We tried so many different swaddles and my DD seemed to hate them all - she would just fight against it and get so frustrated and angry. I'd just about given up on swaddling, and the idea of her sleeping anywhere other than me, then tried one last type called the Miracle Blanket. It comes with a 100% guarantee that it will help your baby get to sleep and stay asleep longer and it honestly works! It's saved my sleep.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter MissHoney85) and below: We don't recommend swaddles with this rating; you won't find any on our list. How We Tested Swaddles T here are some important guidelines to follow if you would like to swaddle your baby or use a sling . We would encourage all parents and carers to familiarise themselves with this safet y guidance so that the chance of SIDS is reduced. The Miracle blanket comes highly recommended by parents who’ve tried other swaddles and come to their wit’s end. So if your baby has a strong startle reflex, colic or finds it hard to settle, it’s definitely worth giving the Miracle Blanket a whirl. The 100% cotton material is soft yet thin, making it ideal for warmer seasons. Also, be aware that taller children may need a larger size to accommodate their height. Despite some hiccups, the SwaddleMe Original Swaddle is a dependable choice for families who need an easy way to swaddle a baby.

Breastfeeding your baby while swaddled is not recommended. Your infant gets quite hot while feeding, so there’s a risk of overheating if your baby is all wrapped up. Swaddle your baby using thin materials such as a small, cotton sheet or muslin square. Do not place any additional material on top of a swaddled baby, for example a blanket which could cause them to overheat. Follow safe sleep guidance, laying your baby on a firm, flat surface clear of any other items (The Lullaby Trust, 2021). Love2dream suits. I buy them as presents for any friend with a new baby, they are amazing…” (Recommended by Mumsnetter SW1amp)

As with many decisions around getting your baby to sleep, this is a personal choice and will vary from parent to parent. If you’re looking for the best swaddle for you and your baby, we’ve done the hard work for you - after scouring the Mumsnet Talk forums for authentic recommendations from our network of millions of parents, we've weighed up the pros and cons of a wide range of swaddles, and we've come up with recommendations that we think offer something for everybody. Start by choosing the type of swaddle — generally a square piece of fabric or blanket — you want to use. You can find anything from flannel or cotton swaddles to thin gauze to stretchy jersey knit material (see some suggestions for options below). Basic swaddling: Lipton EL, et al. (1965). Swaddling, a child care practice: Historical, cultural, and experimental observations. At first, I thought my baby wouldn't do well with these swaddles because she is a little escape artist,” our tester said. “It actually seemed to be very snug, and she seemed to like it! She slept well in it, and we didn't have any escapes.” SwaddleMe's simple Velcro fastening and wing design make this swaddle easy to use, and gives parents flexibility on exactly how tightly to swaddle their baby.

Testers evaluated 14 swaddles in the comfort of their homes, assessing each on comfort, ease of use, durability, and overall value. We also spoke with Ashton McCutchen, a certified pediatric sleep consultant and pediatric registered nurse, to learn more about swaddling safety and what to look for in a baby swaddle. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended that you stop swaddling your child around the time that they are 2 to 4 months old or as soon as you notice them starting to roll over on their own," McCutchen says. "This transition helps prevent various sleep-related dangers and SIDS." Because babies will eventually have to learn to sleep without being swaddled, there are swaddles designed for the big transition. You just want to ensure your baby’s hips are free to avoid dislocation or hip dysplasia from happening. Our tester had no issues putting this on their child, scoring the swaddle 5 out of 5 for ease of use. A zipper down the front makes it easy, and you only need to put the baby’s arms into the wings (another simple step). Your midwife or health visitor can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits if you’re still on the fence about whether you should swaddle your baby or not.http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/multimedia/how-to-swaddle-a-baby/sls-20076006 Muslin is finely and loosely woven cotton fabric that’s lightweight, soft, and breathable—which we really appreciated when we tested swaddles during transitional fall weather. As a first-time swaddler, our tester found that folding the fabric required a bit of trial and error—there are no straps or alternative fastening methods other than using your hands to wrap your baby. Once they’d had enough practice, though, the blankets were easy and enjoyable to use. The safest baby carrier to use will keep the infant firmly in an upright position where a parent can always see their baby’s face, and ensure their airways are free. Complete guidance is available by visiting The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.