As first-time parents, my husband and I would have done just about anything to get our fussy newborn to sleep. We often adopted totally bizarre rituals just to bring on a few extra z’s: we did lunges in the dark, ran the hairdryer across the room, and tested every swaddle system on the planet. This time around, we went straight for the big guns—we wrapped our little one in the Ollie Swaddle, which wasn’t on the market when our first daughter was born.
The therapeutic benefits of swaddling are hardly secret. In fact, it’s an ancient practice that mothers have been literally practicing for centuries. A snug, safe wrap is soothing for babies and helps usher in sleep. It calms the startle reflex that often wakes newborns from a deep sleep, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that it transforms babies into adorable, delectable human burritos.
Versatility and comfort
The Ollie Swaddle specifically is designed with all of this plus versatility and comfort in mind. Velcro closures ensure a proper fit no matter your newborn or infant’s size. And diaper changes are a cinch through an opening at the bottom.
While designed to reduce overheating, the moisture-wicking fabric felt a bit funny to the touch and would seem more at home on workout gear than in baby’s nursery. What can I say, I prefer a snuggly soft cotton against my baby’s skin. So, if texture and feel are something that matter to you, try this swaddle out before committing.
At $59, the Ollie Swaddle is not cheap. Despite my reservations about the fabric, my little one seemed to do just fine with it. In the end, who am I to resist shelling out a bit more for something that offers me and my family a better night’s sleep? So, if like me, you’re on the hunt for an item that may offer your newborn or infant more comfort at night and nap time, the Ollie Swaddle may prove to be a good investment for you.