As well as researching modern baby must-haves like the best baby monitors and the best travel cots, at Mumsnet we know the importance of tried and tested methods our members swear by for better sleep, like swaddling. Getting a good nights’ sleep is key for both you and your baby, especially in those early weeks and months. Swaddles come in different sizes for each age, which is an important factor many parents and caregivers don’t know. Knowing the correct size will keep your baby safe as a blanket that’s too big for them may become loose and then a suffocation hazard. Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700. Testers used the same baby swaddles consistently for one week, washing them as instructed and when needed. We wanted to know if the swaddles showed any shrinkage, pilling, fading, loose buttons or zippers, or other damage. We also asked testers to note how well their child slept in each swaddle and how easy or challenging it was to change diapers in the middle of the night. Finally, we carefully considered all attributes compared to the price of each swaddle to assess overall value.

Below is a helpful list of the safety advice from our experts; sleep consultant Maria Murphy and Kate Holmes, Head of Support and Infomation at Lullaby Trust. A traditional swaddle, a cot blanket and a cot cover rolled into one? The Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle is a winner in our book.The safest baby carrier to use will keep the infant firmly in an upright position where a parent can always see their baby’s face, and ensure their airways are free. Complete guidance is available by visiting The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Always follow the individual product’s guidance. (For example, some swaddle manufacturers recommend their product is based on a baby’s weight rather than age.)

The single layer of cotton and elastane keeps babies warm without overheating. The 1.0 TOG rating covers room temperatures of 68 to 75 degrees, so you can use it in multiple seasons. Lay your swaddle fabric out onto a flat surface so it makes a diamond shape. You’ll want to fold the top corner down about a third of the way toward the middle of the blanket. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/multimedia/how-to-swaddle-a-baby/sls-20076006 Natalya also appreciated that the twin zipper meant she could change Sasha’s diaper without having to unswaddle her entirely. Comfort and features In short, usually swaddling your baby is safe. The caveat: You must do it the right way and follow some simple guidelines.Slings and baby-carriers are useful for holding a baby hands-free, however they are not always used safely. Although there is no reliable evidence that slings are directly associated with SIDS, there have been a number of deaths worldwide where infants have suffered a fatal accident from the use of a sling. These accidents are particularly due to suffocation, and particularly in young infants.

The jury is still out on this one – experts still don’t know precisely how swaddling affects the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – but keep in mind that the answer might also change as your baby gets older. Use materials such as a thin muslin or thin cot sheet, and never place any additional bedding over a swaddled baby as they could cause them to overheat.

Another study found that babies who were born early and were swaddled were calmer and had improved neuromuscular development and better muscle tone, and it soothed pain and discomfort (Sleuwen et al, 2007; Kitase et al, 2017). What are the risks of swaddling my baby? This HALO swaddle feels warm and cozy with its 100% polyester micro-fleece. But because the material may be too warm in the summer, we didn’t give it a 5 out of 5 for comfort. If that’s a concern, the company also sells a cotton version. (To tell how warm a swaddle is, look for its thermal overall grade or TOG rating to give you an idea of what temperatures they work best in. For example, the micro-fleece swaddle has a 3.0 TOG rating, ideal for room temperatures of 64-68 degrees.) The material also held up well after multiple washes and never lost its durability. A two-way zipper makes late-night diaper changes a breeze, while the zipper covers at the top and bottom prevent the fasteners from irritating or scratching skin. Day L. (2015) The history, benefits and risks of swaddling babies. Journal of Health Visiting 3:4, 202-208. Available from: https://doi.org/10.12968/johv.2015.3.4.202