Babble Best: Swaddle Blankets
Our five favorite wraps for your baby burrito.
by Kate Bayless
March 11, 2008
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I've been a fan of the swaddle ever since a friend forced me to watch Dr. Harvey Karp's Happiest Baby on the Block video. Yes, I rolled my eyes when he said that shushing was really telling your baby "I love you," but I have to admit the five S's did usually calm my fussy first born -- especially the swaddle. What better way to recreate the safety and sensation of the womb then to wrap your baby up like a burrito? With my first, I relied on finding the ideal swaddle blanket, which required the perfect balance of blanket size, thickness and stretchiness. With the arrival of baby #2, I've come to discover Swaddle Blanket 2.0 — blankets that come with built-in features like Velcro and unique shapes. Here are our five favorite traditional and new-fangled swaddle blankets. — Kate Bayless
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BABBLE BEST : Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe - $9.99
Top honors have to go to the Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe. Four reasons it tops our list? 1) Ease of use. Unlike some of the other models, there's no need to read the directions to use this simple three-step swaddler. While I still tend to prefer a traditional blanket for swaddling, it's the SwaddleMe I leave out for babysitters and in-laws; 2) Design. The SwaddleMe allows for easy diaper changes without unswaddling; 3) Variety. SwaddleMe is available in three sizes (preemie, small or large), four fabrics (microfleece, luxe velboa, cotton knit or flannel) and a myriad of colors and prints; and 4) Affordability. It's less than $10! Check out their Organic SwaddleMe and the SwaddleMe Traveler edition that adds built-in legs to safely swaddle your infant in a car seat.
Buy it from Amazon.
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Swaddle Blankets : Runners-up
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Giggle Better Basics Collection Swaddle Blankets - Set of 2 (Organic Cotton) $34.00
My husband gets the award for swaddle king in our house with his ten-second swaddle (it lasts through the night!), and this traditional swaddle blanket from Giggle's Better Basics Collection was his favorite wrap. With the perfect amount of stretch, the 100% cotton fabric is not only super soft, but organic as well. And the overedge stitch keeps the edge smooth and eliminates the bulkiness that a trimmed-edge would add. Keep in mind that for a traditional swaddle blanket to be effective, you must master the swaddle (check out YouTube for videos on how to swaddle everything from a baby to a cat), but it also means that when your babe outgrows the need for swaddling, you still have two useful blankets. Each two-pack comes with an ivory blanket and your choice of pink, blue or orange.
Get it from Giggle.
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Miracle Blanket - $29.99
Except for the fact that this swaddler feels a little like a baby straight-jacket, the Miracle Blanket truly is amazing. The 100% cotton swaddle blanket keeps all appendages snug and secure, but be sure to keep all accompanying paperwork, as this miracle doesn't materialize without some serious direction-reading and diagram-studying. The five-step swaddling process, including two arm flaps, a leg flap and two outer wings, is awkward at first, but does get easier with practice (check out the how-to video on their site). And while your little miraclse may not stay cute and little forever, the Miracle Blanket does ensure they'll stay swaddled for their naps.
Get it from Amazon.
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Aden + Anais Swaddle Blanket - $44 for 4-pack
My first son was born in the summer, and I always worried about swaddling leading to overheating. Aden + Anais' lightweight cotton muslin wraps to the rescue. Each pack contains four large, breathable blankets with beautiful, modern designs in colors like eggplant, lime and pumpkin. Or, if winter is still playing hardball, and you're looking to bundle up, try out their new Winter Warmth collection, two-packs of double-layer swaddling blankets.
Get it from Aden + Anais.
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Snug and Tug - $34.99
The Snug & Tug is one of the new Swaddle Blanket 2.0s I fell in love with. After putting the baby into a fabric pocket, you cross one wing over the body and through a hole in the other wing, wrapping it around the baby and securing it with Velcro. The design keeps the baby's legs unbound (see the dangers Strollerderby-er Adrienne discussed) and the Velcro attachment has room to adjust to your baby's ever-changing size. The Snug & Tug comes in two sizes and five color options. Those who may be anti-Velcro can check out Loving Baby's Swaddle Blanket ($26.95), which also includes a unique head support.
Get it from Snug and Tug.
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©2008 Nerve Media
About the Author
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