11 best baby swaddles

Sleep-deprived parents will try anything to get their little ones to sleep. Unfortunately, there’s no fool-proof product when it comes to baby swaddles—different styles work for different babies and some babies flat-out refuse to be confined. But many parents and paediatricians swear that swaddling can help most babies sleep longer and cry less.

Here are some of the most recommended styles:

Classic swaddles

Receiving blankets That cozy blanket your baby was wrapped in right after birth? That actually makes an awesome swaddle—particularly if you have a winter baby. Get the nurses at the hospital or your midwife to train you on wrapping techniques (don’t be afraid to make it tight!). Babies R Us Flannel Cotton Receiving Blanket 4-Pack, $15, toysrus.ca

Muslin blankets These extra-large blankets measure 47 inches squared, giving you lots of room to master the perfect wrap. Made from a light, open weave fabric, these can also be used as burp cloths, nursing covers, portable crib sheets, change pad liners or for tummy time. Aden + Anais Classic Swaddles, $59, well.ca

Miracle Blanket Baby Swaddle Less complicated to fold than a plain blanket, this swaddle has a built-in leg pouch and two sets of wings to wrap first the arms then the torso. Be warned, it’s not the easiest swaddle to use, but once you master the technique (it comes with instructions), Miracle Blanket promises effectiveness—there’s even a money-back guarantee! $40, amazon.ca

Easy-to-use swaddles

Woombie For the parent who just can’t with all the flaps and folding, the Woombie couldn’t be easier to use. Made from light, breathable, multi-dimensional stretch fabric, just zip up and you’re done. $43, snugglebugz.ca

SNOO Organic Cotton Sleepea 5-Second Swaddle Developed by paediatrician Harvey Karp—the author of The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep—the Sleepea claims to swaddle your baby in 5 seconds. With a two-way zip down the centre, it’s super easy to use and the inner band is designed to prevent little Houdini babies from breaking out. $30, well.ca

Summer Infant SwaddleMe A great economical option, these soft swaddles often come in three-packs and have a roomy leg pouch and Velcro wings that can be adjusted to fit baby’s comfort. $40, bedbathandbeyond.ca

Ergobaby Swaddler Escape-proof arm pockets keep even the best baby ninjas contained in this super soft swaddle, while a removable leg pouch makes diaper-changing a breeze. $33, ergobaby.ca

Transitioning swaddles

Sleeping Baby Inc. Zipadee-zip The unique starfish design of this swaddle doesn’t limit your baby’s full range of motion but still keeps them feeling warm and secure. It’s the perfect transition for babies three months and up who want to feel less constricted and have learned to roll over, but who might still have a startle reflex or the tendency to scratch their face. $51, amazon.ca

Love To Dream Swaddle UP 50/50 Ideal for the baby who to sleep with their arms up to begin with, then you can remove the arms one at a time to transition out of it. The snug fit is loose around the hips so baby can naturally flex their legs. $50, westcoastkids.ca

Halo SleepSack Swaddle This sleep sack/swaddle combo is the perfect way to transition your little one out of the swaddle and into the sleep sack. The Velcro flaps can be used over arms to keep baby snug or pulled across the torso (with arms out) for an extra snug fit. $35, bedbathandbeyond.ca

Gro-snug 2 in 1 Swaddle and Newborn Grobag Grobag fans will love this early introduction to the product, which has snaps on the arm holes to keep arms contained or out of the bag. A handy side zip provides access for those late-night diaper changes. $45, amazon.ca

Read more:
When can babies sleep with a blanket
6 most popular baby sleep-training methods explained