Should I choose a traditional square wrap or a fitted swaddle wrap?
It all depends on your wrapping ability. If you are following our instructions, have the right wrap and can wrap your baby securely, then swaddling your baby in a traditional square wrap can be perfect. There is a real satisfaction in getting a secure swaddle that helps your baby sleep better.
The variety, ease and effectiveness of fitted swaddle wraps mean that these are incredibly popular and make secure swaddling possible for even the most Houdini of babies.
If you struggle to keep your baby securely wrapped, we recommend you choose one of our fitted swaddle wraps.
How to choose a fitted wrap?
We have a wide range of swaddles to suit every age, stage, swaddling ability and nursery temperature.
Our most recommended swaddle is the Miracle Blanket. Customer feedback is always exceptional for this wrap, with customers often reporting their baby sleeps for hours longer in the Miracle Blanket!
If you are choosing just one fitted wrap for a baby under 3 months, you absolutely can't beat a Miracle Blanket. It's also perfect for transitioning into a sleeping bag as you can use it over the top of a sleeping bag.
The Purflo Swaddle to Sleep Bags are an excellent alternative to a Miracle Blanket. They have been designed by safe sleep experts, are easy to use for nighttime nappy changes and can be used for transitioning.
Comparison:
Here's a comparison of the key features and benefits of a fitted swaddle:
| Miracle Blanket | Love to Dream | Ergopouch Cocoon Swaddle Bag | The Sleep Store Fitted Swaddle | Swaddle Me | Purflo | Swaddelini | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level of Startle Control | High | Low to medium | Medium | Middle | Medium | Medium | High |
| Houdini-proof rating! | High | High | High | High | Medium | High | High |
| Arm position | Sides | Above head | Chest | Chest | Side or Chest | Side or Chest | Sides |
| SIZE: Newborn | 0-4 months approx | Newborn size 2.2kg - 3.8kg Small size 3.5 - 6kg |
Newborn - 2-5kg 0-3 month - 3-6kg |
Newborn | Small 3-6.5kg | 0-4 months approx (3-7.25kg) | Small 2.7kg - 5.4kg |
| SIZE: 6-8kg approx | 0-4 months approx, can be used to approx 10kg without legs | Medium 6-8.5kg | 3-6 months - 6-8kg | No | Large 7-10kg | - | Large size 5.4 - 8.1kg |
| SIZE: 8kg plus | 0-4 months approx, can be used to approx 10kg without legs | Large 8.5-11kg | 3-12 months 8-10kg | No | Large 7-10kg | - | - |
| Fabric | 100% Cotton | Original is 97% cotton / 3% elastane. Check each style - some Bamboo options | 95% organic cotton, 5% elastane. Check each style. | 95% organic cotton, 5% elastane | 100% cotton | Outer - 100% cotton Mesh - 100% polyester Filling - 100% polyester and Amicor pure mix |
Recycled Nylon |
| Season | Year round | Year round | Year round options from 0.2 tog - 2.5 tog | Year round | Year round | Year round | Year round |
| Transition from swaddling | Can be used over a sleeping bag | Move to Transition Swaddle (Stage 2) | All ergo Cocoon can have arms in or out | No | Can wrap one wing under the arm but this will stretch wrap | Can have arms in or out | Use arms out once baby shows signs of starting to roll |
| How does it stay secure? | Arm flaps & wrap around | Zip | Zip | Zip | Velcro on wings | Zip | Designed like a sock |
| Organic? | No | Some styles | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Buggy Slot | No | No | No | No | Yes - but need to unwrap to take out of buggy | No | No |
| Ease of nappy changing | Average - easiest if you unwrap | Average - can keep top wrapped | Average - can keep top wrapped | Easier to unwrap first | Best wrap for easy changing | Easy - can open zipper at the base and leave arms swaddled | Easy - open the flap at the base of the swaddle |
| Extras | - | Hip Harness designed swaddle available | Hip Harness designed swaddle available | - | - | Best for allergies - Uses Amicor Pure – a hypoallergenic fibre approved by Allergy UK to aid prevention of asthma and eczema. | World first design. Award winning design & safety |
| More info | Buy Miracle Blanket > | View the Love to Dream range > | View Ergopouch Swaddles > | View The Sleep Store swaddles > | View the SwaddleMe range > | View Purflo swaddles > | /collections/swaddelini |
What size square/flat swaddle should I buy?
The standard size for baby wraps sold in baby shops is about 80cm x 80cm. We believe this is too small to wrap even a newborn baby, and it is the main reason most babies escape from their swaddle and wake up.
Newborn:
We recommend a minimum size of 1m x 1m. This will enable you to use our swaddling instructions effectively and wrap your baby securely. This size will fit well up to about 3 months.
Over 2 months:
If you are buying new wraps once your baby is over 3 months, choose at least 120cm x 120cm.
Which fabric should I buy for a flat/square swaddle?
Muslin:
The most commonly used fabric for wrapping is lightweight muslin. While this is very cool, it's also the hardest fabric to wrap effectively with, as the loose weave seems to slip open as soon as baby wriggles. However, in warmer climates and the middle of summer, muslin is often still the most appropriate. You can increase the effectiveness of muslin by using a large wrap and buying good-quality muslin swaddles.Â
Stretch cotton:
This is the easiest fabric to wrap securely with. Stretch cotton is suitable for use year-round and for babies of all sizes.
Merino:
This is perfect for swaddling newborns as it helps regulate your baby's temperature. However, merino is stretchier than stretch cotton and can be hard to keep really firmly wrapped once babies are stronger and wigglier. A square merino wrap is really handy for a light blanket or pram blanket once you are no longer swaddling, so they are highly versatile.
