A lot of gear comes with expecting a new addition, and sometimes, it can get tough deciding on how many you need because, let’s be honest, there are way too many adorable designs in the store for what seems like countless swaddles.
You won’t have to get all the swaddles, though and this is what brings up the question, “how many swaddles do I need? Keep reading to see how many may be right for you.
Do I Need To Swaddle My Baby?
Swaddles have been in existence for so many years, and it’s for a good reason too. They mimic the womb’s environment at the newborn stage, giving your baby a sense of familiarity.
The swaddle helps to calm your newborn and soothe them during sleep time. This can give you and your little one some well-deserved shut-eye.
Additionally, babies are born with something called the Moro reflex, which causes them to flail their arms and cry when startled. It can also be called the startle reflex.
Swaddling up your baby comforts them and saves you from late-night screams.
Which Type of Swaddle is Best For a Baby?
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to swaddles for your little one. Every baby is unique and may prefer one type of swaddle over the other.
The best way to tell which is best for your bay is for them to try it out. Unfortunately, this won’t always be possible, especially when shopping ahead of delivery.
I’d suggest you get one of each type of blanket, just to see which one your baby prefers when they eventually arrive. These are the types of swaddles you can get for your little one.
Different Types Of Swaddles
Traditional Swaddles
These are large soft blankets that can be wrapped around your little one to serve as a swaddle. These swaddles can also serve other purposes like a burb cloth or blanket when your little one gets older.
You should be careful to wrap your baby properly so that the swaddle doesn’t come loose and cause a choking hazard.
Swaddle Blankets
These blankets are a better choice for new parents who don’t have the swaddling technique down. They use buttons, Velcro and zippers to stay in place and form a comfortable swaddle around your baby.
Swaddle Blanket V.S Receiving Blanket
A receiving blanket is a soft snug blanket that is used to keep your little one warm. The blankets can actually last a long time as they are made from various fabrics like cotton, flannel, muslin etc.
In the past, nurses would wrap babies up in these blankets before handing them over to the mother. So, the mom “receives” her baby in this blanket, hence the name.
Receiving blankets typically come in pairs of 2 and 4.
Swaddle blankets on the other hand are made to serve the purpose of swaddling for your little one solely. Most parents–like myself–prefer the swaddles made from 100% cotton since the child is still so young at this stage.
They are perfect for swaddling your little one at night after a long stressful day or perhaps if you just don’t know how to swaddle with a regular blanket.
You may be able to get swaddle blankets in sets of three.
How Many Swaddles Do I Need for Newborn?
Ideally, you should get about three swaddle for your number: one for use, one in the laundry and one in the side. This is perfect if you do laundry quite often, as things can get a bit messy.
However, if you won’t be washing the swaddles too often then you may want to get as many as ten swaddles for your little one. Just try not to get too much before your little one arrives because they may end up not liking it.
You can alternate between two types of swaddles, for instance, three traditional blankets and three swaddle blankets is a good start.
When To Stop Using Swaddles
Swaddles although convenient actually restricts your baby’s movement. At the early stages though, this is a good thing at the early stages since it mimics the feel of your womb.
Once your baby starts showing signs of rolling, it is time to get rid of the swaddle as it can increase the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Although babies develop at varying rates, you can expect your little one to start rolling over to their front or back between 2 and 4 months.
How Do I Swaddle My Baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics has easy to follow instructions on how to swaddle your baby properly and safely. In some cases, your midwife or nurse will teach you how to swaddle your baby if you politely ask.
You can try to remember their techniques or practice them at the hospital with some receiving or swaddle blankets you would pack.
Ensure you remove every foreign object from your baby’s crib when you swaddle them to sleep. This includes pillows, toys, blankets or any other object as they pose a suffocation hazard and may increase the risk of SIDS.
Can I Swaddle My Baby Too Tightly?
A tighter swaddle doesn’t always mean it’s the best. You should give your little one enough rooms to move in the swaddle. Otherwise, it can lead to developmental problems in the future.
You can check to see if you can fit two to three fingers between the baby and the swaddle. If not, then the swaddle may need to be loosened up just a little bit.
Top 5 Swaddles For Your Baby In 2022
1. Aden and Anais Easy Wrap Swaddle
This was–still is–personally one of my favorite swaddle blankets for my little girl. Especially since she gained weight a bit fast,’ luckily, the Aden and Anais swaddle has an adjustable fit.
Not to mention that the swaddle is made of cotton and has zippers in all the right places. Diaper changes can not get any easier.
The swaddle comes in sets of three adorable designs at a cost of $31.99.
2. Comfy Cubs Muslin Swaddle Blanket
These blankets require a little swaddling skill on your part but they are absolutely adorable. The snug and comfortable blankets come in various designs and can be used for much more than swaddling – a tummy time blankie, anyone?
The muslin cotton used to craft the blankets is soft, absorbent, and breathable for your little one’s skin. It is perfect for both cool and warm weather and can save you some well-needed mama (or papa) time.
These blankets typically come in sets of four and cost $24.99.
3. Love To Dream Swaddle UP
This Love to Dream swaddle is one of the essentials I kept at home for my little one as it just strikes that balance. It allows your baby to sleep with their arms up around their head comfortably (that’s if your baby does).
The patented wings allows the baby to sleep comfortably yet self-soothe by touching their face or sucking their thumbs when needed. The stretchy fabric is as delicate as your little one’s skin with 93% Cotton and 7% Elastane.
These swaddle UPs may come in a pack of one and cost $32.99.
4. HALO Sleepsack
This halo sleepsack is a three way adjustable swaddle that adjusts to suit your baby’s needs. You can wrap your baby’s hands within the swaddle, hands-to-face or outside the swaddle.
The zipper goes from top to bottom and so allows for easy changes when your little one is still swaddled. The fasteners are also made very tight and so reduce the chances of it coming loose during sleep for instance.
These 100% polyester swaddles come in packs of one at a cost of $29.99.
5. Comfy Cubs Swaddle Blanket
These blankets are one of my preferred options when it comes to Comfy Cubs. And that’s because This cosy blanket curbs the startle reflex and has your little one feeling totally comfortable in this new world.
The light pressure from the swaddle helps to deter the moro reflex and give you and your baby sound sleep. The modern design allows you to comfortably swaddle your little one even without knowing all the swaddling techniques.
These comfortable swaddle blankets cost around $24.95 for a set of three.
Conclusion
The number of swaddle blankets you eventually get would be based on your baby’s preferences and how often you do the laundry. Though as a rule of thumb, 3-6 swaddle blankets should be just enough to prepare for your newborn.
How many swaddles did you or do you use for your little one? And do you prefer making the swaddle yourself or using a swaddle blanket? I’d love to hear your thoughts, let me know in the comment section.
References
- Rachel Y. Moon, MD, FAAP & Danette Glassy, MD, FAAP, (2022, April 15). Healthy Children. Swaddling: Is it Safe for Your Baby? https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Swaddling-Is-it-Safe.aspx