As well as researching modern baby must-haves like the best baby monitors and the best travel cots, at Mumsnet we know the importance of tried and tested methods our members swear by for better sleep, like swaddling. Getting a good nights’ sleep is key for both you and your baby, especially in those early weeks and months. I found them much softer and much bigger than most other muslins. I also got them from TK Maxx, they had another brand called I think baby style which were similar. I had loads of others from the high street but these two brands were much nicer. DC4 now 7 used two particular A+A ones as comforters, they've almost disintegrated now but the pieces that are left are soft as silk.” (Loved by Mumsnetter Notso) Our verdict Traditional swaddle blankets are simply large blankets that can be wrapped in a special way to contain your baby safely, creating a womb-like sleeping environment. It is important that parents ensure the material used is breathable, such as cotton. There is a specific method to turning a normal blanket into a swaddle blanket, and below is a step-by-step guide to creating a traditional swaddle blanket for your baby:

A great combination of tight swaddling with a little bit of wiggle room, this swaddle works wonders however your baby likes to sleep. The fabric is lusciously soft and light, and our mini-tester seemed extremely cosy and content in her Moses basket. Type: Zip-up sleeping bag | Fabric: Cotton and spandex | Size: Premie, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months What we love However, it isn't for every baby, so don't be alarmed if your little one rejects swaddling in favour of stretching out. Every child is different when it comes to how they feel most comfortable. Baby swaddle safety advice Babies have a ‘startle reflex’, an instinctive movement that frequently wakes them up throughout the night. Swaddling your baby involves wrapping them up so that their arms are held close to their body, and so they're is unable to move and ‘startle’ themselves awake. This often means they can sleep longer and more deeply, in turn allowing you a little extra rest. We tried so many different swaddles and my DD seemed to hate them all - she would just fight against it and get so frustrated and angry. I'd just about given up on swaddling, and the idea of her sleeping anywhere other than me, then tried one last type called the Miracle Blanket. It comes with a 100% guarantee that it will help your baby get to sleep and stay asleep longer and it honestly works! It's saved my sleep.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter MissHoney85)It has also been suggested that swaddling can mimic the feeling of being cuddled or held, which is crucial for a baby’s development. Potential benefits of having some extra cuddle-time during sleeping hours include healthy weight gain and growth. Carefully place the baby in the centre so that their shoulders align with the top edge of the blanket. Another plus of swaddling is that it can also prevent a child's startle reflex from waking them up. Known as the Moro reflex, this occurs most often when a baby has heard a noise or been disturbed, but sometimes this can happen when moving. It is said that when this happens, the baby feels like they are falling, which causes them to jump and be alarmed. Swaddling can help ease the Moro reflex, resulting in deeper or longer sleep.

Spread out the swaddle blanket on a flat surface, arranged so that the corners match the points of a compass.The USP here is definitely the inclusion of some eye-catching ‘wings’ built into the top of the swaddle. At first glance, they're maybe more Batman than cute and comfy, but our tester found the movement this provided priceless for soothing her little girl, as it allowed her to sleep in her favourite 'arms-up' position. While not all babies like to sleep in this position, this is the swaddle most highly rated by both our tester and most frequently recommended by Mumsnet users. A traditional swaddle, a cot blanket and a cot cover rolled into one? The Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle is a winner in our book.

A. No. Swaddle use with a baby sleeping bag is not recommended. A vest or sleepsuit will be fine to wear underneath the swaddle for extra warmth. See above for more information on what to wear underneath a swaddle. Mumsnetters love Grobags for older babies, so it makes sense that the Grosnug swaddle is equally popular. Available in a range of cute and colourful designs, it features a zip opening which enables you to change your baby’s nappy without un-swaddling their top half. Little Seeds also has a range of super-soft swaddling blankets. Another high-quality baby essential, they too are made from organic cotton. Unlike traditional swaddles, where you have to create the correct shape yourself, these easy-to-use swaddles allow parents to snuggly wrap up their babies safely and securely, achieving the perfect fit every time. Here is a set of rough guidelines for determining what should be worn under a swaddle, depending on the temperature of the room:Never swaddle above the shoulders: 'Do not swaddle a baby’s head,' advises Ratcliffe. 'And never put a hat on unless it’s been medically advised, as they could risk overheating which then becomes a sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) risk.' Made with 100% cotton muslin, our tester rated it for its softness and breathability. But by far and away the biggest selling point for this swaddle is the multiple uses it has. It can be used as a cot blanket on a warmer day, a blanket for the park, a cot cover for nap time, a muslin for burping and, of course, as a swaddle. If it feels chilly, give them a cuddle and pop them into a long sleeved baby-grow. Whereas, if it feels a bit hot then remove one of their layers, suggests Ratcliffe. 'If they are swaddled they might have too much on underneath so loosen the swaddle,' In case the arms up is not necessary - we really liked the Little Seeds ones - lovely soft cotton and much cheaper than a lot of of others as you get three in a set.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Etherealhedgehog) Our verdict Dressing a baby in a short sleeve bodysuit and cotton sleepsuit can be just right under a swaddle during colder nights, while just one long sleeve vest or sleepsuit is commonly worn underneath swaddles in milder temperatures.