BABY SLEEP PRODUCTS: HOW DO YOU CHOOSE?

This specific baby sleep post is about swaddles and blankets, and what worked for us!

Key Notes About Sleep according to the AAP:

• Swaddling is believed to make baby feel safe and secure, like she did in the womb, and it helps prevent the moro, or startle, reflex - the flailing of arms or legs. 
• A swaddled baby should ALWAYS be put to sleep on their back on a firm sleep surface.
• Swaddle snugly, but not too snugly (to prevent hip dysplasia)
• Ideal room temperature is 68 - 72 degrees.
• Stop swaddling once baby begins to roll.
• Babies should not use a loose blanket until after age 1.

Newborn to about 3.5 months:

We initially tried to swaddle Brooke with swaddle blankets, like they taught us in our newborn class. DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME!

Use a swaddle product! **One tip, if possible, is to borrow these different products from friends to find what works best for your baby, before you buy.

We tried the Summer Infant SwaddleMe, however, the small/medium size fits babies up to 3 months, and it was too loose for tiny Brooke.

Then we tried the Ollie Swaddle, and that was our winner! It’s adjustable in width (with Velcro straps) and length (with an elastic loop), so you only need one size. The elastic loop also allows for easier diaper changes (although we always took the whole thing off for diaper changes - Note: the velcro is LOUD.) You can also use the Ollie to transition to arms-out when your little one begins to roll.

3.5 months to 4months: Transitioning out of the swaddle when baby starts to roll. 

The moro reflex typically wanes by 4-5 months of age, usually when baby starts rolling over. The number one sign to stop swaddling is when baby starts rolling over, because a swaddled baby should NEVER sleep facedown. 

This is when we switched to the Zippadee Zip, a “flying squirrel” shaped sack, which is safe to use long past when your baby starts to roll. “It offers babies who can roll over a greater range of motion while still providing some of the snuggyness of a more traditional swaddle” (Quoted from Lucie’s List). It also keeps baby’s hands warm all night, and prevents baby from scratching their faces (or sucking their thumbs). The best part, it’s easy to go to a sleep sack after this, no more transitions! 

4 months to now: Brooke now uses wearable blankets. They helps baby stay warm without bunching around her face, minimizing the risk of suffocation or strangulation.

Our current favorite is the Burt’s Bees Sleep Sack. It is the same price as Halo’s Sleep Sack, but the material is softer, and the zipper is lined with fabric.

Tip: we always have at least 2 of anything we use for sleep - sheets, swaddle, wearable blanket, etc. That way you have a back up if one is dirty, or accidentally left at the grandparent’s.

Every baby is different, and what works for one baby often does not work for another. What have you guys used, and what do you love?