Does your baby love to be swaddled? Mine certainly does. I know not all baby loves to be swaddled, but if your baby is anything like mine, then this post will be useful for you.
Joshua loves being swaddled - I find that he sleeps better and longer when he is swaddled. I try not to swaddle him during the day, as I do want him to move his limbs around, but at night after his last feed, we always swaddle him, so he does not wake himself up from Moro reflex, so we both have a good night sleep.
Why baby likes being swaddled?
Some baby loves being swaddled because they feel warm and comfortable in the blanket or sleeping bag. The tightness from the swaddle makes them feel more secure because it reminds them of their time in the womb. It also keeps your baby from being disturbed by Moro reflex (also known as startle reflex), so they don't startle themselves and wake themselves up.
However, not every baby likes to be swaddled, so if your baby prefers being free, let them.
When to Stop Swaddling
It is important to know the signs when your baby needs to stop swaddling for his own safety. Joshua is already showing signs of it, so I know we will have to stop swaddling him soon.
Babies will outgrow swaddling at different times, there are no hard fast rules on when they have to stop. Some research says it is best to stop around the 2-month mark, some reports indicate your baby will let you know when to stop, but this varies from research to research, so it is best to use your own intuition.
Here are some facts and signs to look out for when to stop swaddling your baby:
Swaddling helps calm the baby from Moro reflex, which babies don't outgrow until 4 to 6 months.
Most babies outgrow swaddling from 3 to 6 months, but about 4 months is the average.
If your baby starts taking their arms out of the swaddle, they're getting ready to transition.
If your baby can get out of the swaddle completely, it's time to stop swaddling.
If your baby starts to roll over during sleep, stop swaddling IMMEDIATELY for your baby's safety.
If you and baby are ready to sleep train, stop swaddling.
If the baby starts to express extreme frustration or dislike of swaddling, you may want to transition.
If you feel it's time to stop swaddling, stop swaddling. After all, parents often know best.
Different swaddle brands and designs
There are so many different brands and designs of swaddles out there, and it is sometimes hard to know which ones will work best for you. Here are 5 different brands and designs that I have tried and my reviews.
Pro
This cute cocoon sleeping bag design has an easy zip-up design. It is cut to be very snug for your little one, making them feel safe and secure. I like that it is made from 100% organic cotton in trendy prints, which is breathable and light, making it ideal for the Hong Kong Summer.
The double-ended zip feature makes it easy for diaper checks, and for those who want their baby to have the secure feeling around the chest but let their baby's arms run free, this swaddle pouch has two armholes with snap buttons openings where your little ones can let their arms out and stretch, making this a versatile design.
Con
As it is cut to be quite snug for your little one, they do grow out of it quite quickly. I will say this one is ideal for newborns, but by the second month, they would pretty much be growing out of it already.
The snap buttons on the side can be fiddly, especially when your little one is wiggling around. So if you do want to use this function, unbutton it before putting your little one in the swaddle.
Pros
I love this swaddling blanket because it is cut into a triangle, making it a lot easier to swaddle your little one. As a new parent, you want something simple and easy to use. As this swaddle blanket is already in a triangle, you do not need to fold it to the right size before swaddling. It is also smaller than the muslin swaddle clothes, making it easier to manage.
The highlight of this swaddling blanket is the cute cloud indicators at each corner to remind you what order to fold this blanket. I found this especially useful during the first month when I have severe mummy brain, and I keep forgetting how to swaddle my baby correctly.
Cons
The downside of this swaddle blanket is that it is on the smaller side. So it is brilliant for newborns, especially if your little one isn't that big, but they do grow out of it quite quickly. This was my go-to swaddling blanket during the first month. Unfortunately, he pretty much grew out of it by the beginning of the second month.
Pros
This swaddling sleeping bag was recommended by my confinement nanny, and I have to say, it is very convenient and easy to use. It consists of two layers, the outer layer which looks like angel wings, and the inner sleeping bag layer.
The sleeping bag layer has a zipper function which helps keep your little one from wiggling too much while you are trying to tuck their arms in. Once the baby is zipped in, you simply use the 'wings' to wrap them up nice and tight, so they feel secure. The wings have velcro fastenings making it quick and easy to swaddle your baby.
Cons
As it does use velcro to secure this swaddle, it is quite noisy when you take it on and off. My little one seems to be ok with this, but I can imagine if the baby is a light sleeper, it will wake the baby up. Also, when you do the laundry, it is best to stick the velcro in place, or else it will stick to your other laundry.
These swaddling sleeping bags are not cheap, but their sizing is a bit bigger than some of the other brands out there, so you can use this from Newborn to 3 months.
Pros
This adjustable Swaddling Blanket works similarly to the Halo sleeping bags. Shaped like a pocket, you slot your little one's legs in the pouch, then you use the two side panels to wrap your little one into a swaddle. This one is simple to use, and the velcro part is smaller, so it is less noisy than the Halo.
As this is only one layer, it is also thinner than the Halo, so it is better for Summer. I also prefer their prints over the Halo ones.
Cons
As this Swaddling blanket doesn't have the zipper function, it can be harder to put your baby in when he/she is moving around a lot.
These swaddling blankets are also not sold in any stores in Hong Kong, so you will have to order it via Amazon, so the shipping time is longer.
5. Aden + Anais
Pros
As these swaddles are just a big piece of square fabric, they are very versatile. You can use them as a swaddle, a blanket, a nursing cover, a stroller cover under the sun, or simply a clean surface for your little one to lie on. You can definitely find a use for them as your baby grows up in their different stages.
Out of all the swaddles, this one I can use the longest because of its versatility. It is nice and light, and most importantly breathable, so it is safe for your baby to use.
They also come in a vast amount of different prints, so you are bound to find something you like.
Cons
They are cut quite big, which is excellent for a big baby, however, if your baby is on the smaller side like mine, it can be quite challenging to swaddle your baby as there is so much fabric. You will need to fold this muslin cloth to the right size before swaddling your baby, so it can be quite fiddly, especially for first-time parents.
I actually hardly use this as a swaddle, as I found it quite hard to handle. So I mainly use this as a blanket, but I do get a lot of use out of them. I always carry one in my diaper bag, as I can use it for multiple purposes.
I hope you found this swaddling review useful and give you a better idea which swaddle is right for you. What other swaddling designs have you tried? How did you find it? Please share with me in the comment below.
Sending you love and positive thoughts,
Christine xxx
(Click on the image below to see my Vlog)
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