What Are Swaddles, and How many swaddles Do I need? A swaddle is a thin blanket that wraps around your baby tightly.
And swaddling is a practice that has been around for hundreds of years. Babies love being wrapped like a burrito.
They feel secure and safe, which helps with the so-called Moro reflex (also known as the startle reflex). When babies hear a noise or movement, they throw their heads back and extend their arms.
Swaddling your baby can make things less stressful and help them sleep better.
Do not be afraid to try swaddling, even if it seems daunting. Your nurse or midwife will help you learn the ropes while you are in the hospital.
It can be difficult to determine which swaddling products are worth your money and which are scams.
This guide will answer the question “How many swaddles do I need?” and will also discuss the various types of swaddles and which ones are best to keep on hand.
How Many Swaddles Do I Need?
Finding the correct balance between being prepared for your child and being too excited can be difficult, especially when it is your first baby.
The short answer to this question, “how many swaddles do I need?” is that you will need two swaddles for your baby. The long answer depends on the following points:
How Often You Wash Your Laundry
To avoid doing laundry every day, I encourage moms with children to purchase extras of their essentials.
Temperature Variability In The Area Where Your Baby Will Sleep
It is nice to have multiple weight swaddles if you don’t have central air or live in an area of extremely variable air.
It is important to dress your baby according to the room temperature.
Even if your baby prefers the swaddle you choose, some babies prefer their hands free, while others like their arms straight up, and so forth.
What Are The Best Swaddle Blankets?
If you are a minimalist, you don’t want to accumulate too much baby gear. Here are two swaddle blankets that you could consider.
Dream Big
This unique swaddle bag positions your baby’s arms closer to their head than their sides or chest. Many babies prefer this position, so your tool kit should have this.
You could either go for the size newborn (between 5 and 8.5 pounds) or size small (8 to 13 pounds). The latter will probably be more useful, however.
HALO swaddle containing wings
This swaddle bag is extremely versatile and allows you to position your baby’s arms in three ways. It is a great staple you will be glad to have. It is worth every penny. It is available in size newborn (6-12 lbs).
If you are not a minimalist and you are a be-ready-for-anything person, even then, you don’t have to get as many swaddles as you want; you can only use four swaddles.
Remember that it is safe to wrap only for two months, and this phase is very brief. And it could become even shorter if your baby begins rolling within two months.
Because everything is unpredictable during this time, it’s a good idea to start with the “essential” swaddles and see how your baby responds. And according to that, you can buy more.
Once you know your baby’s favorite items, you can double or triple them. You can also see what other options are available if your children don’t like the ones you have. It is all trial and error.
- Read More: 10 Best Swaddle Blankets For Newborns
What Size Swaddle Sizes Are Best Not To Purchase
- Only purchase swaddles in the sizes Newborn and 0-3 months. Avoid using swaddles for older babies. It is not safe to wrap a baby once they start rolling, and many babies begin rolling around at two months old.
- Swaddle sacks come in various sizes and styles; avoid weighted swaddles. It is a serious concern to add weight to an asleep baby.
- Avoid tightening swaddles around the baby’s lower body and avoid products that restrict leg movement. It could lead to hip dysplasia.
Note: Babies should be capable of making an “M” shape with their legs when wearing the swaddle.
Our Recommendations
Baby Swaddle Blanket With Wrap
Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blanket
Gerber Newborn Receiving Swaddle
SwaddleMe Easy Change Swaddle
SwaddleMe Original Swaddle
Burt’s Bees Baby Swaddle
Final Words
“How many swaddles do I need?” The two swaddle bags recommended above are sufficient for minimalists who don’t want to accumulate too much baby gear.
You can always grab a couple more swaddle bags in different styles if you need them. You’ll always have options if your baby doesn’t like one or if you need to take a break from laundry.
Remember that you don’t need to buy four swaddles right now. This phase of your life is unpredictable, so it’s best not to get too excited.
Frequently Asked Questions- How Many Swaddles Do I Need?
Do I Need To Wrap My Baby?
You don’t have to wrap your baby in swaddles. It is not for safety. It is just for comfort.
What Are The Advantages Of Swaddling?
Swaddling has one real benefit: babies tend to sleep better when swaddled, and parents can also get more sleep. Because it feels like mommy’s womb, babies love being wrapped.
Swaddling stops the baby from flailing arms, which can often wake him from sleep. However, it does not lower the risk of SIDS.
How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Swaddled Correctly?
If you use a blanket to wrap your baby, ensure that it snugs properly on the upper body and cannot come down easily. Be sure to keep the fabric from getting in the way of the baby’s mouth.
The lower part of the swaddle should not be tighter than the top to promote healthy hip development. This advice is also applicable to check the fit of a swaddle bag.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for weight and height. Ensure the fabric doesn’t hang too high above the baby’s mouth.
What Is The Right Time To Stop Swaddling?
Parents should stop swaddling their babies as soon as they show signs of trying to roll over. Around two months old, many babies begin to roll.
Is The Nested Bean Zen Swaddle Safe?
The SIDS researchers call weighted clothing for infants “a terrible idea.” They say, “To put on anything restricting baby’s freedom of movement when they are in the prone position is a problem.”
Is The Dreamland Baby Swaddle Weighted Safe?
The main concern with weighted sleep bags being recommended in infanthood is that a child who rolls themselves over cannot unroll themselves due to the extra weight in one of these sacks. It increases the risk of suffocation.
Is Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit Safe?
Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit is a “swaddle-transition” product with several safety concerns.
- It is likely to prevent rolling.
- It could decrease the infant’s vital arousal response.
- It could be susceptible to overheating because of its thickness.
How Many Receiving Blankets Do I Need?
You don’t need to register or buy them. Receiving blankets can be small and useless for more than a few weeks. It is better to get muslin swaddle blankets, which are more versatile and larger.
How Many Velcro Swaddles Do I Need?
You should keep at least two swaddle bags in your toolbox. It is up to you whether you prefer velcro or zip closure. Most parents prefer the zipper ones as they are more secure and less likely to be ripped.
How Many Muslin Swaddles Do I Need?
It is nice to have a few muslin blankets around. However, swaddling “burrito-style” can be difficult. Swaddle sacks are a popular choice for exhausted parents because they are easy to manage.
Muslin blankets can be used for many purposes, so even if they’re not used to wrap your baby, they are still worth the money.
How Long Does It Take For A Baby To Get Used To The No-Swaddle Environment?
It is normal to have a little transition period when learning how to nap without the swaddle. Babies can take up to a week to adjust, but there are no hard and quick rules.
Is Receiving Blankets And Swaddles One Thing?
A swaddle and a receiving blanket are fundamentally different in terms of their technology.
Swaddles, also known as swaddling bags or pouches, are often equipped with all kinds of features, such as snaps, pockets, and velcro attachments.
A receiving blanket, however, is a blanket that can be used to wrap the baby. You can use either for swaddling. Each has its benefits.
Receiving blankets makes a great gift because they can be used in so many ways. They may be able to find new life as a burp cloth, for instance, when the babies no longer need to use their swaddling blankets.
Swaddles, on the other side, makes everything so much easier to navigate.
A swaddle may be useful at night, while a blanket can be used for nap time. There are many ways to do this. All of the fasteners will help you get your baby snug and secure quickly and easily. You will find your rhythm.