Choosing the Best Swaddle for Your Baby: A Complete Guide 

Why a Bamboo Swaddle Blanket Belongs in Every Parent’s Diaper Bag

A baby’s early days are filled with warmth, love, and gentle cuddles. In those first moments when everything is new and unknown, a swaddle blanket serves a special purpose. It turns into something more than a blanket – it becomes a source of safety and comfort. It becomes a safe cocoon that will remind your baby of the familiar feeling of being in the womb. It will be one of the most soothing things in the world. As you can see, it’s very important to find the right blanket because it will make life easier for you.

 

If you’re a first-time mom wondering whether swaddling is a good fit for you and your baby, you’ve come to the right place. Read our guide to learn about the benefits of swaddling, tips on how to do it safely, and how to pick the perfect swaddle blanket – the one that soothes your little one, supports their sleep, and makes every moment even sweeter. Finally, we’ll talk about why you should choose a bamboo swaddle for your little one.

MA-MA NYC: Bamboo Swaddle Blankets Designed by Moms, Loved by Babies

At MA-MA NYC, we believe that motherhood should be embraced, celebrated, and supported every step of the way. That’s why we strive to make all moms feel empowered, appreciated, and never alone. From designing ultra-soft bamboo swaddles, onesies, and maternity robes to community-led initiatives, we wholeheartedly support moms and their babies in everything that we do. Our goal is to offer cozy and durable pieces and make those early days a lot more special and memorable. But our mission doesn’t stop at fantastic products. We support local projects that remind every mom that she is doing an incredible job. Because at the heart of it all, when moms are acknowledged, they feel “seen”. Ultimately, this appreciation drives them to nurture their babies even deeper. Visit MA-MA NYC online shop to shop our OEKO-TEX® Certified bamboo products for moms and babies. 

The Magic of Swaddling: What It Is and How It Affects Infants

Swaddling is an age-old technique that helps infants feel safe and comforted. Wrapping your baby in a soft, breathable blanket simulates the warmth and coziness of the womb. This gentle embrace helps ease the transition into the new world slowly and carefully. It also calms startle reflexes and encourages better sleep – for both baby and mom. 

The Benefits 

Swaddling is a fantastic way to surround a baby with womb-like coziness, comfort, and solace during those precious first couple of months of their lives. With the perfect swaddle blanket, your newborn will feel the love and security they need for healthy growth and development.

  • Improves sleep – Swaddling improves sleep in two ways: first, it mimics the womb’s environment and soothes the infant to sleep. Secondly, it limits arm movement and reduces the risk of waking due to startle (or Moro) reflex. 
  • Calms a fussy, crying baby – When the baby is crying, check whether they are hungry or need a diaper change. Oftentimes babies are fussy because they are tired or need reassurance and crying is their only way to communicate to you. If this is the case, you can try several soothing methods - swaddling, gentle rocking, baby massage, soft talking, lullabies, or white noise. These techniques effectively calm an overstimulated infant by recreating familiar sensations. 
  • Reduces sleep disruptions – When a baby can’t sleep through the night and has frequent sleep disruptions, their overall well-being is negatively affected. Lack of sleep can affect their immune system, cause negative emotions, moodiness, weight issues, and decrease brain development. Wrapping your baby snuggly helps them feel more secure and safe, so they tend to sleep longer and better. 
  • Improves bonding – When done correctly, swaddling provides consistent gentle pressure, which has a calming effect on the baby, giving both of you opportunity to focus on bonding and get immersed in loving moments.

How to Choose the Perfect Swaddle Blanket for Your Newborn

The right swaddle should feel like an extension of your love – it should be comforting, soft like a cloud, and breathable. Currently, there are a lot of options on the market, so how do you find the right one?  You must take into account several factors, like size, material, and main features, in order to find the perfect one. 

Choose the right size

Traditional swaddle blankets come in different sizes, so before you purchase one, it’s important to find one that fits your baby’s age and weight. Ideally, it should be in a square from, no less than 40” x 40”. These dimensions should ensure good folding and a snug fit. 

 

If your newborn is tiny, you may need a small size (30” x 30”), but most babies need standard size swaddle (40” x 40”). This size swaddle can also be used for other purposes (such as nursing cover, a stroller blanket or a bath towel). 

Choosing the right fabric

The fabric of a swaddle blanket plays a crucial role in your baby’s comfort, safety, and sleep quality. Not all materials are created equal, some are ultra-soft and breathable, while others may trap heat or irritate delicate skin. Below are the most common materials used for swaddles and their key characteristics.

1. Cotton Muslin
  • Lightweight and breathable – A common choice for swaddles, muslin cotton is soft, airy, and allows for good airflow, helping regulate body temperature.
  • Becomes coarse over time – While initially soft, muslin can stiffen after multiple washes, requiring extra care to maintain its texture.

2. Cotton Jersey
  • Soft and stretchy – Made from knitted cotton, jersey swaddles are flexible and provide a slight stretch, making them easy to wrap snugly around your baby.
  • Can trap heat – Compared to muslin, cotton jersey is heavier and less breathable, which may not be ideal for warmer climates.

3. Linen
  • Durable and long-lasting – Linen is known for its strength and ability to withstand frequent use. It is lightweight yet sturdy, making it a good option for durability.
  • Rougher texture – Unlike softer fabrics like bamboo or cotton, linen has a naturally coarse feel, which may be irritating for a baby’s delicate skin.

4. Wool
  • Warm and insulating – Wool swaddle blankets are excellent for cold weather, keeping babies warm in winter months.
  • Can be itchy & overheat baby – Wool is not ideal for sensitive skin, as it can cause irritation and may lead to overheating in moderate temperatures.

5. Synthetic Blends (Polyester, Fleece, Minky)
  • Warm and insulating – Wool swaddle blankets are excellent for cold weather, keeping babies warm in winter months.
  • Can be itchy & overheat baby – Wool is not ideal for sensitive skin, as it can cause irritation and may lead to overheating in moderate temperatures.

Why Bamboo Is the Best Choice for Your Baby

A newborn’s skin is delicate and highly sensitive, elevating the significance of fabric selection like never before. Many babies are prone to rashes, eczema, and contact dermatitis, so the material that touches their skin daily must be gentle, breathable, and safe.

 

Bamboo stands out as the ideal fabric for swaddle blankets due to its incredible softness, breathability, and durability. Unlike traditional cotton or muslin, bamboo’s silky fibers offer a luxurious feel without irritating your baby’s skin.

Benefits of Bamboo Swaddle Blankets
  • Ultra-Soft & Gets Softer Over Time – Bamboo feels like a cloud against your baby’s skin and becomes even softer with every wash.
  • Naturally Breathable & Temperature-Regulating – Helps keep your baby warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the risk of overheating.
  • Hypoallergenic & Antibacterial – Ideal for babies with sensitive skin or allergies, as bamboo naturally repels bacteria and dust mites.
  • Durable & Long-Lasting – Bamboo swaddle blankets maintain their quality and shape after repeated washes.
  • Eco-Friendly & Sustainable – Bamboo is grown without pesticides and requires far less water than cotton, making it a more sustainable choice for the planet.

For the safest, most comfortable, and longest-lasting swaddle, bamboo is the clear winner. It provides unmatched softness, superior breathability, and long-term durability, ensuring your baby stays happy, comfortable, and protected every time they’re wrapped in it.

Certification

When choosing baby clothing, look for products with certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX®. These labels verify that fabrics are safe, sustainable, responsibly made, and free from harmful chemicals. 

  • OEKO-TEX® – This certification denotes that the material is safe from harmful substances and can be used for making baby clothing and accessories. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 guarantees that every part of the product (including buttons, zippers, threads) is safe for human use. 
  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – GOTS is global certification for organic textile processing and trade. Products with this certificate meet strict standards and are manufactured in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. 

Main features 

Seek fibers with features that make swaddling enjoyable and practical, such as:

  • Stretchiness – A little stretch creates a snug, but comfortable fit. 
  • Durability – Pick durable materials which endure frequent washes.
  • Safety – Natural, breathable materials prevent overheating.
  • Ease of use – If you find traditional swaddling too complicated, check out swaddle sacks or wraps with Velcro.

Swaddle Blanket vs. Sleep Sack vs. Traditional Wrap: Which One is Best for Your Baby?

Choosing the right sleep solution for your newborn can be overwhelming. Each option - swaddle blankets, sleep sacks, and traditional wraps has its own benefits and drawbacks. The table below compares these three choices based on ease of use, safety, sleep quality, temperature regulation, and suitability by age to help you make the best decision.
Feature Swaddle Blanket Sleep Sack Traditional Wrap
Ease of Use Requires practice; needs folding and tucking Easiest option with zippers, Velcro, or snaps Can be tricky to secure; may come undone
Best for Age Newborns (0-3 months) 3 months and up (for babies who start rolling) Newborns (0-3 months), but harder to master
Safety Safe when wrapped properly; should allow hip movement Safe as arms are free; reduces suffocation risks Can loosen during sleep, posing safety concerns
Sleep Quality Mimics the womb, reducing startle reflex Allows free movement while keeping baby warm Mimics the womb, but improper wrapping may disrupt sleep
Temperature Regulation Breathable options available (e.g., bamboo) Typically sleeveless, ideal for different climates Varies by material; improper use may overheat baby
Versatility Can be used as a blanket, nursing cover, stroller shade Primarily used for sleeping Mainly used for swaddling
Recommended For Babies who need a snug feel for better sleep Babies transitioning from swaddling; active sleepers Parents who want a traditional, snug wrap

How to Wrap a Baby in 4 Steps

Swaddling is very easy to do, there’s no need to be worried! Here’s how to do it properly in 4 simple steps: 

  • Step 1 – Fold one corner of the swaddle down and place baby’s head above the fold.
  • Step 2 – Fold baby’s hands down and wrap one side of the blanket over the body.   
  • Step 3 – Tuck the blanket and fold the swaddle up from the bottom. 
  • Step 4 – Wrap the other side snuggly around baby and tuck to create a firm hold. 

Should You Always Swaddle a Baby with Their Arms Tucked In?

Swaddling is a comforting and soothing practice for newborns, but every baby is unique! While many newborns sleep better with their arms snugly tucked in, others may prefer having one or both arms free, especially as they grow.

When to Swaddle with Arms In:
  • Newborns (0-2 months): Swaddling with arms tucked in can help reduce the startle reflex, promoting better sleep. ​
  • Non-rolling infants: It's safe to swaddle with arms in as long as your baby shows no signs of rolling over. 

When to Transition to Arms Out:
  • Signs of rolling: Begin transitioning to arms-out swaddling when your baby starts showing signs of rolling over, which can occur as early as 2 months. This reduces the risk of suffocation if they roll onto their stomach while swaddled. ​ 
  • Self-soothing: Some babies prefer having their hands free for self-soothing. If your baby resists swaddling or frequently breaks free, consider swaddling with one or both arms out. 

Recommended Products by MA-MA NYC

The right swaddle should feel like an extension of your love – it should be comforting, soft like a cloud, and breathable. Currently, there are a lot of options on the market, so how do you find the right one?  You must take into account several factors, like size, material, and main features, in order to find the perfect one. 

Bamboo Swaddle Blanket

Bamboo swaddle blanket by MA-MA NYC is a traditional swaddle blanket. This super soft, lightweight, stretchy blanket is perfect for wrapping up your baby and taking those cute hospital pictures. 

  • Material: OEKO-TEX® Certified Bamboo
  • Size: 40”x 40” 
  • Styles: Lilly, Blue Jasmine, Bluebell, Cotton Flower, Magnolia
  • Care: Machine wash cold gentle cycle. Line dry.

Knotted Bamboo Onesies

If your baby doesn’t like being wrapped up, check out our Knotted bamboo onesies . They are made from huggable soft bamboo fabric without any zippers, snaps, or buttons. It’s an alternative to sleep sacks, but much more convenient. A simple tie closure design makes late-night diaper changes and outfit switches quick and easy.

  • Material: Bamboo
  • Size: One size fits baby 5 – 15 lbs.
  • Styles: Cotton Flower and Lilly 
  • Care: Machine wash cold gentle cycle. Air drying recommended. 

Matching Swaddle with Accessories 

As you have seen, swaddle blankets are very practical, but they are also chic and very trendy! Many moms wrap their babies in bamboo swaddle blankets for their first photo shoots or gender reveals after birth. If you are planning on taking gorgeous photos and want to accessorize your baby’s swaddle outfit, pair it with a matching hat (beanie) or a bow. You can even get a matching maternity robe to complete the picture-perfect look and make the whole occasion a little more special.

When Should I Stop Swaddling My Baby? 

While swaddling helps infants calm down and sleep better in the first few months. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises to stop swaddling as soon as the baby shows signs of attempting to roll over, which typically happens between 2 and 4 months of age. 

 

Rolling over is a developmental milestone which happens when infant has enough strength in their neck and upper body. Ultimately it progresses to sitting, crawling, and walking. Early signs that baby is ready to roll over include: 

  • rocking side to side while on their tummy or back, 
  • lifting their head during tummy time, 
  • lifting their chest, 
  • arching their back. 

Keep in mind that each infant develops at their own pace. There are also those who roll straight over, so pay close attention to your baby’s movements to catch early signs of learning to roll over. 

As your baby grows and develops their motor skills, they may begin to break out of the blanket. A loose blanket in baby’s crib is a sleep hazard and it is critical to stop wrapping your newborn immediately.

Fortunately, the versatility of a swaddle blanket means it can still be used in various ways, such as a stroller cover, a surface for diaper changes, or even as a towel, ensuring its usefulness continues beyond swaddling.

Safety Guidelines 

You must follow official safety recommendations to reduce risks of sleep-related injuries. Safe sleep guidelines by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) include the following:

  • Have infant sleep on their back, on a flat and firm surface
  • Leave their face and head uncovered. They need to be able to breathe freely
  • Don’t overdress the baby 
  • Make enough room for natural hip movement to avoid hip dysplasia
  • Remove loose bedding (blankets, nonfitted sheets) and other soft objects from the sleep area
  • Avoid using weighted swaddles 
  • Set room temperature between 68° and 72°F (20° to 22.2°C) 
  • The baby should sleep close to the parents’ bed, on a separate surface for babies, for at least 6 months. 
  • Stop swaddling when you see the first signs of rolling over 
  • Regularly check on your baby to ensure they are comfortable and not too cold or too hot 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is bamboo a good fabric as a swaddle blankets? 

Bamboo is soft, breathable, and wicks the moisture away from body. It’s also exceptionally durable and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for baby apparel and nursery bedding and textiles. 

How do I wash bamboo swaddle blanket?

Machine wash cold on gentle cycle using mild, baby-safe detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach because they can irritate skin and damage the fabrics. For best results, air dry or tumble dry on low. 

Does bamboo fabric shrink after washing?

Bamboo fabric has minimal shrinkage when washed properly. To maintain its size, shape, and softness, follow manufacturer’s care instructions.

What’s the difference between a sleep sack and a swaddle blanket? 

Although they both serve to soothe the baby, their design is different. A swaddle is a square-shaped cloth that is snugly wrapped around a baby’s arms and legs. It’s typically used for the first 3 or 4 months of baby’s life as a swaddle. After the first few months, you can continue to use the swaddle blanket in various ways, while breastfeeding, as a stroller cover, a surface for diaper changes, or a towel, ensuring its usefulness continues beyond swaddling.

 

Babies’ arms are free in a sleep sack. It is a type of wearable blanket which comes in different sizes, so it can be used for kids of various ages. However, since it does not fit snugly, it doesn’t soothe the startle reflex effectively and it’s only has one purpose.

How do I know if a swaddle is too small?

If you can’t comfortably fit two fingers between the blanket and your baby’s chest, the swaddle is too small, and you should choose a larger size. 

How many swaddle blankets do I need? 

You will need at least three blankets - one in use, one in the wash, and one extra (in case of spills or diaper accidents). Depending on your laundry schedule and your baby's requirements, you may want to buy even more. 

How should I dress my baby under a swaddle? 

Newborns, especially preemies, have less body fat and do not develop their thermoregulation system until about six months old. It’s best to dress your baby in a light layer beneath a swaddle. The AAP recommends ‘a newborn should wear one layer more than you. 

How do I know if my baby is too hot or too cold?

Touch their ears or neck to see if they are too hot or too cold under a swaddle. Hot (and red) ears or  sweaty neck are signs that your baby is too hot and you should remove a layer of clothing or cool down room temperature. If your baby’s ears and neck are cold, add an extra layer of clothing.

Do I have to swaddle my baby every time they go to sleep? 

This is a matter of personal preference. You don’t have to do it every time; however, since all kids (and babies in particular) prefer consistency,  it’s better to continue with the same routine. It will signal it’s time to relax and sleep. 

Is it ok not to swaddle my baby? 

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to skip swaddling. If your baby can self-soothe and sleeps comfortably without being wrapped, you don’t have to use this technique. 

How to transition a baby out of a swaddle?

It’s best to do it gradually and slowly. Begin by leaving one arm free, allowing your baby to adjust to freedom of movement. After a few nights, switch to the other arm. Gradually loosen the swaddle and use other soothing techniques to help your baby adjust. Remember to be patient and consistent and follow your baby’s pace.