Settling your baby is key to a peaceful day and a good night’s sleep. A tried and trusted method of soothing newborns is to swaddle them. Swaddling provides comfort and, and this is why hospitals wrap new arrivals in the nursery. There are a few options when it comes to organic swaddle blankets.
Traditional swaddling techniques use a piece of light-weight fabric. These are produced in a range of colors, sizes and fabrics – each having their own benefits. To use these swaddling blankets, you need to learn how to safely and successfully wrap your baby. If you’re unsure, or would rather not leave the technique to chance, there are options where fasteners have been created to make the perfect swaddle every time. They are also quicker to use.
What Babies Wear to Sleep
Babies need to feel warm, comfortable and safe to sleep well. Dressing your little one in clean pajamas or a onesie that is soft and fits properly will help. A light blanket keeps in warmth and an organic swaddle blanket provides a comforting, womb-like security that babies respond really well to.
What is Swaddling?
Swaddling has been carried out for centuries and involves wrapping a baby gently in a thin blanket or cloth for security. This method is used extensively in nurseries around the world. The wrapping restricts the movement of the arms and torso creating a familiar feeling of being inside the womb.
Why Should you Swaddle a Newborn?
Swaddling is done as it soothes and settles newborns. It also helps prevent the startle reflex when a baby jerks their limbs involuntarily during sleep. Often this startle reflex, known as the Moro reflex, wakes a baby with a jolt. Swaddling also keeps the baby’s hands close to their heart, this is a comforting position for babies.
What is a Swaddle Blanket?
A swaddle blanket is a thin piece of cloth that is large enough to wrap a newborn baby. Traditionally they are squares of around 45 inches, and the fabric must be breathable. Today, organic swaddle blankets also come with Velcro or zip fasteners to help keep the correct swaddle shape.
Types of Organic Swaddle Blankets
The traditional square swaddle blankets are used all over the world. The most popular organic swaddles are made using muslin and come in either double or single layers of woven cotton. This style requires you to learn how to wrap a swaddle correctly and safely but the blankets can be used in other ways such as spit-up cloths or mats.
The newest organic swaddle blankets have made life easier by designing a sleep sack that is snug in all the right places and loose where movement is needed. Fastened by Velcro or zips, they are easy to get baby in and out of and diaper changes have been made simple too.
Best Organic Baby Swaddle Blankets for Newborn Babies in 2021
Muslin squares have been used for decades and make some of the best organic swaddle blankets for all ages. The packs of three from Hudson feature cute designs on them such as animals and bears. Muslin swaddle blankets are a simple square shape with no fixtures keeping the swaddle tight. The blankets can be used as comforters and spit-up cloths as your baby grows.
What I love about it:
- 100% Cotton
- Swaddles from newborn up
- Soften with age
- Value for money
Something to keep in mind:
- Thin fabric best for warmer homes
- No fixtures keeping swaddle in place
Best Organic Muslin Swaddle Blankets
Aden + Anais are a well-loved brand and their organic cotton swaddle blankets make cherished baby-shower gifts for new moms. The originals are larger than many others, measuring 47 inches square, and they come with a satisfaction guarantee. Prewashed to soften, you can swaddle from newborn and up. A pack of 4 single-layer, muslin blankets will last for many years.
What I love about it:
- A quality brand
- Made from GOTS certified organic cotton
- Larger size muslin square
- Huge choice of designs
- Pack of 4
Something to keep in mind:
- More expensive to buy
Mushie muslin organic swaddle blankets are double layered and extremely soft so they are a hit with moms. They last wash after wash and are used in a multitude of ways as well as being an ideal swaddle wrap. As they are purchased singularly, they are easy to afford and make lovely additions to a shower gift.
What I love about it:
- 100% organic cotton
- Double layers
- Choice of neutral shades
- Prewashed for softness
- Affordable price
Something to keep in mind:
- Only available in plain shades
The patterns are unique and gender-neutral, and the quality of these muslin blankets is outstanding. These Margaux and May products are the best organic swaddle blankets for newborn babies as they are super soft straight out of the eco-friendly packaging. Double layered and a generous 47 inches square, they will last for many years. A pack of two offers great value for money too.
What I love about it:
- Double layers and soft
- 100% organic cotton
- 1-year guarantee
- No fading to the colors
- Packaging made from recycled waste
Something to keep in mind:
- Some inconsistencies to quality
If you like unique design, the range from Loulou Lollipop are the best baby swaddle blankets for your child. Each 100% organic cotton blanket comes with a whimsical print that will make you smile including cute birds, colorful fruit, and ice-cream cones. The fabric is made from sustainable bamboo too, so it’s one of the most eco-friendly swaddle blankets around.
What I love about it:
- Cute designs
- Large 47 inch square
- Wide range of colors
- Made from 70% bamboo
Something to keep in mind:
- Only single-layered
- Costly if buying many
When choosing the best swaddle blankets available, there are a few others that are worth a mention for quality and design. Take a look at the , the Kaydee Baby Organic and Little Unicorn Organic Cotton Swaddle Blankets as well. And the swaddles by Copper Pearl, Bear Hugs and Woombie Organic AirWrap Vented Blanket are equally impressive.
Best Velcro Swaddle Blankets
The Ollie has been designed with the backing of research and science. The 3 Velcro tabs keep the swaddle in place at the shoulders, torso and hips and an elastic tab keeps babies feet tucked inside. Adjustable from top to bottom, it fits babies of all sizes. The fabric is moisture-wicking and maintains an even temperature.
What I love about it:
- Velcro keeps the swaddle snug
- Patented fabric stops overheating
- Choice of pretty pastel colors
- Bottom opens for diaper changes
Something to keep in mind:
- An expensive swaddle
The Ergobaby Swaddler has a very attractive price and it performs almost as good as the expensive versions. It has Velcro to keep the arms snuggly swaddled leaving the hips and legs free to move naturally. This swaddle blanket does have a limit on the size of baby it fits. There is a slight stretch to the fabric, which enables some babies to break free of the swaddle effect.
What I love about it:
- Really good and affordable price
- 100% cotton
- Velcro fixtures keeps arms swaddled
Something to keep in mind:
- Some babies get out of the swaddle
- For up to 15 pound babies
The range of patterns and designs with the Swaddleme Organic range is great fun. Primary colors and pastels are used, and feature cars, dinosaurs, zoo animals and geometric shapes. These are one of the best swaddle for newborn babies as they suit 0-3 month-olds. The swaddle is kept secure using Velcro wings that leave the hips free for movement.
What I love about it:
- 100% organic cotton
- Adjustable fit
- Cozy blanket
- Good value 2-pack
Something to keep in mind:
- Too big for tiny babies
If you only want one Swaddleme to try or to give as a gift, this is a single pack option. Each comes with a cute applique character, such as a ladybug or a monkey. As with the other Swaddleme products, it is kept in place with Velcro wings. Suitable for up to 3 months old.
What I love about it:
- 100% cotton
- Opens for diaper changes
- Adjustable Velcro tabs
- Single organic swaddle blanket in the pack
Something to keep in mind:
- Fixed length limits use
Offering a unique head, neck and spine support, the Kepi Kozy swaddle is unique. A spoon-shaped support has been created to prevent flat head syndrome too. It’s ideal for new moms who are worried about the fragile neck of their newborn, it also means friends and young siblings can hold baby confidently.
What I love about it:
- Patented support
- 100% cotton
- Velcro adjustable tabs
- Modern prints and patterns
Something to keep in mind:
- Support needs to be removed for washing
Best Cocoon-like Organic Swaddle Blankets
The Woombie is a popular swaddle option. It has a zipper the full length of the front for an easy fit. Made from cotton and spandex, this swaddling blanket has a stretchy quality giving baby more wiggle room. With mesh panels, there’s a free flow of air to prevent overheating.
What I love about it:
- Arms are held over the heart
- Different sizes available
- Award-winning product
- Choice of bright colors
Something to keep in mind:
- More movement is permitted than with other swaddles
The Swaddle Up provides a different sleep position – baby is kept in an ‘arms up’ position. A high percentage of babies prefer to have their arms up when sleeping and many self-soothe by touching their own face. A zippered closing is easy to use and the unique shape keeps baby comforted in all the right places.
What I love about it:
- Perfect for ‘arms up’ sleepers
- 93% cotton and 7% elastane for stretch
- 3 different sizes available
Something to keep in mind:
- Sleep position doesn’t suit all babies
The smaller size of these SwaddleMe Pods suits premature babies of around 5lbs in weight. The soft material is gentle on baby’s skin and the zippered front is easy to use. The bottom opens to make diaper changes straightforward. With 2 in the pack, these organic swaddle pods are great value for money.
What I love about it:
- Smaller size with larger options available
- 93% cotton and 7% spandex
- A simple design
Something to keep in mind:
- The stretch fabric allows extra movement
Until What Age do you Swaddle?
Swaddling is recommended for babies aged 0 to 3 months. Once your baby can roll over, swaddling must be stopped immediately. It’s dangerous for a baby to sleep swaddled on their stomachs, and it’s difficult for a baby to turn themselves back again wrapped in a blanket.
Hospital Swaddle Blanket
Hospitals swaddle all babies to comfort and settle them. The blankets are simple, light cotton squares and many moms have photographs of their precious newborns wrapped in them. Copies of the hospital swaddle blanket are available so you can replicate the look at home to keep those memories alive.
Choosing the Right Swaddle for Your Newborn
With so many different organic swaddle blankets available, it’s not easy to pick the best baby swaddle for you without a little research. Do you want a traditional swaddle that you wrap yourself? These are fully adjustable so will fit any baby. The cloths can also be used for years afterwards or stored away for your next child.
If you’re not sure you can wrap your newborn safely, choose a Velcro swaddle blanket where the design ensures your baby will be snuggly secured every time. The downside is that these have limited adjustments so will fit your little one for a shorter time.
The Best Fabric for Organic Swaddle Blankets
Organic cotton that is sustainably grown is best for baby’s skin and health. A quality material is best, one that will stand frequent washes. The fabric must be breathable and light to be safe. Some cotton fabrics are mixed with stretch for comfort.
How Do I Swaddle My Baby?
The best swaddle technique ensures that the baby’s arms and torso are wrapped securely but the neck and head are left uncovered. It’s important to allow some movement to the hips and legs for proper development. Baby should feel soothed but not overly restricted. It just takes a little practice.
Swaddle Blanket Safety Concerns
Babies must not overheat in a swaddle that is why the blankets are light and made of breathable fabrics. Leaving the neck and head unwrapped helps baby regulate their temperature. Also, as soon as the little one can roll over, swaddling must be stopped for safety.
Sleep Sacks as an Alternative to Swaddles
Sleep sacks leave the baby’s arms free but offer some comfort around the torso. Legs are covered and warm. A sleepsack makes the best transition swaddle, used when a baby starts to roll onto their tummy. A sleep sack offers some feeling of security but is safer at this stage of development.
FAQs
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Do you use receiving blankets to swaddle?
You can use a receiving blanket to swaddle but these are typically smaller than an organic swaddle blanket. As your baby grows, you will need the larger size of blanket.
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What kind of blanket is best for swaddling?
The best baby swaddle is lightweight and breathable. It should be made for this specific purpose to make sure it is safe for swaddling. Organic, natural materials are perfect too.
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What is the point of a swaddle blanket?
They soothe newborns and give them a womb-like comfort. Swaddling helps babies sleep longer and more deeply. It’s a method that has been used for centuries.
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What’s the difference between a swaddle blanket and receiving blanket?
Receiving blankets tend to be a smaller size although they are made of similar fabric and are wrapped in the same way.
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How long do you swaddle a baby for?
Babies are swaddled for the first 3 or 4 months until they start to roll over. Once they roll over you need the best transition swaddle such as a sleep sack.
The Bottom Line
The number of swaddling blankets available can make choosing the right one overwhelming. Your baby will be more content with organic swaddle blankets in the perfect fabric and design, so it’s worth spending a little time considering the options for better baby sleep. If you feel confident in your swaddling technique and have learned a thing or two from family, then a traditional muslin square will serve you well for years. But if you prefer to let the modern designs guide the right fit, then go for the Velcro versions that have been thoughtfully created.
