The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Swaddle for Your Baby

Swaddling is a popular technique used to help calm and soothe newborn babies. It mimics the feeling of being in the womb, providing a sense of security and comfort for your little one. But not only that, studies have shown that swaddling can also help babies sleep longer and more soundly. In this guide, we'll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when selecting the perfect swaddle for your baby and how it can help them sleep better.

Swaddle Uses

Studies have shown that swaddling can help soothe babies, which leads to longer sleep. Swaddling can also help prevent the startle reflex, which can wake babies up in the middle of the night. When babies are swaddled, they feel more secure and calm, and as a result, they sleep longer and deeper. Swaddling mimics the mother's womb, where they are used to being secure and warm.

Types Of Swaddles

First, let's talk about the different types of swaddles available. There are four main types of swaddles: weighted, traditional, velcro, and zipper. Weighted swaddles have recently become more popular. They contain beads sewn into the blanket to add weight to the blanket in order to provide a method to soothe the baby.  Weighted blankets however are not recommended by the The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and are NOT considered a safe sleep environment for baby. Traditional swaddles are usually made of muslin or cotton and are often square or rectangular in shape. They are wrapped around the baby and fastened with snaps or ties. Velcro swaddles are similar to traditional swaddles, but they have velcro closures instead of snaps or ties. Zipper swaddles are the easiest to use, they have a zipper that runs along the edge, allowing you to easily place your baby inside.

embé swaddles are particularly created with a zipper and a velcro. The zipper runs from top down so that the closure doesn't touch baby's face. The extra large velcro piece ensures a more secure fit so that baby won't break out of the swaddle. This double enclosure style swaddle promotes extra protection to prevent loose blankets in the crib and safety for baby.  

When choosing a swaddle, consider the ease of use. If you're a new parent, you may want to opt for a zipper swaddle, as it's the easiest to use. If you're more experienced, you may prefer a traditional or velcro swaddle.

Swaddle Material

Next, consider the material of the swaddle. Muslin and cotton are the most popular choices, as they are breathable, soft, and safe for your baby's delicate skin. Avoid any materials that may be rough or irritating to your baby's skin. Not only that, but studies have shown that babies sleep longer and more soundly when they are swaddled in breathable materials.

embé puts safety and quality on the forefront, which is why all of the swaddles are used with 100% breathable cotton material with no synthetic materials added.

Safety Of Swaddle

Safety is another important factor to consider when choosing a swaddle. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be placed on their backs to sleep, and that the swaddle should not be too tight. This will prevent your baby from overheating, and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Many swaddles wrap babies up well, but in the warmer temperatures, may cause baby to be too warm. embé swaddles are the only swaddles in the world that allow arms AND feet to be out of the swaddle. This can help babies cool down or warm up. 

Hip-Healthy Swaddle

Many swaddles on the market right now may not qualify as being hip-healthy swaddles. These are the type of swaddle that allows a baby's hips to move freely, preventing them from becoming constrained in a position that can lead to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint is not properly formed, which can lead to problems such as pain, instability, and arthritis. A hip-healthy swaddle typically allows for the baby's legs to be in a "frog-like" position, which allows for natural movement and development of the hip joint. Babies need this room to grow their legs and hips out well and cannot have it be too constrained while developing. embé swaddles are recognized as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI), while you maybe surprised to learn that many other popular swaddles are not.  A complete list of swaddles that are deemed hip-healthy can be found on the IHDI website. 

Lastly, consider the design and style of the swaddle. There are many different designs and patterns available, from solid colors to fun prints and patterns. Choose a design that you like and that matches your baby's nursery decor.

In conclusion, choosing the perfect swaddle for your baby requires careful consideration of the type, material, safety, and design. By following these guidelines, you'll be able to select the best swaddle for your baby's needs, and it can also help them sleep longer and better. Swaddling can provide a sense of security and comfort that can mimic the feeling of being in the womb, which can help your baby sleep longer and more soundly.