Why buy a swaddling blanket?

Swaddling a baby has many advantages. Firstly, the majority of babies find it comforting as it reminds them of the cocoon like conditions of their mother’s womb. It encourages them to sleep longer because they are more relaxed and because swaddling restricts the newborn startle reflex, which can jerk them into sudden wakefulness. Lastly, there is no need to worry about your baby kicking off their covers or pulling their blanket over their faces.

What sort of swaddling blanket do I need?

You do not necessarily need to buy a purpose made swaddling blanket, an ordinary square blanket such as a cellular or receiving blanket will do the job well. But for ease and speed, specially designed swaddling blankets are the best option. There are several different designs, but most parents will find they all work as well as each other. If you want peace of mind that your wrapping efforts will not come undone while your wriggly baby naps, look for a design which incorporates Velcro.

Many parents in the UK decide to move on from swaddling once their baby is around 4 months old, although past 12 months is common in some cultures, but some babies want the extra feeling of security that swaddling gives for a little longer. If your baby falls into this category, you might need to purchase a larger blanket at a later date. Swaddling blankets for older babies are harder to find, but are manufactured by brands such as Kiddopotomus.