13 Best Baby Swaddle Blankets

Why pick this one? The Halo SleepSack is the top pick among Pampers Parents, and you can configure it in four different ways: with your baby’s arms in, the arms placed hands-to-face, one arm out, or both arms out. With this product, you don’t have to worry about getting your swaddling technique down. Instead, you can use the zipper and the two “wings” (which you attach using hook and loop fasteners) to secure your little one with ease. The front of the sack includes a sweet embroidered reminder that “back is best” to help you remember to always lay your baby down on his back for sleep. Pampers Parents noted that when laundering, it’s best to attach the “wings” so the material doesn’t get stuck onto other items in the wash.

Highlights: The sleeping sack features an inverted zipper, which means the zipper opens from the bottom first. You can open up the sack easily for a diaper change without having to “unswaddle” your baby. The swaddle is available in a large array of colors.

Price*: about $21.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? This wrap-style swaddle uses tabs to secure your baby like a little burrito, mimicking the feeling of the womb. The wrap “wings” have hook and loop fasteners on the tabs, making it easy to adjust the fit to your baby. This swaddle also features a flap so that you can more easily open the leg pouch for diaper changes.

Highlights: This product is a three pack, so you are getting a good value. Plus, each pack includes three different yet complementary designs.

Price*: about $34.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? The Love to Dream sack-style swaddle allows your baby to sleep in the arms-up position. The manufacturer claims this design can allow babies to self-soothe more easily, as they can freely move their arms inside the sack. Many Pampers Parents noted that this was a key reason for preferring this product. It's worth knowing that the cotton/elastane fabric blend doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or flame retardants. The swaddle is easy to use because all you do is zip it up! The zipper works both ways, which means you can unzip the swaddle from the bottom for a quick diaper change without having to entirely remove your baby from the comfort of his swaddle. Although Pampers Parents found this sleeping sack to be on the pricier side, they commented that the ease of use makes up for the higher price.

Highlights: This swaddle is available in three sizes: newborn (5 to 8 pounds), small (8 to 13 pounds), and medium (13 to 19 pounds); and three colors: blue, pink, and gray. The manufacturer also offers this sleeping sack in other fabric options.

Price*: about $29.95 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? Pampers Parents chose this traditional swaddling blanket set as their fourth-favorite option, meaning swaddle wraps and sleeping sacks are a bit more popular. The 100 percent cotton muslin fabric is thin, breathable, and durable enough to withstand lots of movement and laundering. If you’re not a Harry Potter fan, don’t worry! There are plenty of other patterns to choose from, such as animals, fruits, stars, flowers, and Disney. You’ll also find organic swaddle blankets. This product comes as a pack of three swaddle blankets. Each of the three measures 47 square inches, so you’ve got plenty of fabric to work with! The blankets can also double as nursing covers, burp cloths, tummy time blankets, stroller covers, or changing pads, so you’ll be able to get lots of use out of them. Traditional swaddle blankets like this one might not work well for every baby, as it can be easy to wriggle out of. Some Pampers Parents preferred swaddle wraps that had hook and loop fasteners for the added security.

Highlights: The prewashed blankets are nice and soft, and with each additional wash they’ll get even softer. The lightweight, breathable material makes these swaddle blankets perfect for warmer months.

Price*: about $59.95 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? This sleeping sack from Halo allows you to swaddle your baby with her arms in or completely out of the sack, whichever may be more comfortable for her. The sack is designed with a large roomy bottom to give your baby ample space for proper hip development, and room to kick. The inverted zipper at the bottom can be unzipped for when you need to do a quick diaper change. For a cute reminder to always have your baby sleep on his back, the SleepSack features an embroidered “back is best” on the chest. Highlights: The swaddle is available in two sizes: newborn (6 to 12 pounds), and small (13 to 18 pounds).

Price*: about $21.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? Pampers Parents enjoy these traditional newborn swaddle blankets, as they’re very soft and gentle, and made with 100 percent cotton. They come in packs of three and several colors and patterns, including foxes, football, flowers, and outer space. The breathable muslin fabric keeps your baby comfortable and cool while sleeping, and the blanket is 46 square inches, so you have lots of room to secure that swaddle in place. And because they offer extra material, you can also use these baby swaddle blankets for nursing covers, covering the stroller, or tummy time! Pampers Parents appreciate that these are lightweight and easy to pack, but stay soft.

Highlights: With so many cute and sweet patterns and prints, you can easily find swaddle blankets suitable for both a baby boy and baby girl.

Price*: about $20.71 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? These traditional baby swaddle blankets use a 70/30 blend of bamboo and cotton. Bamboo is a unique natural fabric that offers breathability, flexibility, and softness along with durability. Plus, it is gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin. These swaddles come in packs of four, so you can get your money’s worth, and use them for other purposes, such as burping clothes or nursing covers. There are options such as florals if you're looking for girl swaddle blankets and other patterns for boy or unisex preferences. Although you can wash the blankets on a gentle cycle in your washing machine and dryer, some Pampers Parents noted that the material wore down faster that way. You may want to handwash and air dry.

Highlights: The bamboo fabric actually gets softer with each wash!

Price*: about $23.98 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? Comfy Cubs combines the best of both worlds: the look and feel of traditional swaddle blankets with the style of a sleeping sack with “wings.” Now you don’t need to be a pro to use newborn swaddle blankets! The hook-and-loop “wings” are secure, keeping your baby in place as she sleeps. Most Pampers Parents noted that even the wiggliest babies couldn’t escape! But some parents found the strength frustrating when washing. You may want to secure the “wings” before washing to avoid them sticking to other clothing items. These could work as a transitional set as your baby learns to sleep and self-soothe on his own, but isn’t quite ready for arm-free sleepers.

Highlights: Made with 100 percent cotton, these blankets can help keep your baby stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Price*: about $24.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? The manufacturer of the Sleepea Swaddle claims it only takes five minutes to swaddle your baby using this product. Some Pampers Parents felt it was so easy to swaddle that you didn’t even need to use both your hands. But, of course, it’s safest to keep both hands on your baby when swaddling, no matter how easy! A unique feature of the Sleepea is an inner band that keeps your baby’s arms by his sides, preventing him from wriggling out. The swaddle is made from breathable organic cotton with open mesh panels to help keep your baby from overheating. This is a feature that many Pampers Parents liked for the summer months. This sleeping sack features a zipper that works in either direction, so you can do a diaper change without removing your baby. The hook and loop fasteners are extra quiet, so you can avoid disturbing your baby if she’s dozing off.

Highlights: If you’re looking for organic swaddle blankets, this is a good option, as it’s made with 100 percent certified organic cotton.

Price*: about $34.95 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? Made of a stretchy cotton blend, the SwaddleMe Pod sleeping sack is soft and comfortable, and can move with your baby. With this product, you get two sleeping sacks in one order. The zipper works in both directions, so you can unzip from the bottom in case you need to change your baby’s diaper. This sleeping sack doesn’t have the “wings” of some of the other sacks, but some Pampers Parents noted they preferred not having the wings. With this version, you simply place your baby in the sack and zip it up.

Highlights: The manufacturer claims its product is sized for preemies and smaller babies. The age range for this product is 0 to 2 months, and from 5 to 12 pounds and up to 26 inches long.

Price*: about $24.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? The cotton/bamboo blend offers a soft, durable, and flexible fabric for your little one. Although these aren’t organic swaddle blankets, the natural bamboo material is a good choice for your baby’s skin. The larger 47-inch size works well for growing babies and can be used in various ways, such as a nursing cover, blanket, or burping cloth. As your baby grows older, you can use it as a play mat, picnic blanket, and more. The cute star-and-moon design was inspired by the children’s book Guess How Much I Love You.

Highlights: These bamboo swaddle blankets get even softer with regular use and washing.

Price*: about $18.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? With this cotton/bamboo blend fabric, you’ll get lightweight yet durable, soft, and breathable swaddle blankets for your baby. These are traditional swaddle blankets, so no bells and whistles, but Pampers Parents love them. They come in a pack of four and a large 47-inch size that features double layering and secure edging for longer use. Although they contain no elastic, these slightly stretchy swaddle blankets may help keep your little one secure and free from squirming.

Highlights: With a white foundation, this swaddle blanket offers neutral prints that suit both girls and boys.

Price*: about $18.69 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? Breathable and comfortable muslin cotton can create a cozy sleep environment for your baby. This fabric originated in Bangladesh in the Middle Ages, and was coveted by royalty thanks to its supreme softness and durability. Its delicacy can’t be replicated by machine, so all muslin cotton is handwoven and handspun with a high thread count. These traditional baby swaddle blankets come in packs of four, and you can use them for multiple purposes (nursing blankets, stroller covers, playmats, etc.). As they age and when your baby no longer needs to swaddle, you can even use pieces of the fabric for cleaning cloths.

Highlights: The swaddle’s fabric helps to regulate your baby’s temperature, so she will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Price*: about $19.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

What Features to Look for in a Swaddle

Swaddle blankets may not have as many features and options to consider as, say, a car seat or a stroller, but there are still some important things to note. Based on the comments of Pampers Parents, these are the features to look for when buying swaddle blankets, sleeping sacks, or swaddle wraps:

• Safety. The swaddle should be difficult or nearly impossible for your baby to get out of. It’s also a good idea to check that the swaddle is approved by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and hasn’t been recalled.

• Blanket, wrap, or sack. These are some common styles to choose from: traditional swaddle blankets, swaddle wrap, and sleeping sack. Read more about the types of swaddles. Some Pampers Parents noted that their babies squirmed in the type of swaddle that constricted arms to the side. If you’re not sure which type you or your baby would prefer, consider going for one of the swaddles that lets you choose whether you wrap the arms or leave them free.

• Ease of use. It’s important to choose a swaddle that is easy to get your baby in and out of, and that allows for quick diaper changes without having to remove your baby entirely.

• Fabric quality and breathability. Look for swaddles that are made of mostly cotton—which is breathable and less likely to cause your baby to become too hot—or bamboo. Most of the swaddles on this list are made from a lightweight cotton blend that can help keep your baby from overheating while staying soft against your baby’s delicate skin. You may also wish to look for organic swaddle blankets.

• Price. Some swaddles are more expensive than others, often due to features like hook and loop fasteners, zippers, fold-over “wings,” and more. You’ll want to take this into consideration when determining your budget. Some swaddles are sold in packs of two or three, which may be better value, and can come in handy if one happens to be soiled. The swaddles on our list range from about $18 to $60 (for a pack of three or four). How many swaddles you buy is up to you, but having a few may be convenient so that you have another on hand while one is in the wash, for example.

• Size. Not every swaddle is available in a wide range of sizes. Take a look at some of the weight and size ranges before purchasing to ensure that it will fit your baby. As your baby grows, you may have to go up a size, which means you might have to switch to a different swaddle brand or buy a bigger size. Some Pampers Parents were concerned their babies would outgrow the swaddles too soon, so double check the size before buying. A large swaddle blanket may be more likely to grow with your little one. Keep in mind, however, that when your baby starts to roll over, which could happen as early as 2 months, it's time to stop swaddling.

• Design. Some swaddles on our list are only available in simple pastel colors, whereas others come in a wide array of colors and patterns, including themes that can coordinate well with your baby’s nursery, like elephants, sheep, or stars. Some Pampers Parents noted that this was an important factor in their decision.

How to Swaddle Your Baby

If you decide to use traditional swaddle (receiving) blankets for when your baby’s sleeping, you’ll want to know the safe and proper technique for swaddling your baby:

1. Spread the blanket out flat, and fold over one of the corners.

2. Lay your baby face-up on the blanket positioned with her head at the folded corner.

3. Wrap the left corner over your baby (with his left arm straight down by his side), and tuck the end of the blanket underneath him.

4. Bring the bottom corner of the blanket up over her feet.

5. Wrap the right corner over your baby (with his right arm straight down by his side), leaving just his head and neck exposed.

6. Check that the blanket isn’t too tight or constricting around his hips and legs, and that his lower body can still move about. Wrapping your baby too tightly in a swaddle can lead to hip dysplasia or dislocation.

Always remember to place your baby on her back to sleep, especially when she has been swaddled. This can help reduce the risk of SIDS.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know the benefits of swaddling and the best swaddle blankets, wraps, and sleeping sacks on the market, according to Pampers Parents, you can make a much more well-informed decision when buying the right one for your newborn. Need to buy other products for your baby or the nursery? Get even more useful product reviews and handy lists of top baby gear as voted by Pampers Parents.

Recall Notice

Before buying a product, always check that it’s approved and hasn’t been recalled on sites like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

*Prices are correct at the time of writing.