While swaddling may be a traditional practice, that doesn't mean it's outdated. There are many benefits to using a baby swaddle blanket; Lots of parents agree that it helps their baby to settle and sleep for longer.
Swaddling is the technique of wrapping your baby in a light blanket, which mimics the safety and security of being tucked up all snug in the womb.
It makes sense that little ones find the sensation comforting. Also, swaddling can prevent their tiny arms and legs from flailing about during sleep which can trigger their startle reflex (Moro reflex), potentially causing them to wake.
We've shared the best swaddle blankets, what to look for, and the latest advice to tuck your bubba up safely.
What to look for in a swaddle blanket
The most important feature to look for in a baby swaddle blanket is the material. The best material to use for a swaddle is a 100 per cent, thin, cotton blanket. The natural elasticity in this material allows your baby to move, flex and stretch. As it's also breathable, this can prevent your little one from overheating.
You can buy large square muslin or cotton cloths to wrap your baby in, or ready-made swaddles. These include ready-made pouches with zips or buttons, swaddling sleeping bags, and even swaddle towels for straight after bathtime snuggles. Most of them are made in a jersey cotton fabric and are quite simple to use.
Is it safe to use baby swaddle blankets?
The Lullaby Trust don’t advise for or against swaddling, but they do urge parents to always follow safe swaddling guidelines:
• Don't wrap your little one up too tightly.
• Make sure the material of the blanket is breathable, such as a thin muslin cloth or cotton sheet.
• They should only have their body wrapped and not their neck or head.
• Check their temperature to ensure they don't get too hot. Signs they are too hot include flushed cheeks and sweaty or damp skin and hair.
• Make sure your baby’s legs can move freely once you’ve swaddled them. Excessive tight swaddling that restricts their leg movement can risk them getting hip dysplasia.
• Always put a swaddled baby to sleep on their back and never on their front or side.
How to swaddle a baby in a blanket
Start positions: Start with a triangle (fold your blanket into a triangle if needed). Make sure baby's arms are across his chest.
Get wrapping: Fold either the left or right side of the swaddle blanket across your baby.
Tuck in their toes: Fold the bottom of the blanket up and tuck it into the hem, just under baby's chin.
Perfect burrito: Pull over the last flap of the blanket and tuck it behind baby.
However, if you really can't get the hang of the traditional blanket swaddle, you can opt for a ready-made option instead. We've included a selection of both in our top picks.
The best baby swaddle blankets
Best for arms-up design
redirect.viglink.com
Description
The Love To Dream Swaddle Up was awarded Silver for Best Bedding at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 and awarded Silver for Best Sleep Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2021.
The Love To Dream Swaddle Up is lovely and soft, and easy to use. The design allows for different arm positions (up or down), and optional zipping and it has enough space for little legs to move around. It’s well shaped, with sizing dependent on weight rather than age.
Reviewed by mum of three Lucy Clark: "This swaddle made my baby feel really snug. I think this helped her sleep better which obviously makes my life much easier as a mum of 3! The swaddle was easy to use and put on, and it was much quicker than folding baby in an actual swaddle but still provided that comfort feeing that babies like. I can now dress baby for bed really quickly and easily."
Read our full Love To Dream Swaddle Up review.
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes
- Unique ARMS UP position
- Triple layered
- Hip-Healthy
Cons
- Sizing could be bigger - can be outgrown quickly
Description
The Sweet Dreamers Bamboo Sleep Swaddle Bag was awarded Bronze for Best Bedding at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
Super soft, super snug Bamboo Sleep Swaddle Bag. The Sweet Dreamers sleep/swaddle bag easily converts from swaddle to sleeping bag with the click of a popper! It also features a clever two-way zip making night nappy changes a whole lot easier and less disruptive to your baby's sleep.
Our mum tester said: "The two-way zip allows for easy access for completing nappy changes without having to remove the whole product. The biggest advantage of this product was the arm poppers, which allow the product to be used as either a sleep or swaddle bag. The poppers themselves are strong and easy to use, and the versatility is great as you get 2 products in one! Saving buying multiple products as well as disruption in using different products was an added benefit!"
Read our full Sweet Dreamers Bamboo Sleep Swaddle Bag review.
Pros
- Lovely soft fabric
- Breathable
- Hypoallergenic
- Two-way zip
Cons
- Better if it came in different colours
dockatot.co.uk
Description
These ultra soft blankets come in a set of two with the dimensions measuring 47” (120 cm) L x 47” (120 cm) W. They're nice and soft against baby's skin and the colour ways and patterns are adorable for any nursery.
Our mum tester Katie said: "The DockATot swaddles are perfect for daytime naps and also useful as a cover up whilst breast feeding. The instructions provided are really simple and easy to follow for first time swaddlers. The light weight fabric is perfect for the warm summer months and I often receive compliments on the beautiful patterns, even my mum wants to borrow them to wear as scarves!"
Best for softness
Description
Awarded Gold for Best Product for a Newborn - 0-4 Months at the 2018 M&B Awards.
The designers behind Aden + Anais have created some really beautiful looking muslin swaddles that keep their quality no matter how many times they go through the wash! Made of bamboo, they're silky soft and you get three in a pack - great for when one is waiting in the laundry basket.
Tested by mum Emma Carter for the Mother & Baby Awards 2018: "I have tried other swaddled blankets in the last ten weeks since my baby was born, and found some with double the material of this one that, ultimately, didn’t stay in shape as much as these do. The price is also amazingly cheap. I have been paying this amount for one, never mind four, so would definitely recommend this item to other mummies without doubt."
- Size: 120 x 120cm
- Material: 100 per cent rayon from bamboo fibre
- Number in pack: 3
- Available designs: 13 different packs of 3 in variable designs
- Extra features: Machine washable
Best for adjustability
Description
Shortlisted in the 2022 M&B Awards for Best Sleep Product.
Working in partnership with The Lullaby Trust, the SleepSack Swaddle is the only three-way swaddle that adjusts to fit the baby's sleep style. Swaddle with arms in, hands-to-face, or with one or both arms out for optimal sleep. The roomy sack design is recognised by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Mum tester Sharon said: "The HALO Sleepsack Swaddle is an excellent quality swaddle which allows your baby to sleep peacefully and securely. Its soft material is gentle and cool on baby's skin yet warm and comforting while they sleep. The option to allow their arms to be in or out of the swaddle is an excellent feature, one I hadn't seen in another swaddle before. I also rate the design highly for the positioning of the zip, especially useful for nighttime nappy changes."
Read our full tried and tested review here.
- Size: L57 x W33cm
- Material: 100 per cent cotton
- Number in pack: 1
- Available designs: 5 different designs
- Extra features: Machine washable, three-way adjustable, easy-access zipper, 1.5 tog rating
Best for gifting
bloomsburymill.com
Description
Made from Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton, these muslin swaddles are super soft for delicate skin. Neatly wrapped in a bow, ideal for gifts for newborns or at a baby shower, the supreme softness will last wash after wash while the material's natural breathability will keep your little one cool and comforted.
One reviewer said: "Used a few muslin swaddles in my time and I think these have been the best yet. Feel great and are the perfect size. Have already been washed once and have come out softer after which is great!"
- Size: 120 x 120cm
- Material: 100 per cent organic cotton
- Number in pack: 3
- Available designs: 4 different packs of 3 in variable designs
- Extra features: Machine washable, gifting ribbon
Best for easy nappy changing
www.boots.com
Description
Shortlisted in the 2022 M&B Awards for Best Product for a Newborn - 0-4 Months.
This snuggly sleep bag combines the comfort of swaddling with the ease-of-use of a baby sleep bag. Made from bamboo-rich fabric and their ALOEKINDA lining, a unique cotton blend infused with naturally soothing Aloe Vera, it's soft and gentle on baby's skin. The hip-healthy design ensures that the baby's legs can fall into a natural frog-legged position when sleeping.
Our mum tester Laura said: "As a new mum, sleep in general is a really worry but the most important aspect is safety and temperature for baby. This product makes my life easier as a mum as it gives me confidence that my baby is warm enough at night whilst knowing she is safe without loose blankets or anything else in her cot!!"
Read the full review from our mum testers.
- Size: 0-3 months (7-13lbs 8oz/3.2-6.1kg and up to 62cm in height)
- Material: 100 per cent cotton
- Number in pack: 1
- Available designs: 8 different designs
- Extra features: Machine washable, two-way zip opening, arm opening poppers, 1 Tog
Best for simple swaddling
Description
Shortlisted at the M&B Awards 2018 for Innovation of the Year.
The Groswaddle looks and feels beautiful and has been designed by The Gro Company to make swaddling simple. Officially acknowledged as 'hip-healthy' by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, the swaddle allows your baby to keep their legs in the natural leg position without the risk of their legs coming out during the night and getting cold.
Tested by mum Leigh Taylor: "This product changed my life with my baby as there was no more struggling to swaddle my little one in a blanket and it put an end to my constant fretting that he would be able to get out of the swaddle. This Groswaddle works perfectly and is very easy to use with clear instructions."
- Size: 0-3 months, L109 x W58.5cm
- Material: 100 per cent cotton
- Number in pack: 1
- Available designs: 5 different designs
- Extra features: Machine washable, tumble dry on low heat
Best for allergy-prone skin
babybamba.com
Description
Shortlisted in the 2022 M&B Awards for Best Product for a Newborn - 0-4 Months.
If your little one has allergy-prone skin or is particularly sensitive, this bamboo fabric is perfect as it's anti-static and sits well next to their skin. Insulating yet breathable, soft, and with zero irritation, this muslin can be used for swaddling, a feeding cover, a blanket, and more.
Mum tester Clare said: "I have swaddled my baby for sleeping since birth so was really pleased to receive these bamboo muslins. They are 100% bamboo and are extremely soft, almost feeling silky, lovely to be close to baby's skin. They are a decent size, so it is easy to fold them appropriately to be able to swaddle. They are too large to be useable as a muslin for possetting/baby winding, so I think they are really designed for swaddling."
Read the full review from our parent testers here.
- Size: 120 x 120cm
- Material: 100 per cent bamboo
- Number in pack: 1
- Available designs: 15 different designs
- Extra features: Machine washable
Recommended
www.lilymortimer.com
Description
Shortlisted for Best Sleep Product at the 2020 M&B Awards.
Lily & Mortimer's muslin swaddles are made with care in cool, GOTS-certified organic cotton - a gorgeous addition for your newborn that can be used for just about anything. They're ultra-soft, breathable, and come in an array of cute and stylish designs. Like most muslins, they're generously sized but not as large as others on our list.
Tested by mum Eleanor: "I absolutely love this product, the large size of the muslin means that it’s suitable for so many different jobs! A swaddle wrap or even a sicky cleaner! A blanket to lay on the grass or a little light cover for the pushchair or the car seat when you’re out and about, it folds so small it’s no problem just to shove it in your changing bag!"
Read more parent reviews here.
- Size: 100 x 100cm
- Material: 100 per cent organic cotton
- Number in pack: 1
- Available designs: 11 different designs including some with wooden teethers attached
- Extra features: Machine washable
Best for quality
www.rootswings.com
Description
Shortlisted in the 2019 M&B Awards for Best Product for a Newborn - 0-4 Months.
This award-winning cot-sized blanket has you covered for swaddling your newborn or just keeping your little one warm. The extreme natural stretch in the merino ensures baby is always kept warm when needed. If used for wrapping, your baby will be so snug and never overheated. It's quite expensive, but this is due to the quality of the material.
Tested by mum Elizabeth: "I would recommend this product because of how easy it makes swaddling a baby. This gives the mum more rest as the baby is soothed. The material is very soft and the natural fibres mean that it is easier for the baby to maintain the correct body temperature so is less likely to overheat."
Read our full tried and tested review.
- Size: 80 x 80cm
- Material: 100 per cent organic New Zealand merino
- Number in pack: 1
- Available designs: 6 different designs
- Extra features: Machine washable at 30 degrees Celsius
Recommended
www.mamadesigns.co.uk
Description
Silver Winner at the 2018 M&B Awards for Best Product for a Newborn - 0-4 Months.
These large blankets are perfect for swaddling, burping, feeding, wiping, comforting, a light blanket, a pram cover, and anything else you can think of! With a million different uses, these larger muslins are a great new mum must-have. They're made of super soft double-layered cotton and are gentle on your baby's skin.
Tested by mum Ami Howard for the Mother&Baby Awards 2018: "I find this product makes life so much easier because it's so versatile! It can be used as a swaddle, muslin, blanket on its own or one to lay them down on and, in times of need, even a changing mat! It's a product that if I'm in a rush I can just shove in the changing bag and leave, knowing if I have forgotten one of the above, I have it now!"
Read more parent reviews here.
- Size: 120 x 120cm
- Material: 100 per cent cotton
- Number in pack: 1
- Available designs: 5 different designs
- Extra features: Machine washable
Best for dual use
www.mamasandpapas.com
Description
Although not really a swaddle – in the traditional sense of the word, at least, the Love To Swaddle 50/50 is great quality and easy to use. The fabric is not restrictive so it’s more like a sleeping bag, or a babygrow with a bag bottom. It’s great for babies who like to snuggle but prefer the simultaneous freedom of their arms.
The zip design is so convenient; the swaddle is easy to get on and off – especially when a nappy change is in order.
One reviewer said: "I loved this swaddle. My girl had the startling reflex for long time and figured out how to get out of cheaper swaddles, but this did the trick. It was holding her hands nicely and muted the reflex plus it allowed her to have frog legs when sleeping which is better for hips. I liked that it was snug on her waist so she feels comforted and swaddles. The swaddle is thin so very good for summer. In hot weather I put her into this swaddle with just nappy on."
- Size: L64 x W31cm - suitable from approx. 3-6 months
- Material: 93 per cent cotton, 7 per cent elastane
- Number in pack: 1
- Available designs: 5 different designs
- Extra features: Machine washable, tumble dry on low heat, two-way zip, zip off wings, 1 Tog
Best for bathtime
Description
Shortlisted for Best Bathtime Product at the M&B Awards 2019.
A swaddle-shaped towel that is perfect for newborns and has been designed to recreate the soothing effects of swaddling after bathtime. Made from soft hypoallergenic pure dry microfibre for quick and easy drying, there will be no time for little ones to get cold. Recommended from birth to 6 months.
Reviewed by mum Winnie: "This towel is made of soft hypoallergenic microfibre which makes it dry easily and quickly. I love snuggling my baby girl in it after a bath as she is soothed by the swaddling effects which help her settle for bedtime. It is extremely soft and the super soft hood keeps her little head nice and warm after a bath. I love it so much I have gone on to buy Grotowel for my two-year-old boy."
Read the full tried and tested review.
- Size: 0-6 months
- Material: Microfibre towelling - 80 per cent polyester, 20 per cent polyamide
- Number in pack: 1
- Available designs: 2 different designs
- Extra features: Machine washable, UPF 50 and chlorine-resistant,