The best swaddles are easy to use and keep babies snug and startle-free so the whole household sleeps better. The concept of swaddling is simple: Wrap a thin blanket snugly around your little one’s body with arms tucked in at the sides. It should be secure enough so they can’t wiggle out while allowing for hip movement, all of which mimics the soothing feeling of being in the womb. Of course, this task sometimes proves complicated, especially when you’re trying to wrap up a wriggling, fragile newborn on little sleep and in the wee hours. That’s why we love styles like the Halo SleepSack and the Happiest Baby Sleepea which let you swaddle your baby in seconds flat.
The best swaddles keep newborns snug and snoozing peacefully. The Halo SleepSack is our top pick ... [+] because of its unique three-way design. Plush Trapper Hat With Embroidery
“We call the newborn period the ‘fourth trimester’ because babies like everything to be like it was in the womb,” says Dr. Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “Babies like to sleep in a snug, tight position like they were in the uterus. That’s why we swaddle them.”
Typically, swaddling is only done with very young babies or newborns. The idea is that a baby swaddle prevents the Moro reflex or startle response, thus helping newborns sleep more (and cry less). Swaddling also keeps infants warm without the use of loose blankets, which can be a suffocation hazard. Later, they transition to wearable blankets or sleep sacks that allow their hands to remain free. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) confirmed in its latest sleep guidelines that swaddling won’t harm babies, Ganjian points out. He adds that they’re considered safe to use until your baby starts to roll over. (You’ll find more on these safety guidelines in our FAQ section).
Below, we’ve rounded up the best swaddles for newborns and babies plus expert tips on how to choose the right one for your family. From zip-and-Velcro designs to more traditional wraps, there’s an option for every swaddle style.
Type: Two-in-one | Material: Cotton | Closure: Fastener, two-way zipper | Size: Preemie, newborn, small (up to 18 pounds)
Halo is best known for its affordable sleep sacks and bassinets. The SleepSack Swaddle for newborns, in particular, is a parent favorite because of its three-way design. Babies can be swaddled with arms in, hands-to-face, or with one or both arms out; parents can choose which option works best for their sleeping baby as they grow. The sack design allows for leg movement and proper hip development. The sticky, Velcro-like closing flaps ensure a snug fit, while a two-way zipper simplifies diaper changes. It comes in a variety of colors, patterns, fabrics and sizes. Suffice it to say, there’s a reason it’s the No. 1 bestselling swaddling blanket on Amazon.
What parents say: “We used the Halo SleepSack when our daughter was an infant; we loved how easy it was to swaddle her in it using the velcro, and it kept her warm in the winter,” shares Rachel Collins, senior data analyst of business operations at Forbes. Danielle Collins, senior director of client activation and paid social for Forbes, notes, “We used Halo when we were ready to transition [our baby] out of swaddles and found this one the best to leave his arms out and just his body swaddled as he got used to that.”
Type: Wrap | Material: Organic cotton | Closure: Velcro, two-way zipper | Size: Small, medium, large, extra-large (up to 33 pounds)
Designed by renowned pediatrician, author and creator of the Snoo Smart Bassinet Dr. Harvey Karp, this built-for-speed model is a cinch to put on due to specially designed inner arm bands and a leg flap that snugly hug your baby to prevent startles. The escape-proof Velcro quietly unfastens, so it won’t jolt your baby awake during diaper changes or night feedings. If your little one runs hot, you might also appreciate another standout feature of this design: mesh fabric at the shoulder and leg areas to reduce overheating. For the winter months, you might consider the new Sleepea Comforter Swaddle. You can also unsnap the arm openings to an arms-out model, meaning it can also operate as a transitional swaddle. It comes in sizes for babies weighing 5 to 33 pounds, has zippers that work from the bottom and top and is available in 18 cute prints. We also love that it is made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton.
What parents say: “For my very active baby, I swear by The Happiest Baby Swaddle because it has the full body zipper and he could never kick his way out of it,” says Forbes creative director Alicia Hallett-Chan. She adds, “It also transitioned to a regular sleep sack with sleeves that zip so his arms could come out.”
Type: Wrap | Material: Cotton | Closure: Wrap fastener, zipper | Size: Newborn, small/medium (up to 14 pounds)
The affordable SwaddleMe three-pack of wraps are similar in price to what you’d pay for just one swaddle from other brands. Made from 100% cotton, the swaddles are adjustable and feature wings that can be firmly secured around your baby with a Velcro-like fastener. Choose from a range of cute themed prints. These swaddles couldn’t be simpler and the price allows for parents to stock up on spares for those inevitable middle-of-the-night messes.
What parents say: Danielle Collins tells us, “We absolutely swore by SwaddleMe. Our little guy got out of traditional swaddles and this helped keep him nice and wrapped and snuggled. We used these for the majority of his newborn life.”
Type: Wrap, transitional | Material: Polyester, spandex | Closure: Velcro, gathered bottom with elastic | Size: One size
It’s the priciest pick in our lineup, but The Ollie Swaddle is also one of the most unique and user-friendly. It’s made of a soft and stretchy fabric blend that is tightened at the top with strong Velcro while the adjustable bottom is open—you gather and secure the fabric with an elastic band. We like that you can secure the top of the swaddle either with one or both of baby’s arms out, but its true crowning glory is the open bottom, which allows you to easily change your infant’s dirty diaper in the wee hours of the morning—all without having to undo the entire swaddle and disrupting slumber. The gathered bottom is also loose enough to allow your baby’s hip mobility while sleeping, and you can easily adjust that closure as he or she grows.
What parents say: Alex Frost, Forbes contributor and mom to five shares: “It’s one of the easiest and most intuitive designs I’ve encountered. The innovative elastic closure at the bottom makes it the one swaddle you’d need from newborn through as long as you could possible want to swaddle. This makes it worth the price. It also seems cooler than some other swaddle fabrics so it could be used year-round. My baby, almost 3 months old, escapes other swaddles but hasn’t been able to squirm out of this one. My only critique is that the fabric near the neck isn’t contoured to accommodate the chin like some other swaddles, so it took a little trial and error to get the fabric around the face properly.”
Type: Wrap, transitional | Material: Cotton, elastane | Closure: 2-way zipper | Size: Newborn, small, medium (up to 19 pounds)
Part of finding the right swaddle for your newborn is experimenting with different styles. Some babies simply refuse to sleep with their arms at their sides, and that’s where swaddle wraps like this Love To Dream Swaddle Up come in. Babies arms are zipped into the swaddle cocoon but have enough room to fidget, stretch a bit and even sleep with their arms overhead. This swaddle couldn’t be easier to use, and the two-way-zip allows for easy entry and diaper changes. It’s available in a number of neutral shades and comes in three sizes, starting at newborn.
What parents say: “After a few months our infant would get her arms out of her swaddle. The Love to Dream was light and kept her cool in warmer months and allowed her to move her arms more,” says Rachel Collins. Merryl Holland, group VP for emerging product marketing and strategy at Forbes, reports, “The Love To Dream arms-up swaddle was a lifesaver while we struggled through the Moro reflex transition. My girls did not want to be swaddled anymore, but they still couldn't sleep with their arms free—and this provided just enough for us all to get the sleep we needed.”
Type: Wrap, two-in-one | Material: Cotton, spandex | Closure: Zipper | Size: 0 to 18 months
The Woombie Grow With Me swaddle for newborns is similar to the Halo and also a bit like the Love To Dream swaddle. In the newborn position, your baby’s arms get zipped right into this soft, stretchy sleep sack, providing that cozy feeling but with some movement of the arms possible. It’s simple to use and offers two-way zippers to ease middle-of-the-night changes. This swaddle leaves plenty of room at the bottom of the sack for baby to keep growing, so you can continue to use it as a sleep sack with their arms out. It’s made with a soft cotton and spandex blend and comes in a number of prints.
What the reviews say: One parent reviewer shares, “We bought this for our 3-week-old after we became frustrated with the zip-up newborn swaddle we had gotten that seemed to be getting too tight. The zip is necessary if you have an escape artist like we do. I love that there are little snaps that hold the arm slots closed in addition to the outside zipper and that everything is enclosed in soft fabric.”
Type: Traditional swaddle blanket | Material: Cotton muslin | Closure: None | Size: 44 x 44 inches
Aden + Anais has built a following for its swaddle blankets as new parents collect the brand’s adorable designs and pass them on to siblings. Made from soft muslin fabric, these blankets can be folded to form a traditional swaddle for your baby. Because they’re made of muslin, the blankets have a natural give that allows for some movement from your baby. Still, they’re also durable, which makes them the perfect hand-me-down treasures (One of the co-authors of this story says she handed these down to two families and they still look new). This style of blanket works best as a swaddle for newborns versus a more wriggly older baby. Bonus: The blankets double as burp cloths, nursing privacy covers and receiving blankets.
What parents say: “I really liked the Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets because not only are they a good size so that you can wrap the swaddle a few different ways, but I also used them as a nursing cover. They are very soft and lightweight,” shares Maggie Badore, Forbes Vetted commerce editor who covers parenting, sleep, tech and gear.
Type: Traditional swaddle blanket | Material: Rayon from bamboo, cotton | Closure: None | Size: 47 x 47 inches
Loulou Lollipop swaddles are, in our opinion, one of the best luxury swaddles on the market—and they’re less expensive than some other muslin wrap competitors. What makes them stand out? The Loulou Lollipop blanket is silky-feeling versus its more scratchy muslin competitors (due to its bamboo-rayon and cotton mix), as well as completely breathable and functional. We also love that the swaddle stays put and won’t unravel if you have an active baby on your hands. The beautiful prints hold plenty of appeal, too. The large size means this swaddle blanket can also be unfurled to use as a car seat cover, tummy time play mat, nursing cover and more.
What the reviews say: One buyer shares, “These are the best blankets. My 9-month-old adores them. I have purchased other brands but they aren't as soft and silky. The more you wash them they get even softer. My five-year-old wants one for her! These will be my new go-to presents for my friends having babies.”
Type: Traditional swaddle blanket | Material: Polyester, rayon | Closure: None | Size: 46 x 46 inches
Copper Pearl swaddles are among the best large swaddles and baby blankets (on the brand’s website, 100% of the product’s 3,400-plus reviewers say they would recommend it to a friend). Thanks to the stretchy yet soft fabric, they’re incredible to use as swaddles for infants of all sizes, but they’re also lightweight enough that they work wonderfully once you have a toddler who might be ready to start using a blanket. Because of the stretch, you don’t have to worry about swaddling too tightly. One of this story’s co-authors has used hers as a scarf during a nursing snafu, a play blanket, and a cover for the car seat and stroller. Plus, the brand knows its stuff: We recently tested crib sheets and found the Copper Pearl sheets to be the best. They held onto their soft, cozy feel despite numerous washings—just as these swaddles do.With all this in mind, we think these also make fantastic gifts.
What the reviews say: One happy parent raves, “I received my baby's first swaddle blanket in the Dot pattern as a baby shower gift. I ended up buying two more once she started breaking out of the muslin blankets. I love these blankets because they keep her swaddled and she sleeps for longer periods at night. The patterns are super-cute too.”
Type: Two-in-one | Material: Polyester, rayon, IntelliThread fibers | Closure: Wrap fastener, zipper | Size: Newborn, small (up to 18 pounds)
Swaddling your baby in the summer poses a unique challenge: You don’t want your baby to overheat, but you also want her to feel secure. This particular Halo swaddle was designed with all of those concerns in mind. It features a polyester-rayon blend of fabric embedded with the brand’s IntelliThread technology, which works to keep baby from overheating. This cooling pick possesses an adjustable design with options to swaddle baby with her arms in, her hands to her face or her arms out. It also has a roomy seat to foster healthy hip development. An inverted zipper with a scratch-free cover protects your baby’s face and makes it easier to change diapers in the middle of the night.
What the reviews say: One parent shares, “The Ideal Temp feature has got to be my new all-time favorite. In this summer heat, I get stressed about my baby being too hot or too cold because of the AC vs. the 100-degree weather outside. ... This swaddle truly takes that stress away and has kept my baby’s temperature steady and regulated through the night and through nap times. He stays snug as a bug the whole time he wears it.”
Type: Transitional | Material: Cotton or cotton blend | Closure: Zipper | Size: XS to XL (XL fits 34 pounds and up)
Babies can’t have their arms swaddled forever: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you stop swaddling when your little one can roll over, which is usually around 3 or 4 months of age but sometimes younger. That’s where a transitional swaddle comes in. The Zipadee-Zip swaddle is a popular option with its starfish design; it gives a swaddle-like feel while allowing your baby to move and push up on their arms. The swaddle, which was created and founded by an exhausted mom, can help your baby get used to sleeping without their arms contained while still offering comfort and warmth while they snooze. It is made from lightweight muslin and is good for warmer weather. It’s simple to use: Just place your baby inside and zip it up.
What parents say: Karen Tietjen, Forbes Vetted’s senior updates editor, recounts, “This star-shaped swaddle was a lifesaver when it came to nap and bedtime as my son transitioned out of a traditional swaddle. We had a few, and truth be told, the fabric wasn't the greatest (they easily pilled) and they seemed overpriced—but they worked, which made them well worth the money.”
Our staff have dedicated years to covering a wide variety of baby products, ranging from the best diaper bags to night lights and nursery rugs. Furthermore, Forbes employees are parents ourselves, meaning we know the nuances of getting baby to sleep safely and calmly—and which of swaddles are actually up to the task.
In addition to our own hands-on experience, we tapped our network of pediatric experts to help us narrow down a handful of safe and effective options. For this story, we consulted pediatric physical therapist Dr. Brita DeStefano and pediatricians Dr. Daniel Ganjian, M.D., Dr. Ashanti Woods, M.D., and Dr. Mona Amin, D.O., FAAP.
We strive to regularly update this list, making sure that our recommendations are still in stock and in production, that it contains the latest medical guidance and that we’ve accounted for the latest models. This article was last updated in August 2023 with the addition of The Ollie Swaddle.
We took several steps to curate our final selection of the best swaddles. First, we interviewed four pediatric experts to help us determine the main factors parents should keep in mind when looking for a safe and effective swaddle. We also sought advice from the true experts—moms—to ask which swaddle styles they’d buy all over again. Specifically, Forbes moms recommend: The Halo SleepSack Swaddle, the Happiest Baby Sleepea, the SwaddleMe Original Swaddle Wrap, The Ollie Swaddle, the Love To Dream Swaddle Up, the Halo Swaddle Ideal Temp and the Sleeping Baby Zipadee-Zip Swaddle Sleep Sack.
Beyond that, we researched a few more popular picks, which included sifting through dozens of verified online reviews and keeping in mind each product’s quality, cost, style and functionality. We also made sure to include various styles for different preferences—both for babies and parents—and aimed to accommodate budgets across the board.
Infant swaddles exist in several forms: as traditional swaddle blankets, wrap swaddles, transitional swaddles, two-in-one options or sleep sacks (to learn more, see the section called What Are The Types of Swaddles?). Fully swaddling a baby—visualize a tightly-wrapped burrito or peapod-esque cocoon—is only recommended in the first couple of months. After that, there are variations on the full swaddle where one or both arms are out of the wrap and other options as advised by your pediatrician. There are a few transition swaddles on the market that we mentioned above, or you might try a wearable blanket or sleep sack to keep them warm and cozy—but away from loose blankets that aren’t safe for children under 1 year.
Overall, the best swaddles on the market are comforting and simple to put on, prevent even the most serious escape artists from wriggling out and are equal parts warm and breathable to prevent babies from overheating.
Not all swaddles are designed the same and each has its own unique perks. A zip-up swaddle allows for easy diaper changes in the night (especially if it unzips from the bottom) and will hold up to repeat washings. Velcro swaddles allow you to get a snug fit, but may lose their ability to grip over time. Combination swaddles feature both a zip and velcro closure, allowing you to get the perks of each. And, of course, a traditional swaddle closes by tucking the remaining loose end into the swaddle after wrapping your baby.
Most swaddles are made from cotton or muslin, which is generally recommended. However, there are many new transitional options that also include elastane or spandex, like the Ollie Swaddle, to make for a stretchy and snug fit. There are also ones like the Happiest Baby Sleapea Swaddle that are made from organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to note that, while weighted swaddles had a fanbase in the past, the AAP actually recommends against their use due to the risk of entrapment or suffocation.
As you decide which option will work best for your family consider the features that are most important for you and your baby’s particular needs. Dr. Brita DeStefano, a pediatric physical therapist and movement specialist, advises to take note of the following: “Baby’s arm position (whether their arms are kept straight down or up by the side of their head), fastening method (from a basic muslin blanket wrap, to zippers and Velcro), and whether or not they can convert to a sleep sack or an arms-free style once baby graduates from swaddling.”
The type of swaddle that’s best for your baby ultimately comes down to your baby’s preferences. Many prefer to have their arms secured for a snug feel, but some won’t tolerate it. Also, as your baby gets older, you’ll want to choose a swaddle that allows her to move her arms in case she rolls over in her sleep. This might include a transition swaddle or one where the arms are completely free. As previously mentioned, there are several types of swaddles:
Traditional swaddles are what you think of when you think swaddles: a thin blanket that allows you to wrap a baby like a little burrito. The Aden + Anais Muslin Blankets, one of our editor picks, is a great example of ones that also double as nursing covers or burp cloths.
A wrap swaddle like the SwaddleMe Original is similar to a traditional option, but instead of tucking in the loose end of the blanket, the swaddle comes with a Velcro closure to make for a more simple process.
A two-in-one swaddle (such as the Ollie Swaddle), has elements of a swaddle, typically with wings that can be wrapped around a baby’s arms, but also has a looser leg area that mimics a sleep sack.
Lastly, a transitional swaddle helps to prepare your baby to say goodbye to swaddles and hello to sleep sacks (typically once they begin rolling over) and allows for different arm placements. While a transitional swaddle might seem too advanced for young babies, they can be helpful in creating consistency in your baby’s bedtime routine. For instance, as Rachel Adame, a mom to a 2-year-old, tells us, “The Zipadee-Zip Swaddles were my favorite because they transitioned as [my son] grew. From swaddles from the newborn stage to toddler then pajamas now that he’s outgrown swaddles in general. They have them for all ages.”
You’ll also come across those labeled sleep sacks, which are not swaddles. Instead, these are for older babies or those not in need of a swaddle. A sleep sack functions more as a wearable blanket for warmth and a bit of that cozy, snuggled-in vibe, but they do not swaddle or restrict the baby’s arm movement at all.
Swaddles are safe to use “if the proper precautions are taken,” says Dr. Ashanti Woods, M.D., a pediatrician at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center. Just keep the following recommendations in mind from the AAP:
Yes, newborns can use swaddles, following all the tips above from the AAP. “It can help create a snug feeling like baby had in the womb,” Ganjian adds.
“Any swaddle where the top portion can stay just below the shoulders to avoid being in the face” is best, says board-certified pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin, D.O., FAAP, who’s based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “Swaddles with Velcro are great, because they can help keep it in place so the swaddle doesn’t move,” she adds.
Babies need to transition out of a swaddle when they start to roll over, usually around 3 to 4 months old, according to the AAP. This can also happen at just 2 months of age. The authors of this piece, both parents, personally found that they transitioned their babies from a swaddle to a sleep sack around 3 months of age.
Pediatric physical therapist DeStefano recommends considering the following factors when transitioning: “First, from a safety perspective you must stop swaddling as soon as your baby can roll over from their back to their tummy. I like to educate parents on the signs that rolling is coming soon (such as baby grabbing for their toes) so that they can be proactive about dropping the swaddle before baby rolls for the first time,” she explains.
“Second, from a movement perspective, we know that babies practice their motor skills in their sleep space. Giving them some freedom of movement during the night by transitioning out of the swaddle earlier (between 8 to 12 weeks) may allow for them to master those skills sooner,” DeStefano adds. Of course, be sure to consider your babies needs, your own level of comfort and the advice of your family’s pediatrician before taking the plunge.
Babies have a higher risk of suffocation if they roll over in a swaddle. That’s why it’s important to stop swaddling their arms as soon as they start showing signs of rolling over. Dr. DeStefano explains: “Rolling is a very exciting milestone for babies, and while it may disrupt sleep for a short period of time, it is ultimately a great foundational skill for them to master. In fact, many babies are more comfortable sleeping on their belly once they can independently roll into and out of that position.”
As a parent however, she understands how uncomfortable this change can be for moms and dads. “My advice for parents going through this transition is to practice rolling as much as possible during the day to help their baby feel confident in the skill,” the doctor adds.
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