Sleep Solutions - Swaddles and Wraps

Which swaddle or wrap is best for your baby?

Choose well for better sleep

Swaddling your newborn helps calm, relax and settle your baby, ready to sleep. A swaddled newborn will generally fall asleep more easily and sleep for longer. This is because newborns are still used to the warm, tight feel of the womb. Newborns also have a startle reflex – really big twitches of the hands and arms that can wake your baby. Swaddling gently snuggles your baby’s arms in to keep them snoozing peacefully.

Choosing the right swaddle or wrap depends on your baby’s preferences and the time of year. Some swaddles may be one-size-fits-all, designed to use from newborn through to infant sleeping bag. Others fit a specific size, and you’ll need to change the size as your baby grows. For these wraps, it’s much safer to get one that fits your child now – not one that they’ll grow into. The extra fabric can get in the way of your child’s movement, and may also increase the risk of SIDS.

Follow our guide to understand what’s right for your newborn.

Which wrap is right for you?

There are two main types of wraps: fitted wraps, and traditional swaddles. The right one will depend on your preferences, and what works best for your baby.

Fitted wraps

Fitted wraps make swaddling a newborn easier. They’re also more secure – very important if your baby is a wriggler! Dimples has two types of fitted wraps:

  • Snuggle Wrap

The Dimples Snugglewrap is perfect for a newborn who loves to be cocooned with arms down. Its unique design means it can be used safely in the crib, pushchair or car seat, for babies up to six months old. The Snuggle Wrap comes in one size and will adapt to your baby as it grows.

  • Sleep Pod

This Sleep Pod comes in two sizes: newborn and small (3 – 6 months). It has a zip up the front that makes it super easy to put on. There’s also easy access via the double-ended zip for nighttime nappy changes.

The Sleep Pod is designed for babies who prefer to sleep with their arms up, or those who like self-soothing by sucking on a hand or fist while sleeping. It allows for natural movement of the hips and arms, while still making your baby feel snug and comforted

Traditional wraps

Traditional wraps are large pieces of stretchy fabric. They are more versatile than fitted wraps, as they can also be used as shade cloth, feeding cover or blanket. They also grow with your baby, so you don’t need to buy more than one.

However, they are more difficult to use – learning to swaddle takes time, and it can be difficult to get the perfect fit, especially on a wriggly baby at 2 am. Dimples have Extra-large wraps, in both merino and organic cotton.

Cotton or merino?

Both cotton and merino fabrics are suitable for sleeping swaddles. Both are breathable, helping babies to regulate their temperature. Synthetic fabrics can lead to your baby overheating and sweating.

Merino wool can help naturally regulate your baby’s temperature, providing even warmth and wicking moisture away. This makes an excellent option year-round. During the hottest months you may prefer a cotton wrap. This can also be used in cooler weather over close-fitting wool pajamas.

The perfect wrap, better sleep

Finding the perfect wrap can make all the difference in those tricky early months. This may take some trial and error, as you learn about what works for you and your baby. If you’re confident using a traditional wrap, this will give you the most versatility. If you’re a relatively newcomer to swaddling, a fitted wrap might suit you better.

If your baby will arrive in the heat of summer, make sure you have a few cotton options on hand. For other times of the year, merino will work well.

Whatever you choose, nailing that perfectly wrapped baby burrito will make for an especially wonderful parenting moment – especially if your baby is asleep!