How to Choose a Swaddling Blanket

Swaddling is a proven way to keep your newborn content. Infants who are swaddled are less likely to show signs of colic and may sleep better, so wrapping up your baby like a little burrito is definitely worth the effort. If your baby wriggles out of swaddles done with regular receiving blankets, don't give up. You can buy special blankets that make swaddling easier. Here's how to choose a swaddling blanket.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Research the different brands on the market. Swaddle Me and Miracle Blanket are the most popular, but many baby products manufacturers have versions of the swaddling blanket. Also look into sleep bags.

2. Get parent feedback on the brands you're considering. You can find this on the message boards at BabyBargains.com, a website focused on baby products. Reviews of products on Amazon.com might also be helpful. Also ask friends with newborns which swaddling products they prefer.

3. Choose the right size for your baby. While it might be tempting to buy the largest size blanket since newborns grow so fast, realize that the blanket has to be tight to be effective. Also, most parents will only swaddle in the first few months during that "fourth trimester" when colic and sleeplessness can be a problem, so your baby might never need the next size up.

4. Pick a color, pattern or design. If this is not your last baby and you're budget conscious, you probably should stick with gender neutral swaddling blankets since these items can be pricey and your next child might be of a different gender.

5. Carefully follow the directions for using the swaddling blanket and enjoy a calmer, sleepier baby.

[evisboy]

on 10/31/2008 I am still confused as to what is the best swaddling blanket since each design is going to be different. What are we supposed to look for in design and in material to be sure that the swaddling blanket actually works? I've heard about miracle blanket as well as good things about the Snug and Tug. What is the recommended blanket based on your expertise? Is there somewhere to see this information?