What to choose? Swaddle vs Sleeping bag
How our babies sleep is one of the first concerns we have as parents when our little ones are born. We want them to be comfortable, warm and safe and with so many options on the market these days, it can be difficult to know where to begin. With that in mind we have looked at two of the most popular baby sleep products, so you can make a decision armed with all the information.
So, what are swaddles and what are sleeping bags? A swaddle is usually a soft breathable blanket that wraps a baby up entirely so their arms and legs are gently restricted from movement. Swaddling is a lovely way of helping newborns feel calm, secure and sleepy. Of course, this may not be true for all babies and some may prefer the freedom a sleep bag will provide. A sleeping bag is a wearable blanket with holes in the top for your little one’s head and arms and is designed to keep baby at a safe temperature without hampering movement.
See below for the pros and cons below of each,
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Swaddles |
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Pros |
Cons |
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Less expensive |
Can be tricky to master technique |
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Adaptable Size |
**Incorrect swaddling can be dangerous |
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*Suppresses the Moro reflex |
You must stop swaddling when baby starts to show signs of trying to roll over |
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Sleeping bags |
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Pros |
Cons |
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Easier to use: zips/poppers |
***Cannot be used until baby reaches certain weight |
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Various sizes available |
****Many brands on the market |
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Various togs available |
Can be expensive |
*The Moro reflex is a baby’s response to, for example, a loud noise or sudden loss of support which can startle little ones into waking up. It’s characterised by baby throwing their head back, extending their arms and legs outstretched and crying, before bringing their arms and legs back in. Swaddling can help to reduce this by suppressing the reflex and making them feel safe.
**Follow safety guidelines to ensure correct and safe swaddling, https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/swaddling-slings/
***When looking for sleeping bags, check the manufacturers minimum baby weight/length requirement.
****Ensure the sleep bag complies to the British safety standard BS EN 16781: 2018.
Both options can be used when appropriate, it does not need to be exclusively one or the other. Some parents may choose to swaddle a newborn and transition into a sleeping bag when their baby has gained weight. For both options it is important that you do not use any additional bedding to cover your baby.
Whatever you choose, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines, https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/
and enjoy losing hours watching your little one sleep ☺
