The 7 Best Swaddles, From a Mom Who’s Tried Them All

If you’ve ever seen a newborn wrapped up like a burrito, you know it is the cutest sight. Their legs and arms are tucked and snug, and all you can see is their sweet little head. But cuteness aside, swaddling serves a very important purpose: It helps infants “feel safe and warm,” Dr. Katherine Williamson, MD, a pediatrician at Mission Hospital and the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Orange County chapter, told SheKnows. “It feels like they’re still in mom’s womb, and it can help them sleep better because of that,” she adds.

Swaddling also helps manage babies’ Moro reflex, a physical reaction that causes an infant to feel startled and wake. Unfortunately, swaddling is hard. Hell, it is an art form. But gone are the days of taking a thin sheet and wrapping it like MacGyver: With snaps, zippers and Velcro closures, today’s swaddles will help you and your newborn sleep — no engineering degree required.

Woombie Swaddles

Woombie’s swaddle pod is very popular. In fact, many parents swear this is the only way they were able to get their little one to sleep, as the blanket “eases the transition from womb to world,” according to Woombie’s site. Plus, the zip-up design makes late-night diaper changes a breeze.

Sleepea 100% Organic Swaddle by Happiest Baby

Made from organic cotton, the Sleepea 100% Organic Swaddle will keep your kiddo comfortable, cool and safe. It’s designed by renowned pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, of The Happiest Baby on the Block fame, and is all you need for the “swaddle” portion of Dr. Karp’s famous “five S’s” guaranteed to soothe fussy babies.

The Ollie Swaddle

Let me start by saying this: The Ollie Swaddle isn’t cheap. In fact, at $65, it’s the most expensive swaddle on this list. However, since the bottom of this swaddle is open, it will grow plenty with your wee one — saving you money down the road.

Ergobaby Swaddles

The selling point of these swaddles is their unique design: The healthy-hip positioner keeps baby’s legs and hips in an ergonomic, frog-like position — and the arm pockets are, according to Ergobaby, “escape-proof.”

Summer Infant SwaddleMe Swaddling Blankets

There are a few reasons why we love SwaddleMe: These cuties are cozy, comfortable, easy-to-use and super affordable. You can usually get a three-pack for $30 or less. And while buying swaddles in bulk may seem silly, when your babe-un has their first blowout — or spits up all over in the middle of the night — you’ll be glad you did.

Love to Dream Swaddling Blankets

While most swaddles secure your babe’s arms firmly to their sides, the Love to Dream swaddle is perfect for littles who love to keep their limbs up — and out.

Halo SleepSacks

When I gave birth to my first child, I didn’t know what I was doing. (Hell, two kids — and six year later — I still don’t.) But one thing is true: This swaddle changed my life. Nab one for yourself and see.