Which is better a swaddle or a sleeping bag?

You’ve just brought home your tiny new bundle of joy and you are surrounded by baby paraphernalia. You’ve read all the books and you’ve had all the advice from well-wishing family and friends, but there are still a lot of questions you may feel you don’t have all the answers to.

One is should you swaddle your baby or use a sleeping bag, what’s the difference? What is safest to use?

What is a swaddle?

Swaddling your baby has been a practice for centuries. It involves securely wrapping your baby in a soft blanket to mimic the feel of restricted movement in the womb to help them settle and feel safe and secure.

It has been proven that swaddling can help your baby sleep for longer periods of time, because of the secureness of the blanket controlling the startle reflex that often wakes newborns. Swaddling can also help your baby to self-soothe in those early days, as they feel safe and secure all wrapped up.

There are some points to consider when swaddling your baby. Swaddling too tight can sometimes lead to hip problems, if you are already aware of any hip issues such as hip dysplasia, it is best to consult with a doctor before swaddling your baby just to make sure it is safe to do so. Because the baby is wrapped up in a blanket it is advised to be cautious about how many layers your baby has on, babies are still adapting to controlling their own body temperature and too many layers could lead to overheating.

It is also advised to avoid putting swaddled babies to sleep on their side or front to avoid the risk of SIDs.

How to find the right swaddle blanket

There are lots of different blankets on the market and it can be daunting to find the best one for your needs.

Most of the products on the market will give you the information you need like the Lulujo swaddle blankets. The size is important as it needs to be large enough to easily swaddle your baby.

The material of your swaddle blanket is also important, as it is recommended that a breathable material is used such as cotton or muslin to avoid overheating. The material also needs to be comfortable and soft enough to let your baby move their knees freely.

There are many different swaddling technics, but they can be tricky to get your head around! Thanks to modern-day designs, there are now swaddling blankets available on the market which means you do not need to master the art of swaddling. Some of the modern blankets now come with zips or velcro which are easier to get on and off.

What is a baby sleeping bag?

A baby sleeping bag is more like a padded body suit with arms and head holes designed to make it easy to take your baby in and out of. They can be used from birth and make those late-night nappy changes easier whilst ensuring your baby is always cosy and warm. A sleeping bag can be a safer option than a loose blanket as it will not ride up over your baby’s head.

They are also a great progression once your baby begins to be more mobile and starts to roll over, as they allow their legs and arms to be free enough to re-position themselves.

Baby sleeping bags come in different TOGs for different times of the year and most will show you what TOG is recommended for what temperature.

How to find the right sleeping bag

Sleeping bags are a great way to ensure your baby stays warm and cosy throughout the night and during nap times. They are easy to put on and remove and stop the need for loose blankets that can sometimes cause risks.

Again, there are plenty of options on the market, but most suppliers like ergo Pouch, will provide a guide to all their sleeping bags to advise you of what temperature and conditions to use them in.

When looking for the ideal sleeping bag it is important to note the material they are made from. They still need to be a breathable fabric and it is also recommended that the material is flame retardant.

As well as different TOGs, sleeping bags will come in different sizes, ranging from Tiny Baby up to 2-6 years It is advised to get the correct size for your baby, although it may seem tempting to get one they can grow into, sleeping bags that are too large can ride up over your baby’s face, which can be dangerous so they need to fit correctly around the neck, arms and torso.

Which is better?

There are benefits to both swaddling and sleeping bags and like with most decisions in parenting you may need to do a bit of trial and error before deciding on the best route for you and your baby.
Some babies do not like being swaddled at all and will be much happier with a bit more freedom, whilst some can’t get enough of being wrapped up securely. As your baby starts to grow out of the startle reflex, they may not need to be wrapped up so much, so you may find a natural progression to a sleeping bag from that point.

Once your baby starts to move and roll over it's time to ditch the swaddle to allow them their newly found movement.