If you’re looking to go back to basics with a traditional swaddle blanket, the Aden and Anais classic gets our vote as the best swaddle to buy. There are dozens of pretty designs available to suit just about every nursery theme – we particularly like the space explorers and natural history prints.
Our reviewer Joyce tested swaddles from Aden and Anais Boutique range, which feature Green Dot initiative-certified, recyclable packaging and a promise that the fabric is free from azo chemical compounds.
Our reviewer was surprised at how much she liked the old-school swaddle blankets. ‘'It took two seconds to wrap Noah up,’ Joyce explains. ‘I also liked the fact that the cloth was made of a breathable fabric and had multiple uses.’
Many new parents are intimidated by blanket swaddles because they seem overly complicated, but Joyce got the hang of hers quickly. ‘It was much easier to use than I first imagined,’ she says. ‘I’ll be honest, I thought swaddle cloths were a thing of the past due to the fact that they’re supposedly so hard to use. But it turned out to be much simpler than some overengineered swaddles that involve fiddling with both zippers and velcro.’
However, you’ll want to spend a little time getting the knack of swaddling with a blanket to avoid the fabric coming undone. But the Aden and Anais site has a handy video guide to swaddling. ‘If you swaddle the baby properly, it will stay in place,’ says Joyce. ‘Mine stayed in place 4 out of 5 times. I don't think that's a big issue as long as you use it correctly.’
Remember, it’s important to leave your baby enough room to get their legs into a ‘froggy position’ to ensure hip health. For further guidance on this, check out the International Hip Dysplasia’s best practices for swaddling with a blanket.
Comfort and features
When it comes to design, swaddle blankets are as simple as it gets: you simply use a large square cloth to snugly wrap up a little one like a baby burrito. Aden and Anais’ blankets are made from luxe 100% cotton muslin - a gentle fabric that has been used since the Middle Ages.
But the stylish prints are what make Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets really stand out. ‘I really liked that this swaddle was pretty enough for a newborn photoshoot,’ says Joyce.
Not all of them are childish – many wouldn’t look out of place on a pretty scarf or tote. There are also themed swaddles available for fans of everything from Harry Potter to Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh to Wonder Woman.
