Finding the ideal swaddle for your newborn becomes particularly challenging as summer unfurls its warmth and temperatures rise.
You want to keep your kiddo cozy and warm – but not too warm. The last thing you want is them overheating. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you uncover the best swaddle for summer 2024.
Our bamboo fabric swaddle is a buttery soft blend with a breathable, lightweight design that ensures your baby stays cool and comforted. Plus, its gently weighted design mimics your touch to help fend off baby separation anxiety. You’ll see better sleep in 1-3 nights, just like millions of other parents have.
Discover how our summer swaddle stands as the ultimate solution for those balmy nights, promising restful sleep for your little one and peace of mind for you!
Is it OK to Swaddle a Baby in the Summer?
Swaddling is a time-honored practice in nurturing newborn sleep, regardless of the season. In summer, however, it presents unique challenges and considerations. But before we get into all that, let’s quickly touch on why swaddling baby is beneficial in the first place.
The Benefits of Swaddling
You may be wondering…should I swaddle my newborn during the night? Well, it depends – do you want your child to sleep better so that you can too?
Swaddling helps soothe newborns, reducing wakefulness caused by the Moro reflex. It creates a womb-like environment, fostering deeper and more restful sleep.
Not only does it help you calm an overtired baby, but it can also help you maintain a consistent newborn sleep schedule or baby nap schedule. As you pull out your swaddle night in and night out, your child develops a positive sleep association with it. It’s a wonderful infant sleep aid.
The Challenges of Summer Swaddling
While there’s no denying the appeal of swaddling your baby, the heat of summer can complicate things. The primary concern with summer swaddling is the potential for overheating. Babies are less capable of regulating their body temperature, making them more susceptible to heat-related discomfort and risks.
Finding the balance between keeping a baby snugly swaddled and ensuring they are not too warm is crucial. This balance is particularly delicate during the warmer months.
But, this is where the best summer swaddle for newborn can save the day!
The Need for a Specially Designed Summer Swaddle
A summer swaddle is made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow for air circulation, reducing the risk of overheating. Features like moisture-wicking materials and less dense fabric are essential in a summer swaddle to keep the baby cool and comfortable.
The ideal summer swaddle should maintain the snugness and security that swaddling offers while ensuring the baby remains at a safe temperature throughout the night.
But, what should you look for in a swaddle specifically for summer? We’ll walk you through the most important considerations below. Then, we’ll unveil the best swaddle for summer 2024.
What Should You Look For in the Best Summer Swaddle For Newborns?
Selecting the best summer swaddle for newborns involves considering several key factors. From fabric choices to design features, here’s what you should keep in mind as you start shopping:
The Ideal Fabric for a Summer Swaddle
The fabric that touches your child’s skin is the most important consideration for obvious reasons. It should be soft against your baby’s delicate skin. Rough materials can cause irritation and discomfort, especially in the heat.
But beyond being skin safe, it must be breathable. The fabric should allow air to circulate freely to prevent overheating. Fabrics like lightweight cotton or bamboo blends are excellent choices as they offer superior breathability.
Of all the different swaddle types, though, we believe a bamboo rayon fabric blend to be the best choice for summer months specifically. It’s very lightweight and breathable, with a low TOG rating.
TOG, or Thermal Overall Grade, measures the thermal insulation of a garment. For summer swaddles, a lower TOG rating is desirable, typically around 0.5 to 1.0. This low TOG rating ensures the swaddle provides enough warmth without causing overheating, making it ideal for warmer climates and seasons.
Look for materials that wick away moisture, too. This is crucial in summer to keep your baby dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of heat rashes. A good summer swaddle should withstand frequent washing without losing its shape or comfort. This means choosing a fabric that is both soft and durable.
However, the fabric is just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s look at some unique, innovative design features that enhance your child’s comfort in warm weather.
Design Features for Comfort in Warm Weather
Some swaddles come with removable layers. This feature is useful for adjusting the swaddle’s warmth depending on the temperature. Meanwhile, features like mesh panels in strategic areas can enhance ventilation, keeping your baby cooler.
While swaddles should be snug, they mustn’t be too tight. A slightly looser fit is better for summer, allowing for more airflow. Just as with sleep sack sizing, this is not something you can overlook. Your child’s safety and comfort depend on it!
In some cases, an adjustable swaddle is beneficial as it can be loosened or tightened as needed to ensure your baby is comfortable in varying temperatures.
Ease of Use for Parents
Beyond being designed to accommodate hot summer temperatures, you should consider the way in which a swaddle can enhance your life as a parent. Look for swaddles with user-friendly fastenings, such as Velcro or zippers, which make swaddling quick and easy, even for sleep-deprived parents.
Better yet, choose a swaddle that is machine washable and dries quickly, as ease of cleaning is crucial for busy parents. Features like two-way zippers are helpful for easy diaper changes without fully unswaddling the baby.
Gentle Weighting to Ease Separation Anxiety
This is something you should prioritize in a swaddle in general – not just the best swaddle for summer. Gentle weight distribution mimics a parent’s touch, which is comforting for babies.
In fact, this is one of the best ways to handle baby separation anxiety. If your newborn cries when put down, this could be just what you need.
Ensure the weight in the swaddle is appropriate for your baby’s age and size. It should be enough to provide comfort but not so heavy as to restrict movement or cause overheating.
The gentle pressure of the weighted areas can help soothe babies, reducing fussiness and aiding in longer sleep periods. If you’re wondering how to get baby to nap longer or sleep for longer stretches through the night, try a weighted swaddle!
Cost Considerations
While it’s tempting to go for cheaper options, investing in a high-quality swaddle can be more cost-effective in the long run, as it will last longer and perform better. And, let’s face it – your baby deserves the best, that’s rarely going to be the cheapest option!
Parent and Pediatrician Approval
The best way to feel confident choosing a summer swaddle is to assess feedback from other parents who were once in your position searching for the best summer swaddle for newborns. Before you pull the trigger on any given product, see what other parents have to say.
Beyond parental reviews, seek swaddles that are recommended by pediatricians, as they can provide insights into the safety and effectiveness of the swaddle. This adds another layer of peace of mind as you place your order.
Ultimately, the final check you must do is ensure the swaddle has passed safety tests and certifications. This is crucial for your baby’s well-being.
So, What is the Best Swaddle for Summer?
We know what you’re thinking…there’s a lot to keep in mind when searching for the best swaddle for summer. The good news? The best swaddle blankets for summer at Nested Bean check all these boxes, so you can rest assured you’re in the right place!
Our Zen Swaddle® Premier has helped 2 million families and counting enjoy a better night’s sleep in under 3 nights of use. It can do the same for you.
We’ll talk about why it is the #1 choice below and compare a few other options as well to help you find the perfect solution for your child’s sleepwear needs!
#1. Nested Bean Zen Swaddle® Premier Bamboo Swaddle
This swaddle is designed specifically for warmer climates. It combines the luxurious softness of 70% rayon from bamboo with the strength of 30% cotton, creating a lightweight yet durable fabric ideal for summer. Its TOG rating of 1.0 ensures your baby stays cool and comfortable, even on the hottest nights.
What sets this swaddle apart is its gentle weighting, strategically placed to echo a parent’s reassuring touch on the baby’s chest and sides. This feature not only soothes babies through common disruptions like the Moro reflex but also aids in a seamless transition from the womb to the world.
The swaddle’s adaptable design allows for wrapping with arms in or out, accommodating your baby’s preferred sleeping style and easing the transition to a Zen Sack. If your newborn baby wants hands out of swaddle or wants to be swaddled with arms up, it’s a great choice.
Safety is paramount in the Zen Swaddle® Premier. The fabric is naturally anti-microbial and moisture-wicking, maintaining a dry and hygienic environment for your baby.
The swaddle itself has undergone rigorous testing for breathing safety, suffocation hazards, and is pulmonologist verified, ensuring it’s a safe alternative to traditional weighted sleepwear.
Suitable for babies aged 0-6 months and weighing 7-18 lbs, this swaddle is not only hip-healthy, allowing for natural mobility, but also offers the perfect blend of comfort and reassurance. It’s the ideal choice for parents seeking a summer swaddle that keeps their baby cool, calm, and securely comforted. Don’t just take our word for it – read thousands of reviews on our website!
“The Zen Swaddle is outstanding! Our 1 month old’s sleep has improved tremendously. Once our little guy is swaddled, he’s out within minutes and stays asleep. Thank you Nested Bean!” – Caleb
“Absolutely loved the premium nested bean. We actually received one as a baby shower gift and loved it soooo much we purchased a second one. Game changer for the nighttime routine.” – Juvy
“Extremely soft and breathable fabric, my one month old sleeps much more soundly in this swaddle than others! The gently weighted sections are so nice as well, it makes a big difference.” – Dina
#2. HALO 100% Cotton Sleepsack Swaddle
The HALO SleepSack Swaddle stands out as a practical choice, boasting a 100% cotton, double knit construction. Its 1.5 TOG rating makes it versatile for moderate climates, with the ability to layer for cooler temperatures.
The swaddle offers a three-way adjustment for arms-in, one-arm-out, and two-arms-out, catering to various sleep styles and aiding in the transition from swaddling.
However, its slightly higher TOG rating and the fabric’s thickness may not be ideal for the hottest summer nights, potentially leading to overheating.
While it offers adjustability, the HALO may not provide the same level of breathable comfort as lighter options for peak summer weather.
#3. ErgoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Sack 0.2 TOG
ErgoPouch’s Cocoon Swaddle Sack shines in its simplicity and effectiveness, especially with a TOG rating of 0.2, making it a superb choice for hot weather.
Made from GOTS certified organic cotton and a touch of elastane, it balances snugness to restrict startle reflexes while allowing room for movement and growth. The material is gentle on sensitive skin and is suitable for babies prone to eczema.
However, its light TOG rating, while perfect for high temperatures, limits its versatility across varied climates. It’s an excellent choice for swaddling in warmth, but parents might need additional options for fluctuating temperatures or cooler nights.
Summer Swaddle Safety Tips
Whether you opt for the best summer swaddle for newborns here at Nested Bean or you try another brand, we want to leave you with a few tips on safely implementing swaddling techniques during summer:
- Keep the Nursery Cool: Maintain a comfortable room temperature, ideally between 68-72°F (20-22°C).
- Light Clothing Underneath: Dress your baby in light, breathable clothes under the swaddle.
- Monitor for Overheating: Regularly check your baby’s neck or back for signs of sweating or overheating.
- Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on their back to sleep for safety.
- Secure Swaddling: Make sure the swaddle is secure without loose ends to prevent covering the baby’s face.
- Adjust as Baby Grows: Transition to arms-out swaddling or stop swaddling as your baby shows signs of rolling.
- Regular Checks: Frequently check on your baby while they are swaddled to ensure ongoing comfort and safety.
You can learn more about how to dress baby for sleep or what to wear under a sleep sack specifically in our blog.
We also have resources on topics like when to stop swaddling baby, sleep sack vs swaddle, signs of sleep regression, best sleeping position for teething baby, safe cosleeping with baby, newborn sleep training, baby keeps breaking out of swaddle, benefits of a sleep sack, when to stop using a sleep sack, and more.
Enjoy a Better Night’s Sleep By Getting the Best Swaddle for Summer at Nested Bean Today!
We know you came here hoping to discover the best swaddle for summer, and there’s no question that the Zen Swaddle Premier Bamboo Swaddle is it. But, we have other great weighted sleepwear in store for you as well.
You can browse other weighted baby swaddles we’ve designed for the rest of the year, such as our zipper swaddle or arms up swaddle. But when the time comes to make the swaddle transition, we also have weighted sleep sacks like our winter sleep sack and bamboo fabric sleep sack.
Whether you need the best transition swaddle or the best sleep sack for winter, the best baby PJs, the best bamboo fabric sleep sack, or the best transitional sleep sack – you can trust Nested Bean.
So, join more than 2 million families worldwide who have streamlined their newborn bedtime routine and improved sleep in as little as 1-3 nights. Shop now and discover the best swaddle for summer right here in our collection!
