Best Swaddles of 2026: Ultimate Guide for Safe Baby Sleep

The ultimate Swaddle Guide

(updated quarterly)

References guidelines made by the AAP

Comparison table 

Swaddelini

Pros:

The swaddelini was invented by a Mother in her postpartum haze to find a solution to her lack of sleep. Liz Hilton was fortunate enough to be a 3D knit programmer/designer and was able to make the first swaddelini in her garage. Her baby slept through the night for the first time, so she started sharing her invention with new parents all over the world.

Swaddelini follows all the safety rules established by the AAP 

Lasts! The swaddelini size small can fit a fresh newborn at the hospital all the way until the baby starts rolling at around 8-12 weeks. And when they start rolling, you can then leave their arms out. Depending on your baby’s size they could use just this one product for the first 6-10 months. If your baby grows fast there is a large size option. Many mothers mention using the same small size swaddelini for all 5 of their babies. 

Swaddelini also makes 3D knit sleepsacks with sleeves which are very hard to find. 

Soft and stretchy. This means more comfort for the baby. Babies in the swaddelini can still experience movement which helps them feel safe. They can still experience active sleep and Moro reflex which is good for brain development. 

 

Easy access diaper changing flaps. This enables you to change your baby’s diaper without having to take the swaddelini off which also has the benefit of keeping their curious hands out of their poop! 

Swaddelini is adaptable for many medical devices. If your baby needs an accommodation, swaddelini will make adjustments to your product for no additional charge!

Swaddelini is easy to put on because there are no closure systems; no wrapping, no zippers, no velcro. The swaddelini just goes on like a sock. 

Swaddelini has the most social proof on social media. More Moms post organically (unpaid) about how much they swear by the swaddelini more than any other swaddle brand in the world. This is the main reason we put swaddelini at the top. It is the most followed and trusted swaddle brand on social media in the world. 

Cons:

Swaddelini is made in America by fairly paid Americans. This means the price point will be higher than others on the market. That said the price point is still in the mid-range despite the fact there are other swaddles more expensive that are made overseas. 

You will need to size up when your baby rolls over to the swaddelini Arms Out. This means you need to purchase a new swaddelini product every 6 months. 

2. Butterfly swaddle 

Pros

The Butterfly Swaddle is the only swaddle invented by a labor and delivery nurse. 

The Butterfly swaddle is also the only swaddle solution that comes with its own system for transitioning out. 

The Butterfly swaddle has a silent velcro attachment so it will not startle your baby. 

The Butterfly Swaddle is great at restricting the movement of the arms and prohibiting the Moro reflex if that is what you want for your baby. This swaddle is also safe because it has room for movement around the hip area. 

Cons

The price point is high despite manufacturing overseas. The Butterfly Swaddle is a smaller brand and therefore has one of the highest price points on the market. We justify it on this list because it can also help a baby's transition to rolling in one system. 

3. The Ollie swaddle 

Pros

The Ollie swaddle was invented by a Foster Mom who needed a restrictive swaddle for the withdrawal tremors of the newborns she was caring for. 

The Ollie swaddle is probably the most restrictive on this list but they did pass the hip safety standards. This is probably because they use a knit material to make their product. 

Cons

Does not cover the shoulders. If it is warm in the baby’s sleep environment, this may not be the best choice since the baby will need at least one layer underneath this product. 

This product may be too restrictive for some parents who want their babies to have more movement. 

Price. The Ollie swaddle is the same price as the Butterfly swaddle but can only be used for the newborn stage. 

4. Halo

Pros

The first Halo sleep sack was invented by  Bill Schmid who lost his firstborn to SIDS. 

He grew Halo during the “back to sleep” campaign in the 1990’s. The American Academy of Pediatrics realized the suffocation hazard risk of blankets near a sleeping infant. Halo got to work by providing free sleepsacks to hospitals all over the country to help make safe sleep a reality for everyone. Today Halo Sleep is the oldest running sleep sack company and is still committed to infant sleep safety. 

Price. The Halo Sleep sack is very affordable. The Halo Sleep Sacks are made in China very cheaply and so Halo is able to carry that cost savings on to its customers. 

Cons

Halo Sleepsack uses loud velcro and the closure system itself may be cumbersome for some users. 

Some babies may escape from this style of sleep sack. 

5. Love to Dream

Pros:

The love to dream swaddle was invented by a new Mother in Australia. She set out to make a zipper sleepsack that placed hands close to the face. The benefit here is the baby can self soothe with hands by their face without scratching their face. 

The love to dream swaddle sack is easy to put on and take off and the zipper closure system passes all lead testing. 

Pricing is low on this product because it is made very cheaply overseas and they are able to pass this savings on to their customer. 

Con:

Tricky diaper changes. You cannot change the diaper in this product without the arms getting out. 

Tight Size range. You need to buy at least 3 different sizes for your baby to have a good fit from newborn to rolling. Even though the price is low, when multiplied by 3, the swaddelini and the butterfly swaddle come out ahead. 

6. Swaddleme 

Pros

The Swaddleme swaddle is the cheapest sleepsack on the market and it is good at restricting a baby’s movement.

Cons

Loud velcro. Only for the newborn stage. Not great for a a baby who does not like feeling “trapped”. 

7. Jacadi

Pros

Designed in France these jacadi sleepsacks are beautiful. 

The Jacadi sleepsacks are very thick and great for cold weather usage. 

Cons

Price. This is the most expensive sleep sack in the world without having any innovation to differentiate it from its competitors…other than just being French. 

How do I choose the right swaddle?

To make the best choice of swaddle for your newborn, you must be certain you are picking a swaddle that fits the AAP guidelines, “snug around the chest/arms” and “loose around the hips”.  Almost every swaddle is safe as long as you do not co-sleep with a swaddled baby, always place the baby on their back in a safe sleep environment and cease swaddling once the baby is 8 weeks old or rolling. Whichever comes first. 

Swaddling has been a tradition for thousands of years, but many parents still wonder, "How do I pick the safest swaddle for my baby?"  

That's why we asked Allyson Ward, a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, to give her expert opinion.

How can parents be sure they are swaddling safely?

Fortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics has a few guidelines for parents.

1. Always place babies to sleep on their backs. This greatly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

2. When a baby looks like they're trying to roll over, they shouldn't be swaddled with their arms in anymore. An arms out sleep sack is safer at this stage.

3. The baby swaddle does not cover their head or face. The Swaddelini keeps fabric clear from the face.

4. The room temperature should be 72 degrees or less. If it is warmer, extra layers can cause a baby to overheat.

5. The sleep sack should not be too tight around the hips. This can cause hip dysplasia.

6. Allyson suggests using a sleep sack instead of a swaddle blanket to keep babies safe from loose blankets while they sleep.

7. Allyson suggests preemie babies in the NICU use a swaddelini as it may help with bone accretion according to this research study. 

Swaddling is a beneficial practice for most infants. Following these guidelines helps you keep your infant sleeping safely.

 

Why don't some parents want to swaddle?

Some parents do not want to introduce a behavior that they will have to wean their baby from. For example, some parents do not give their child a pacifier for the fear of having to take it away. This fear is totally normal, but the benefits to swaddling greatly outweigh this drawback. And because sleep sacks are now common, many toddlers ages 1-4 still use sleepsacks instead of blankets. 

And, Swaddelini offers transition sleep sacks to help with the transition from sleep sack to blankets.

Parents may have negative feelings about being contained. This can cause them to feel anxiety about putting their baby in a swaddling blanket or sleep sack.

However, most babies, especially premature babies, have fewer episodes of crying when swaddled. This is because swaddling reminds them of the containment they had in the womb.

If you are looking for a sleep sack for your baby, check out the Swaddelini.

Is swaddling new? 

Swaddling is an age-old practice that dates back thousands of years. Parents in ancient civilizations wrapped their infants in cloth to provide comfort. This technique involved tightly wrapping a baby in a thin blanket.

For centuries, swaddling continued with this complicated wrapping technique. This practice is beneficial for babies, but can be difficult for parents to perfect.

The Rise of Sleep Sacks

As parenting evolved in the modern era, so did baby sleep solutions. The traditional swaddle presented challenges for many parents. The folding technique required practice, baby swaddles could come undone during sleep, and some babies fought against the restriction.

The sleep sack entered as a revolutionary product in the late 20th century as an alternative to traditional swaddling. These wearable blankets offered the comfort of swaddling with added convenience and safety features. The sleep sack market expanded rapidly as parents embraced these user-friendly alternatives.

Traditional blanket swaddles can be quite restrictive, completely immobilizing a baby's arms and legs. While this works for some infants, many babies prefer having some freedom of movement, especially as they grow.

The Swaddelini offers a more balanced approach to restriction, providing the security babies need while allowing for more natural movement. This makes it suitable for a wider range of babies, including those who resist traditional tight swaddling but still need help managing their startle reflex.

Every new mother worries about their child. This is natural. However, it is important to understand that when SIDS occurs, it is no one's fault. Studies have found a specific enzyme that increases the risk of SIDS. There may also be external risk factors, but they are never the direct cause.

Does swaddling increase the risk of SIDS?

The medical world favors swaddling because it promotes the supine sleeping position. The supine sleeping position has been found the decrease the risk of SIDS.

Some believe swaddling increases the risk of SIDS because of this study. However, this study proves that swaddling with arms up is dangerous for infants over the age of 6 months. When your baby grows old enough to roll over, swaddling in the traditional way is no longer recommended. That is why we at Swaddelini have a dedicated Arms Out Sleep Sack for growing babies.

How can I reduce the risk of SIDS?

When looking for ways to reduce the risk of SIDS, three factors are extremely important.

First, your baby should always lay flat on their back in the supine sleeping position. Products like the Swaddelini can help them calm down in this position.

Second, their environment is critical. Their bassinet or crib should be clear of blankets and stuffed animals. Their swaddle should be clear of their nose and mouth.

Finally, keeping your baby's temperature in mind is important. If your baby is sweating, remove a layer of clothing. If they are cold, swaddle them, or add another layer underneath their swaddle.

The Swaddelini is the lightest sleep sack on the market. So, if you are looking for a sleep sack that doesn't make you worry about added temperature, check it out!

Does swaddling have other health benefits?

While swaddling is not a cure-all, it definitely can be helpful for your baby. It can reduce pain in infants, which is one reason it is used in NICUs all over the country. Babies with NAS, or neonatal abstinence syndrome, may experience fewer tremors if they are comforted by a swaddle.

If your baby is sick, the Swaddelini can help them calm down and get the rest they need to recover.

Thank you for reading our article. We hope this helps you step into safe sleep practice with your little one! Please enjoy this 21% discount code: safesleep21  Clicking the hyperlink will automatically apply the code for you. 

Does Swaddling work for babies?

Swaddling your newborn can soothe their central nervous system, activate their vagus nerve and enhance proprioception. This can lead to an increase in quiet sleep and length of sleep. But when done unsafely or incorrectly, swaddling can have grave consequences. 

What to Consider When Swaddling

Swaddling incorrectly, like wrapping your baby too tightly, can cause hip dysplasia. Conversely, swaddling too loosely can create suffocation hazards, especially if you are sharing your bed with your infant*.

Many babies want to escape their swaddles because they feel trapped. Babies are snuggled tightly in the womb, but they still have freedom to move around. Some infant sleep sacks solve for this by allowing the baby to have their arms free. However, this can cause a baby to scratch their face in their sleep, which can wake them.

The original Swaddelini keeps your baby's arms snugly next to them, while allowing plenty of flexibility in around the hips for your baby to move. This helps soothe them, without restricting their movement.

Swaddelini has helped customers whose babies had severe eczema. The eczema fully healed because the babies could not scratch their faces while wearing the Swaddelini. We love hearing stories liek this. If you have one please let us know! 

Infant Temperature

Another thing to consider when swaddling is temperature. Even a lighter swaddling blanket can be hazardous if it is wrapped around a baby too many times.

Swaddelini has taken the guesswork out of swaddling your newborn. The Swaddelini hugs your newborn just right every time. The Swaddelini is only a 0.2 or 0.3 (bamboo option) TOG.

Can I still swaddle if my baby is having a sleep regression? 

Yes, you can still swaddle your baby during a sleep regression as long as your baby can not roll yet. However, to call it a regression is not correct. Your baby’s sleep is affected by a sleep progression. They are introducing their REM cycle and learning how to sleep with this new development. Your baby is healthy and growing normally! They will learn how to sleep again!

When a baby is born they have two sleep cycles; quiet sleep and active sleep. 

In active sleep, your baby will move around. They may even look like they are about to wake up. But don't worry, if you wait a moment, they will drift back to sleep.

In quiet sleep, babies are much more relaxed and still. Both sleep cycles are necessary for healthy development.

You can easily watch your baby breathe in the Swaddelini. Since there are no extra layers, you can easily look down at them in their bassinet. You can watch their breathing as their chest moves up and down. Remember to always place the baby on their back when using the Swaddelini. 

Sleep sacks, or swaddles, are wonderful additions to a baby's bedtime routine. A baby swaddle can help a baby feel safe, secure, and soothed, making the transition from awake time to sleep time seamless. 

What if my baby rolls?

Most swaddles tuck your baby's arms in, just like they experienced in the womb. This can pose a danger to a rolling baby, because they use their arms to roll back over safely. Once your baby has learned to roll over during active play, they need full access to their arms during sleep.

If your infant swaddle does not have an arms out option, you should not use it anymore. Since your child is still young, they may still need and enjoy the sensation and security of swaddling. To give them that experience while still being safe, find a transition swaddle.

The Arms Out Swaddelini is perfect for this! It combines our unique Hug Technology® while still allowing them to safely roll over during the night.

When can I transition to bedding?

Your baby will eventually outgrow their sleep sack, and you will face two choices. If your child is at least 2 years old, you can try transitioning them to bedding. If you prefer, you can also look for a larger sleep sack online.

If you decide to look for another sleep sack, remember to stay away from weighted ones. Just because your baby is older does not mean they are ready for additional weight. Consider the TOG and make sure it will work with their sleep environment.