How to Choose a Swaddling Blanket

Swaddling newborn babies helps them to feel secure and at home, considering they spent many months cramped in the womb. While babies many struggle during the swaddling process, they almost always calm down quickly once they are actually swaddled. Not all blankets for swaddling are created equal. Choosing the right swaddling blanket will make all the difference in your ability to swaddle your newborn baby. Follow these tips for choosing a swaddling blanket to reduce fussiness and increase sound sleeping time for your newborn baby.

Shape. A good swaddling blanket should be square in shape. If you try swaddling with a rectangular blanket you will find that you end up with a lot of extra fabric you don't need. The tighter you can get the swaddle, the better, so choose a square swaddling blanket for a clean, tight swaddle of your newborn baby.

Size. The size of the blanket you choose to swaddle your baby with is important. A blanket that is too large will be bulky and difficult to tighten around the baby's body. Choose a "receiving blanket" for swaddling your baby with. The standard swaddling blankets hospitals use are the perfect size for just about all little ones, regardless of their specific weight and length.

Stretch. The best swaddling blankets for effectively swaddling your baby are those that have a little stretch to them. The stretch of the fabric allows you to pull the fabric taut around your baby's body. Slightly stretchable fabric is also important in a swaddling blanket because it tends to stay put even against struggling little arms and legs. Stretchable fabric is also breathable which will help keep your newborn from getting too hot.

Style. There are plenty of specific swaddling blankets on the market these days. These swaddling blankets feature little pockets for your newborn's legs and "wings" to wrap around her arms securely. These swaddling blankets may even employ Velcro to secure them in place. If you are really having trouble getting the hang of swaddling, an actual swaddling blanket may be an option for you. For most parents, however, a simple receiving blanket of the appropriate size, shape, and stretch will work perfectly to swaddle your little one.

Swaddling saved my sanity as a new mother. My colicky son was constantly crying and rarely slept. Swaddling really cut down on the crying and helped him to sleep longer hours. Try the four "S"s of choosing a swaddling blanket and see if this tried and true method of calming a newborn works for you.