In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle Review

Soft swaddling and multi-purpose blanket uses excellent materials, but is harder to use than sleep sacks
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aden + anais classic swaddle swaddle and sleep sack review
Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle
Credit: Aden + Anais
Price:  $40 List
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Manufacturer:   Aden & Anais
By Juliet Spurrier, MD ⋅ Mom-in-Chief  ⋅  Nov 29, 2018
62
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 11
  • Baby Comfort - 40% 9.0
  • Ease of Use - 40% 2.0
  • Durability - 20% 9.0

The Skinny

The Aden & Anais Classic Swaddle is the very best lightweight and breathable, swaddle blankets around and is our Top Pick for Versatility. Made of 100% cotton muslin, they are soft at first touch, and they become more cozy with every wash. Extremely multi-purpose, they are large enough for great swaddle but can also be used for changing baby, tummy time, nursing and as a burp cloth or cover to create shade and privacy for a stroller or infant car seat.
REASONS TO BUY
Highest quality
Breathable and soft material
Versatile
Large
REASONS TO AVOID
Harder to use than sleep sacks
Difficult to get tight enough
Safety Tip — You should always place infants under one year of age on their back to sleep and swaddling should be discontinued at two months of age with the replacement of an infant sleep sack. This change is due to an increased risk of SIDS with swaddled infants who end up rolling over onto their stomachs. Also, we recommend that you read our article titled How to Practice Safe Swaddling to Protect Baby's Hips.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award Best Value Award Best Value Award  
Price $40 List
$10.00 each at Amazon
$30 List
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$25 List
$18.39 at Amazon
$25 List
$25.00 at Amazon
$30 List
$29.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Highest quality, breathable and soft material, versatile, largeEasy to use, Velcro free, quality materialSoft fabric, organic cotton, easy to useSecure wrap, soft material, hip friendlyEasy to use, reverse zipper, can swaddle arms in or out
Cons Harder to use than sleep sacks, difficult to get tight enoughLots of wrapping, layers might get warmVery lightweight, runs largeLoud Velcro closure, more steps to swaddleLoud velcro, lower quality
Bottom Line Soft swaddling and multi-purpose blanket uses excellent materials, but is harder to use than sleep sacksAn escape-proof swaddle that is a bit more time-consuming with lots of wrapping, but is free of snaps, zippers, and VelcroLightweight organic cotton sleep sack that has a large age range, but may need to be sized down and may not be good for colder climatesBudget-friendly swaddle with a hip-healthy design, but not as simple to use and the Velcro is loudA simple hybrid swaddle perfect for beginners, but the quality is not excellent and the Velcro closure could wake a baby
Rating Categories Aden + Anais Classi... Miracle Blanket Burt's Bees Baby Be... Ergobaby Swaddler HALO SleepSack Swaddle
Baby Comfort (40%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Ease of Use (40%)
2.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
Durability (20%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
4.0
Specs Aden + Anais Classi... Miracle Blanket Burt's Bees Baby Be... Ergobaby Swaddler HALO SleepSack Swaddle
Style Traditional Swaddle Blanket Swaddle Wrap Sleep Sack Velcro Swaddle Zippered Transition Swaddle with Velcro
Material Cotton Muslin Cotton GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Cotton Cotton
Zipper Direction NA NA Reverse NA Reverse
TOG rating NA Not Listed 0.5 0.5 1.5
Age Range All ages 0-14 Weeks 0-18 Months 0-3 Months 0-6 Months
Available Sizes 47" x 47" One Size Small, Medium, Large One Size Preemie, Newborn, Small
Washing Instructions Wash with like colors, do not wash with any thing that could snag (velcro, buttons, snaps) Machine wash cold, tumble dry low Machine wash cold and tumble dry on low Machine wash, tumble dry low Machine wash with like colors. Close fastener strips before washing

Our Analysis and Test Results

We love these versatile soft cotton blankets. They will serve you for years, initially for swaddling, but later for general purpose uses once your baby is older. It is essential to understand that swaddling with these blankets is harder than the zippered sleep sacks. While not rocket science, you should learn how to swaddle correctly (there are some helpful how-to videos included below), as you do not want the wrap to come loose in the night. We love the Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle and would recommend it to anyone looking for a general use blanket in addition to a swaddle for baby.

aden + anais classic swaddle swaddle and sleep sack review - knowing how to properly swaddle is essential when using a blanket...
Knowing how to properly swaddle is essential when using a blanket like the Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Classic Swaddle comes as singles or sets of 2, 3, or 4 with bundling discounts for the larger packs. Overall, these swaddle blankets are available in 2 varieties:


aden + anais classic swaddle swaddle and sleep sack review - parents love that the aden + anais classic swaddle is easy to wash...
Parents love that the Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle is easy to wash and doesn't hold stains from spit-up and other messes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Below, Aden + Anais gives an overview of a classic swaddling technique. Be sure to keep in mind that the safety recommendation to discontinue swaddling at eight weeks of age (2 months) is vital for SIDS reduction, and you should only use this technique up to that point.


If a swaddling blanket presents a challenge or you have a particularly squirmy baby who routinely breaks out of their swaddle, Aden + Anais has developed their Aden + Anais Classic Easy Swaddle, which is available in small/medium and large sizes. Below is a demonstration of this style of swaddle:


Once your baby is eight weeks, it is necessary to discontinue swaddling and switch to a sleep sack. There are oodles of great sleep sacks available today, which come in a variety of weights for hotter and cooler climates. A few of our favorites include:


Likes


The most common likes for the Aden & Anais Classic Swaddle are:

  • Breathable cotton helps avoid overheating
  • Perfect large size for multipurpose use
  • Makes swaddling easy
  • Comfortable for baby even as he or she grows
  • Great for Multi-purpose Use

aden + anais classic swaddle swaddle and sleep sack review - the aden + anais classic swaddle can be used for much more than just...
The Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle can be used for much more than just wrapping baby.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Dislikes


There is very little to dislike about the Aden & Anais Classic Swaddle. However, a couple of user reviews cited:

  • Difficulty with swaddling baby tight enough for soothing

Juliet Spurrier, MD
 

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