Swaddle & Receiving Blankets

The Best Baby Swaddle & Receiving Blankets

Swaddle blankets are the best-kept, not-so-secret secret of parenting during the first six months of birth. Time and time again, parents are amazed at the sleep-inducing and calming power of the swaddle, and for any new parents who need a few minutes of peace at bedtime, the swaddle blanket is the superhero of the first phase of parenting (with a good wipes warmer as a sidekick). 

We have a selection of many super-comfortable, highly rated swaddle and receiving blankets for your baby, and we put our own endorsement on all of them. 

Swaddle Blanket Safety

Swaddling your little one is a wonderful way to not only produce a happy baby, but to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). To learn more, visit the sleep page at healthychildren.org. Here’s how to safely swaddle your baby:

• It’s advised (strongly advised) that your baby always be put down lying on his or her back, never on the stomach. 
• Do not have any other blankets or toys in the crib w/ your baby. Your baby is safest in his or her crib, not in your bed or on the couch.
• Obviously, do not keep your crib near any smoking or chemicals.
• The swaddled baby may likely sleep longer and deeper—and thus be harder to arouse (which is, by definition, an increased risk for SIDS). Swaddled babies should be checked on more often and/or monitored.
• When your baby looks they are about to roll over (usually several months after birth), it’s time to stop swaddling. 

How to Swaddle Your Baby Correctly

• Spread the swaddle blanket out flat, with one corner folded down.
• Place your baby on their back into the blanket.
• Straighten your baby’s left arm, and wrap that corner of the blanket over your baby. Tuck this part between their right arm and their body. 
• Straighten your baby’s right arm, and wrap that corresponding part of the blanket around your baby, tucking it under his or her left side.
• Especially make sure that your baby can move their hips and legs to some degree. Wrapping this area too tightly can lead to hip dysplasia. 
• Watch carefully for any signs of overheating or rolling over, which can be dangerous to your child.

Choosing Your First Baby Blankets

When it comes to choosing which blankets to use, the choice in styles and colors is entirely up to you. What you should consider, however, is the average temperature of your home—if you like it warm, you may not want to choose a super-heavy swaddle blanket made for cooler temperatures. For much of the northern half of the USA, the thickness and type of swaddle material works around the seasons—if you are having your baby in summer, you’ll probably want a light swaddle blanket that isn’t too warm with the windows open. If you are having your baby during the winter months, you’ll probably want at least one warmer blanket, even if you keep your nursery on the warmer side. 

You’ll probably want to purchase an additional blanket or two for grandparents’ homes, especially if they babysit frequently or you make a lot of visits there.

Our Favorite Baby Swaddle Blankets and Receiving Blankets

The Aden + Anais Silky Soft Swaddles come with really beautiful designs. They combine breathability and versatility with 100% viscose made from bamboo, making these swaddle blankets perfect for baby's delicate skin. The silky soft baby swaddle can also be used as a stroller/pram cover, burp bib cloth, nursing cover, and more.

The Love To Dream Swaddle UP 50/50 Transition Bag allows you to transition your baby from being snuggly swaddled towards the independence of an INVENTA sleep bag (STAGE 3 in the Love To Dream™ Sleep System) with arms free.

Deals on Swaddle Blankets and Receiving Blankets at Albee Baby

We’re always trying to help make your parenting story a good one by discovering the best products on the market, testing them ourselves, talking with parents, doctors, and more. We do our best to make sure you’re getting the best price possible and can enjoy your baby gear for a long, long time. That’s why we’ve been in this business since 1933 (all family-owned) and plan to spend many more centuries doing the same thing. You are important to us, and we hope that our selection of swaddle blankets and receiving blankets is just what you are looking for.