Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a swaddle blanket?

Swaddle blankets are absolutely safe for baby to sleep in. You will probably see your baby first swaddled in a blanket while at the hospital where you’ll learn how to properly swaddle. Once you get home, you can perfect your swaddle technique to promote sleep and help baby calm down if they’re upset. "When swaddling your baby at night, be sure to keep a close eye on the temperature in your child’s room and make sure that the fabric your child is wearing is appropriate for the climate of your home," Ashton McCutchen , a certified pediatric sleep consultant, and a pediatric registered nurse tells Verywell Family. "Also, be careful not to over swaddle your baby during the day, as this can result in your child getting too much daytime sleep, which will make for less nighttime sleeping. "You should not swaddle your baby when they are in a car seat or during tummy time," McCutchen adds. "Also, you should avoid swaddling your baby when it is warm, as babies can overheat easily, which can increase the risk of SIDS."

What's the difference between a regular baby blanket and a swaddle blanket?

With a swaddle blanket, there’s a specific technique to getting the blanket nice and snug around your baby. This is considered safe by the AAP, however, a regular baby blanket that’s loose in your little one’s safe sleep space is not safe. Loose blankets pose a suffocation risk. The AAP says while swaddle blankets are safe, a swaddle that’s unwrapped or too loose also poses a suffocation risk. That’s why it’s so important to have a secure swaddle blanket and to never swaddle past the two-month mark or when your baby first starts trying to roll over.

When should I stop using a swaddle? How?

"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 against various sleep-related dangers and SIDS." To make this transition, McCutchen advises clients to start by letting their baby sleep with one arm out of the swaddle for a couple of nights. "Allowing your baby to sleep with one arm out will allow them to get used to having a free arm out and help them to get comfortable moving without triggering their startle reflex," she says. "After a few nights, you can transition your baby to a Halo Sleepsack, which allows your baby to sleep with both arms out while still getting the comfort and warmth that they were accustomed to with their swaddle."

The 8 Best Swaddles of 2023, According to a Sleep Consultant

Before you come home with your baby, you will probably learn how to do a blanket swaddle, but getting those perfect every time can be difficult, especially when it’s 2 a.m. and all you want to do is go back to sleep. Swaddles, blankets with extra features and shapes that help keep a baby wrapped up, can go a long way toward making infants feel safe and secure, mimicking the feeling of being in the womb. They are essential clothing that should be on a baby registry.

Reviewed & Approved

We love the SwaddleMe Original Swaddle, Small 3-Pack since it's easy to secure, made from 100% cotton, and can help babies transition out of the swaddle when they're ready. If you're looking for a convertible option, try the HALO Sleepsack Plush Dot Velboa Swaddle.

"Swaddling has been scientifically proven to soothe upset babies because it mimics pressure similar to the pressure felt in their mother’s womb," Ashton McCutchen, a certified pediatric sleep consultant and pediatric registered nurse, tells Verywell Family. "Swaddling also helps your baby to control their startle reflex, which is what causes their arms and legs to jolt when startled by noise or movement."

What many parents and caregivers don’t realize is that swaddles are not one-size-fits-all, so you’ll need to buy the appropriate size for your baby’s age. You’ll also want to consider the material, making sure it’s breathable or warm enough, depending on where you live. We found that the best swaddles are stretchy but snug-fitting, soft, and easy to use and clean. Moreover, think about the purpose of the swaddle, as some help with reflexes while others assist with transitioning out of the swaddle. We researched the most popular picks from leading brands that fit these features.

Here are some of the best swaddles to keep your baby snug and comfortable.

Good to Know

The AAP approves of swaddling, but they do have some safe sleep guidelines, so be sure to follow these before bringing your baby home:

Always place your baby to sleep on their back
Stop swaddling around the 2-month mark when your baby learns how to roll over.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SwaddleMe Original Swaddle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Swaddle Blanket:

aden + anais Swaddle Blanket at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Convertible:

HALO Sleepsack Plush Dot Velboa Swaddle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Preemies:

SwaddleMe Pod at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Transitioning:

Baby Merlin Microfleece Magic Sleepsuit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Baby’s Hips:

Ergobaby Swaddle Wrap at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for “Arms-Up” Position:

Love To Dream Swaddle UP at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Summer:

The Ollie Swaddle at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.7

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Velcro secures swaddle
Made with 100% cotton
Comes in a pack of three

Cons

Needs to be completely undone for a diaper change

If your little one fights the power of the swaddle, an option like the SwaddleMe, which comes with Velcro to secure it, will help prevent them from breaking free in the middle of the night. This set comes with three swaddles, so you'll have one the baby can wear, one in the wash, and one on standby for when spit-ups and blowouts occur. It's constructed of 100% cotton, so your baby's temperature can regulate without overheating.

Parents who have tried many other swaddles claim this is the best fit yet. They're great for smaller babies, but they have two sizes, so you can get a larger package if you expect a big baby.

When you are trying to transition out of the swaddle, you can place one arm or both out of the swaddle to get them used to sleep with their hands "free." The brand also offers other types of swaddles to further your baby's transition, although they are sold separately. One note: The Original swaddle needs to be completely undone for a middle-of-the-night diaper change, so it might be a negative for some parents.

Price at time of publication: $31

^{Key Specs:
Material: Cotton | Age Range: 0 to 3 months (Size Small) | Dimensions: 1.75 x 8.25 x 8 inches | Weight Range: 7 to 14 pounds, or up to 26 inches (Size Small)}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Over 20 pattern options
Versatile
Soft

Cons

Must know how to swaddle correctly (no Velcro)
Costly

These blankets from Aden + Anais get high marks all around for their versatility. Not only are they a great weight and size (47 x 47 inches) for swaddling, but you can also use them as a tummy time blanket, nursing cover, burp cloth, and more. New moms will appreciate their versatility.

You will have to master your swaddling techniques, as they have no Velcro or other fasteners to secure them. The good news is that once you do, you can create a wrap that’s just right for your baby. This set of four is made of soft bamboo muslin with 18 different print options to suit the baby's nursery.

Expert Notes: "Our two favorite [swaddles] were/are the Aden and Anais swaddle blanket and the Halo Sleepsack Swaddle. In addition to being extremely easy to use, both products allowed us to protect our son’s airway, breathing, and circulation." — Ashton McCutchen, certified pediatric sleep consultant and pediatric registered nurse

Customers rave about how soft and beautiful these blankets are. Those in warm climates particularly like how lightweight the muslin is for swaddling.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Material: Bamboo muslin | Age Range: Not Listed | Dimensions: 47 x 47 inches | Weight Range: Not Listed}

Courtesy of Target

Pros

Zipper in the middle
Adjustable fasteners
3 swaddling options

Cons

May be best for cooler climates
Not recommended for children under 6 pounds

A veteran of the sleep-sack business, Halo makes a variety of wearable sleep blankets, including this soft, plush swaddle suit. It comes in three pastel colors—cream, pink, and blue— and is made of 100% polyester. It also comes in a variety of other materials to suit warmer or colder climates.

This doesn’t take as much skill to master as some of the other swaddle options, as it has a zipper up the middle, which unzips from the bottom to make diaper changes easy, and adjustable fasteners that keep the swaddle in place. It’s versatile too, as you can choose to swaddle your baby one of three ways—with arms in, hands-to-face, or one or both arms all the way out—to match their sleep style. This one is also endorsed by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute for being “Hip Healthy.”

Expert Notes: "There can be so much new information to remember as a new parent, so I particularly appreciate how both Aden and Anais and Halo products make it so easy to ensure that your child is sleeping safe. Halo’s Sleepsack Swaddle even reminds you to make sure you lay your baby on their back, as is recommended for sleep safety, with 'Back is Best' stitched on the chest of the sleep sack!" — Ashton McCutchen, certified pediatric sleep consultant and pediatric registered nurse

Parents love this swaddle, saying it’s the perfect alternative to a blanket, and many credit it with helping their newborns sleep soundly.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Material: Polyester | Age Range: Not Listed | Dimensions: ‎12 x 9.75 x 9 inches | Weight Range: 6 to 12 pounds (Newborn) & 13 to 18 pounds (Small)}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Two-way zipper
Other colors, patterns, materials available
Stretchy

Cons

May not wrap some babies as tightly as needed
Are not adjustable

These pod swaddles from SwaddleMe will keep tiny, newborn babies snug and warm. Designed for those weighing 5-12 pounds and up to 21 inches, they simply zip up the middle without the need for wrapping, fastening or tricky folding.

This pack comes with two sacks, one printed with adorable butterflies and the other in a sweet shade of pink. They also come in an array of other colors, patterns, and materials, as well as in bigger sizes for when baby grows (see our best overall pick). These are made of 93% cotton and 7% spandex that has a nice stretch to it, and they have a two-way zipper to make diaper changes as easy as possible.

Thankful parents say these swaddles are lifesavers and extremely easy to use. Some, however, don’t like the fact that they don’t wrap baby as tightly as other options on the market.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Material: Cotton and spandex | Age Range: 0 to 3 months | Dimensions: ‎5.75 x 0.75 x 9 inches | Weight Range: 5 to 12 pounds}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Calms startle reflexes
No wrapping necessary

Cons

Can be used for a short time
May be too warm for some babies

Babies can’t be swaddled forever (the AAP and most manufacturers recommend you discontinue their use once baby can roll to their stomach), and this microfleece “magic” sleepsuit from Baby Merlin will help make the transition out of one easier, since it still calms their startle reflex but they won't be able to roll over in it. It’s designed for babies 3-6 months and 12-18 pounds, and it also comes in larger sizes as well.

Editors Notes: "This is one of the first sleep products I recommend to all of my friends when they have kids. Once we were past the swaddling stage, this adorable suit helped our son take baby steps toward learning how to self-soothe." — Ashleigh Morley, Editorial Director of Verywell Family Commerce

With full arms and legs, it keeps them warm and cozy, but there’s no wrapping necessary. You simply put baby in, then zip up the double zippers on the front of the suit. The hands and feet are open. It’s made of microfleece on the outside with an inner layer of breathable cotton. Parents say it’s the perfect transition, and many believe in the “magic” of this sleep suit.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Material: Microfleece and cotton | Age Range: 3 to 6 months (Size Small) | Dimensions: Not Listed | Weight Range: 12 to 18 pounds (Size Small)}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Designed to keep legs in ergonomic position
Fasteners keep swaddle securely in place

Cons

Some babies may escape swaddle

This swaddle is specifically designed to help prevent hip dysplasia, a condition in which an infant’s hip joints don’t form properly. It keeps their legs in an ergonomic position, which promotes healthy hip growth, and keep their arms in a “hands to heart” position. While fasteners keep them securely in place, there’s also a removable leg pouch to make diaper changes easy.

This one is made of 100% cotton, but it comes in a variety of other colors and fabrics as well. It’s designed for infants weighing between 6-15 pounds. The majority of parents rave about its ease of use and effectiveness, though some parents report that their little ones were able to escape this swaddle.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Material: Cotton | Age Range: Not Listed | Dimensions: 9.44 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches | Weight Range: 6 to 15 pounds}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Twin-design zipper
Stretchy fabric

Cons

Some babies may not like arms-up position

While some babies feel more secure with their arms snuggly nestled beside or across their bodies, other babies sleep more soundly in the natural “arms-up” position, which allows them to self soothe. This swaddle from Love to Dream allows them to do just that, but also offers the snug, secure feel of a swaddle to calm the startle reflex and help them sleep better. A simple twin-design zipper keeps it secure and makes diaper changes easy with no Velcro or other fasteners to master.

This one is designed for babies from 6.5-13 pounds, but it comes in other sizes as well and in a variety of colors and prints. While it doesn’t work for every baby, the majority of parents say it’s not only adorable, but that it’s a great alternative to more traditional swaddles.

Price at time of publication: $33

^{Key Specs:
Material: Cotton and elastane | Age Range: Not Listed | Dimensions: ‎11 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches | Weight Range: 6.5 to 13 pounds}

Courtesy of The Ollie

Pros

Velcro tabs
Elastic tie loop keeps bottom closed
Comes with laundry bag

Cons

Costly
May be too big for some babies

Just like top-of-the-line athletic wear for adults, this swaddle is made of moisture-wicking material to keep baby comfortable. Made of 86% polyester and 14% spandex, it’s lightweight and breathable to prevent overheating. Velcro tabs up top keep it secure, while an elastic tie loop keeps the bottom closed around baby’s feet. When it’s time to change their diaper, you simply open the bottom, with no need to unfasten the rest of the swaddle. It also comes with a delicates laundry bag to use when washing this swaddle.

While this swaddle is a bit pricier than other swaddling options on the market, many parents say this one is worth every penny of it. And can you really put a price tag on sleep?

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Material: Polyester and spandex | Age Range: Not Listed | Dimensions: 28 x 0.1 x 30.5 inches | Weight Range: Not Listed}

If you’re a fan of blanket swaddles, check out blankets from Aden + Anais. Not only are they a great weight and size for swaddling, but you can also use them as a tummy time blanket, nursing cover, burp cloth, and more. There’s also the SwaddleMe Original Swaddle, which earned our Best Overall pick thanks to its Velcro and 100% cotton material. They're great for smaller babies but they have two sizes, so you can get a larger package if you expect a big baby.

How We Selected the Best Swaddles

We studied the many swaddles and baby blankets on the market, keeping our own experience as parents, recommendations from the AAP, and the advice of sleep consultant and registered nurse Ashton McCutchen in mind. We looked at materials, swaddle features, customer reviews, and competitor reviews to find products that suit various babies' needs before finally narrowing down this list to the best out there.

What to Look for When Buying a Swaddle

Material and Design

"While patterns and colors are nice, you should absolutely evaluate swaddles based on functionality first," McCutchen tells Verywell Family. "Trust me, when your baby has the inevitable 3 a.m. blowout and you need to get them changed and into a new swaddle, the last thing you will want to fool with are tons of confusing straps, cheap zippers that get stuck, or 10 pieces of Velcro that snag every piece of fabric it encounters. Look for something that is simple to use and is made with quality materials."

Before you purchase a swaddle, you will want to take into consideration the climate of where you live and the temperature at which you typically keep your home. This will help you determine which material will be best for your newborn to stay warm but not overheat. There are many materials swaddles are made from, so it’s important to know where to start. Here are some materials you’ll want to keep in mind when buying a swaddle.

Breathable: With breathable fabric, airflow will be more prominent so any moisture the body creates will quickly evaporate. This type of fabric is perfect for a hot climate or if you keep your home’s temperature on the warmer side.

Cotton: Cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics on the market, so while air will easily flow through, it’s also lightweight and durable.

Seasonal: Some swaddles are made of a thicker material, like fleece, which is great for locations with a cold climate. It’s best to note, though, that babies can easily overheat with fleece, so it’s best to use this type of fabric in cold temperatures.

Stretch: No matter what type of swaddle you decide on, you’ll want it to have some stretch. You’ll be able to stretch the blanket or fabric to the right amount of tightness for a proper fit on your newborn.

Purpose

Because swaddles are only safe until your baby starts to roll over, or around the two-month mark, determine the purpose of the swaddle before buying. Not all swaddles are designed for use immediately after birth, so consider what you’ll be using the swaddle for.

For example, if you need a swaddle for your newborn baby, check out swaddle blankets or Velcro swaddles. These will help with any startling reflexes your baby may have because the swaddles will resemble being in the womb.

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.

Size/Age

Swaddles come in different sizes for each age, which is an important factor many parents and caregivers don’t know. Knowing the correct size will keep your baby safe as a blanket that’s too big for them may become loose and then a suffocation hazard.

Double check the manufacturer’s age recommendation for the swaddle before you buy. Stick with that guideline to ensure your baby will have a proper fit and stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a swaddle blanket?

Swaddle blankets are absolutely safe for baby to sleep in. You will probably see your baby first swaddled in a blanket while at the hospital where you’ll learn how to properly swaddle. Once you get home, you can perfect your swaddle technique to promote sleep and help baby calm down if they’re upset.
"When swaddling your baby at night, be sure to keep a close eye on the temperature in your child’s room and make sure that the fabric your child is wearing is appropriate for the climate of your home," Ashton McCutchen, a certified pediatric sleep consultant, and a pediatric registered nurse tells Verywell Family. "Also, be careful not to over swaddle your baby during the day, as this can result in your child getting too much daytime sleep, which will make for less nighttime sleeping.

"You should not swaddle your baby when they are in a car seat or during tummy time," McCutchen adds. "Also, you should avoid swaddling your baby when it is warm, as babies can overheat easily, which can increase the risk of SIDS."
What's the difference between a regular baby blanket and a swaddle blanket?

With a swaddle blanket, there’s a specific technique to getting the blanket nice and snug around your baby. This is considered safe by the AAP, however, a regular baby blanket that’s loose in your little one’s safe sleep space is not safe. Loose blankets pose a suffocation risk.
The AAP says while swaddle blankets are safe, a swaddle that’s unwrapped or too loose also poses a suffocation risk. That’s why it’s so important to have a secure swaddle blanket and to never swaddle past the two-month mark or when your baby first starts trying to roll over.
When should I stop using a swaddle? How?

"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 against various sleep-related dangers and SIDS."

To make this transition, McCutchen advises clients to start by letting their baby sleep with one arm out of the swaddle for a couple of nights. "Allowing your baby to sleep with one arm out will allow them to get used to having a free arm out and help them to get comfortable moving without triggering their startle reflex," she says. "After a few nights, you can transition your baby to a Halo Sleepsack, which allows your baby to sleep with both arms out while still getting the comfort and warmth that they were accustomed to with their swaddle."

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Katrina is a parent herself, and found Velcro swaddles to be the most helpful during her child’s newborn days.

Best Overall

SwaddleMe Original Swaddle 3-Pack

Best Swaddle Blanket

aden + anais Swaddle Blanket

Best Convertible

HALO Sleepsack Plush Dot Velboa Swaddle

Best for Preemies

SwaddleMe Pod, 2-Pack

Best for Transitioning

Baby Merlin Microfleece Magic Sleepsuit

Best for Baby’s Hips

Ergobaby Swaddle Wrap

Best for “Arms-Up” Position

Love To Dream Swaddle UP

Best for Summer

The Ollie Swaddle

The Best Swaddles for Babies Who Need an Extra Soothing Embrace

Reviewed & Approved

Good to Know

Best Overall

SwaddleMe Original Swaddle 3-Pack

Best Swaddle Blanket

aden + anais Swaddle Blanket

Best Convertible

HALO Sleepsack Plush Dot Velboa Swaddle

Best for Preemies

SwaddleMe Pod, 2-Pack

Best for Transitioning

Baby Merlin Microfleece Magic Sleepsuit

Best for Baby’s Hips

Ergobaby Swaddle Wrap

Best for “Arms-Up” Position

Love To Dream Swaddle UP

Best for Summer

The Ollie Swaddle

How We Selected the Best Swaddles

What to Look for When Buying a Swaddle

Material and Design

Purpose

Size/Age

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Family?