ready to break out of their cocoon. (You can start weaning your baby even if they exhibit only one of these signs.)

1. They continuously break out of their swaddle 
2. They refuse to be swaddled 
3. They have decreased startle reflex

To learn more, read When to stop swaddling baby.

How to choose the best baby swaddle

The market is full of options, so how do you pick the right one for your baby? It’s not like they can verbalize what feels right to them. But having all the information in one place can make your job a little easier.

To that end, we’ve compiled a list of swaddles you can use with your Cradlewise. 👍

1. Ollie swaddle

The Ollies swaddle has been designed to fit snugly below your baby’s shoulders for safety and looser around the hip are for flexibility.

Their patented moisture-wicking fabric reduces the risk of overheating. It’s easy to put on and take off and has 3 Velcro fastenings that you can adjust to fit your little one as they grow. 

As babies get older and begin to roll over, they may prefer having their arms outside the swaddle. The bottom is secured with an elastic loop that you can remove for a quick diaper change without having to remove the whole swaddle. Genius!

Plus, it comes in a number of cute colors like lavender, blue, gray, and green.

2. Love to dream swaddle

Love to Dream caters to newborns and toddlers. With swaddles, transition suits, and sleep bags, you can choose an item that best suits your baby’s needs.

The Love to Dream swaddles are a zip-up style that allows babies to sleep in the natural arms-up position. All of their swaddles are listed with the TOG rating (a unit of heat measurement for fabric) and room temperature recommendations.

The swaddles come in solid colors or adorable patterns and are made from lightweight, single layer fabrics like cotton, organic cotton, viscose from bamboo, and ecovero (a type of viscose material). Their swaddles are easy to put on and are machine washable and tumble dryer friendly.

3. Halo swaddle

The Halo SleepSack Swaddles incorporate both a zipper and velcro. Baby is placed into the swaddle and zipped in (there are arm holes), then wrapped. With the Halo swaddles, you have the option to keep your baby’s arms in or out. You can also use the hands to face method.

The inverted zipper allows for those late night diaper changes without unswaddling your little one. The Halo SleepSack swaddles come in a bunch of fabrics and patterns, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.

4. Aden and Anais swaddle

Aden and Anais make swaddle blankets that come in a variety of colors and prints. They use lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, muslin, and bamboo for their swaddles, which can also be used as burp cloths or nursing covers.

3. Copper pearl swaddle

The Copper Pearl swaddle blankets are made of a premium knit material that is soft and breathable. Their swaddles are on the larger size (46 x 46 inches) to grow with your baby even through toddlerhood.