When it comes to buying swaddles, some parents may feel overwhelmed with how many they need. Swaddles are a great way to help soothe your baby and can be used in a number of different ways.
Most babies will sleep better when they are swaddled, and it can also help with colic and reflux. Here are a few tips on how many swaddles you need.
What Is a Swaddle?
A swaddle is a piece of cloth that is wrapped around a baby to keep them warm and secure. Swaddling has been proven to help babies sleep longer and better. Most experts recommend swaddling a baby for the first 3-4 months of their life.
How Many Baby Swaddles Do I Need?
The answer to that question depends on a few factors. How many swaddles you need depends on how often you plan to use them.
If you will be using them every day, you will need at least 2-3 swaddles.
Even if one needs to go in the laundry due to accidents or spit ups, you will have another one available.
Receiving Blanket Vs. Swaddle
I have a great post that goes into depth about the difference between a receiving blanket and a swaddle. While they are both fabric blankets that can be used to cover a baby, they do have some differences.
Receiving blankets are typically large, square, or rectangular in shape and made from lightweight fabric like cotton or muslin.
A swaddle blanket is a smaller, more compact version of a traditional blanket that can be made with winged sides, closures, or snaps to secure the sides around your baby.
Another thing to consider is that due to its larger size, a receiving blanket can be used until the baby outgrows it. It then can be used for other things such as a nursing cover or on the floor as a tummy time mat.
On the other hand, swaddles will only be used for a short period of time because babies are not swaddled forever. They are specially sized to fit your baby through specific months, for example, 0-3 months, 3-6 months.
Swaddle Velcro Blanket
A swaddle velcro blanket is a soft fabric blanket that has Velcro on one or more edges. This type of blanket is designed to help parents and caregivers securely wrap their baby.
It takes the guess work out of traditional swaddling because you don’t have to figure out what goes where. It’s essentially foolproof!
One of the most popular velcro swaddle blankets is the Swaddle Me. This swaddle is made with extra-soft 100% cotton and comes in a wide variety of colors.
Muslin Swaddle Blanket
When you get a muslin swaddle blanket it will just open up to a square or rectangle shape. You will have to know how to swaddle your baby in it, following a few short steps.
To swaddle your baby, spread a blanket out flat and fold one corner down.
Lay your baby face-up on the blanket with head above the folded corner.
Straighten the baby’s left arm and wrap the left corner of the blanket over their body and tuck it between the right arm and right side of their body.
Fold the bottom of the blanket on their body, making sure their hips and legs can move freely; then tuck their right arm down and fold the right corner of the blanket over their body under their left side.
Are Weighted Swaddles Safe?
The use of weighted blankets and swaddles has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to provide sensory input and calm babies.
While there is anecdotal evidence that weighted blankets and swaddles can be helpful for some infants, there is limited research on the safety and efficacy of these products.
Please contact your child’s pediatrician before purchasing a weighted swaddle or sleep blanket for a child under the age of 2.
Should I Pack A Swaddle In My Hospital Bag?
While there are many items that are essential for a new mom and baby, some people debate whether or not to pack a swaddle.
Some parents feel that if they have a nurse or provider who is able to perform the procedure with the hospital-provided blankets, then they may not need a swaddle.
Other parents may be more particular about the blanket type or plan to take baby pictures in the hospital while the baby is swaddled. In this case, you could always bring your own style you prefer.
In conclusion, it is best to have at least three swaddles on hand. This will give you enough for when your baby spits up, poops, or pees on one.
It is also important to have a backup plan in case of laundry accidents. Having a few extra swaddles can save the day and keep your baby happy and comfortable.
As with most things related to parenting, be sure to experiment a bit to see what works best for your baby.
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