Swaddling your newborn baby will help him sleep better and feel secure. Swaddling reminds your infant of being in the womb and helps them to sleep longer and more restful. Infants startle themselves when they move their arms and legs, but when swaddled this is eliminated. Swaddling reduces the occurrence of colic and decreases the risk of SIDS in infants. There are many swaddling blankets on the market but some are better than others are for various reasons. Lightweight swaddling blankets provide the best comfort for your newborn. Below are several lightweight swaddling blankets that are great for newborns.
1. A Woombie (apx. $24) is a lightweight swaddling outfit for newborns that allows the newborn to move some while still providing the benefits of a swaddling blanket. The unique advantage to a Woombie is that it is not a swaddling blanket at all. It is a one-piece outfit for your infant that zips up the front and gives the feeling of being swaddled without the necessity of learning to wrap a swaddling blanket. Great for new parents, easy to purchase online and available in summer and winter fabrics.
2. SwaddleDesigns® organic collection is made from certified organic cotton flannel so you can be sure that you are purchasing a truly organic swaddling blanket. The flannel is preshrunk and does not contain any pesticides or insecticides. What I love about these swaddling blankets is that there are swaddling instructions sewn into the edge of each blanket. This makes a wonderful gift to new parents who have never had to swaddle a newborn. You can purchase these swaddling blankets from SwaddleDesigns online for about $30 per blanket from several retailers (see their website for links or Google “ultimate receiving blanket”).
3. The Miracle Blanket (apx. $30) is another lightweight swaddling blanket that claims to stop colic and calm fussy babies. According to their website, The Miracle Blanket is easy to use with no snaps, buttons or knots. The specific design of this swaddling blanket provides the parent ease in swaddling their newborn baby. This may be worth a try if your baby is having trouble sleeping or has chronic colic.
4. GoMamaGo Designs has a Snug & Tug Swaddling Blanket that is lightweight and easy to use. The swaddling blanket comes in two sizes so you can order the size that is best for your baby to ensure a snug, secure and comfortable fit. Velcro is used to secure the swaddling blanket to prevent your baby from wiggling out of the blanket. Made from cotton the soft material hugs your baby and provides comfort when they are fussy and sleepy. The Snug & Tug is designed solely has swaddling blanket so it provides exactly what you need. Check their website for retailers that care the Snug & Tug Swaddling Blanket.
5. Luna Lullaby offers a Soothing Swaddle Blanket package that includes 3 swaddle blankets and an instructional DVD for only $44 (available online). This lightweight swaddle blanket is made of cotton muslin and is breathable fabric to keep body temperature regulated. The stretchable fabric provides for a snug fit and is large enough to swaddle babies as well as infants. The DVD included in the package shows two swaddle techniques so you can learn the proper way to swaddle your newborn.
