Let’s chat all about swaddles: how to swaddle, when to swaddle, and what types of swaddles to get.
Do you know how to swaddle your baby using a swaddle blanket?
Maybe it is your first baby and you’ve never done any kind of swaddle before. Or maybe it’s your third baby and you have always relied on the tried and true velcro swaddles. And although I think the velcro swaddles are genius, I like a good ol’ classic blanket swaddle for taking newborn photos.
Here is a video I created to teach you to swaddle your newborn for a lifestyle newborn photos.
And you know what, BABIES LOVE TO BE SWADDLED!
It’s cozy and comforting to them.
When to swaddle your baby during a newborn photo session:
if your baby is tired and getting fussy
if you want to get photos of the newborn with a sibling. The swaddle makes it easier for the sibling to hold the baby in a safe position and prevents the baby from flailing their arms and hitting their older sibling.
if you want some photos of just the baby laying on a blanket or in the crib. This helps provide comfort and a sense of security if they are not being held by a loved one.
What type of swaddle should I get?
There are so many types of swaddles and every person will have their own preferences. The main things I look in a good swaddle is:
made from 100% cotton (Muslin is a type of fabric made from 100% cotton that is light weight and breathable and my top choice!)
47 in X 47 in size
machine washable (duh!)
A local shop here in Atlanta that is great for all your baby needs is called Happy Mango located in the Kirkwood neighborhood. They have a good selection of swaddles that you can buy from them online or at their store. They carry several brands including Sugar + Maple Classic Muslin Swaddles. These come in many beautiful colors. The sky blue, blush pint, mint, balsam green, and mustard are some of my favorites!
Another brand that I also really like the Aden + Anais swaddle blankets. These are also muslin swaddles and they have many different patterns to chose from. You can purchase from their website or Amazon.
If you want to see more photos and examples from my lifestyle newborn sessions then head to my portfolio HERE.
Monica Conlin is a natural light family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, school photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur and the Atlanta metro area.
