When I was expecting my first baby, I remember being so concerned about having enough swaddle blankets. It could have been because I was in a completely neurotic nesting phase, but it also could be because everyone tells you how important swaddling is for a newborn!
But the only problem is there are about a million options to choose from and no way to know which one is going to get the job done the best.
One of the biggest head scratchers when it comes to swaddles is the fabric. What is the difference between muslin, jersey, bamboo cotton, and what about organic fabrics...? And how does it help me roll my baby up like a little burrito?
Well, this post is here to help you solve the riddle of the swaddle fabric and choose which one is best for you and your babe to keep them wrapped up tight!
Cotton Muslin
Cotton muslin is arguably the most popular option for swaddle blankets because it is naturally super soft and durable, and gets even softer the more it is used and washed. Muslin itself is a fabric with a super fine weave and can be made out of all sorts of material, but most commonly made of cotton.
Aden and Anais uses 100% cotton muslin for their swaddles. They call it the "most perfect fabric in the world" and parents love them because they're lightweight and super breathable to make sure babe stays cool when they're being swaddled. Little Unicorn also has tons of great options in this perfect swaddling fabric.
Loulou Lollipop Swaddle Blanket- Mudcloth Taupe Almond
Bamboo
Bamboo is an alternative to cotton, but often used in a cotton blend. Bamboo has been a new trend in swaddle blankets because it's naturally antibacterial. Bamboo swaddles have a longer weave than a traditional cotton swaddle, which makes them less irritating for baby's sensitive skin.
Loulou Lollipop uses 100% bamboo rayon for their swaddle blankets, which is a perfect blend of soft and stretchy! Milkbarn Kids swaddles are a bamboo rayon, cotton muslin blend for natural softness. They are also super durable.
Bamboo fabrics are also able to absorb and evaporate water much better than cotton, so they are naturally wick moisture away from baby to help with babe's temperature control when they're wrapped up.
Saranoni Bamboo Muslin Swaddle
Jersey
Mamas looking for something with a lot of stretch in their swaddles will probably love jersey! Generally, they are just a cotton swaddle that is blended with a rayon or polyester to give it a silky stretchy softness.
Copper Pearl swaddles are a super large, stretchy knit that give you maximum coverage, and doubles as a great nursing cover because you can stretch it over both you and babe without anything popping out.
One of the main benefits of a jersey swaddle is that it has a little more structure, so it will usually stay in place or keep your little one in the proper swaddle position.
If you're worried about getting that right, or want to make sure your little Houdini doesn't break out, the Ollie World blankets have a velcro-like closure to keep them in place, and you can check out our helpful video, How to Swaddle Your Baby for tips on how to make sure babe is safely swaddled for bedtime.
For a more in-depth comparison on how jersey knit compares with muslin, check out this video where Cubby Mom Julie will walk you through everything you need to know!
Keeping your little one tightly swaddled, while still comfortable, is easy when you have so many great options to choose from. Whether your priority is a tight, stretchy wrap for bedtime, or a lightweight swaddle for daytime, playtime or naps, you can be sure to find the right fabric and blanket for your babe!