Ergobaby Swaddler Review

Ergobaby was started in 2002 by Karin Frost, a mom who wanted to keep her baby close while on the go but was unsatisfied with the carrying options available at the time. With a product born out of this necessity, Karin launched the first Ergobaby Baby Carrier. Since then, the company has expanded to include several different carriers in their lineup and now offers swaddles and nursing pillows. The common theme in all their products is a design that focuses on comfort and ergonomics for parents and children.

Performance Comparison

Likes

The Ergobaby Swaddler offers a unique take on a hybrid swaddle. The upper portion has three flaps that wrap around the body from different directions and stay secure with velcro closures. An elastic pouch that fits loosely around the legs follows, and your swaddle is complete. Arm pockets in the upper flaps contribute to the escape-proof design and wrap your baby's hands across their abdomen in a tiny hug when the swaddle is closed. A crotch strap prevents the fabric from riding up near your infant's face and acts as a healthy hip positioner.

One of the best parts about this product is that there is absolutely no leg/hip restriction while the baby is wearing it. The Swaddler is acknowledged as a “hip-healthy” product by International Hip Dysplasia Institute. The foolproof wrapping method allows you to get a sufficiently tight wrap around the abdomen but eliminates the possibility of swaddling your baby too tightly around the hips.

Another perk of the elastic leg pocket is that you can easily remove it without completely unswaddling your infant. This feature comes in handy for nighttime diaper changes or if you are worried about baby overheating. You can remove their legs from the bottom part of the swaddle without disturbing the secure wrap of the abdomen.

The Ergobaby Swaddler uses 100% cotton fabric with a slight stretch and is soft to the touch. All velcro parts are far from the baby's face, and there are no zippers to contend with. The fabric and construction of this swaddle stand up well to machine washing and drying. We greatly appreciate the simple washing instructions because what sleep-deprived mom needs any more on their plate?

Dislikes

We like that you can change the baby's diaper without completely undoing the swaddle. However, the velcro attachment points on the crotch fabric make a loud scratching noise when you pull it open, which may wake the baby even though they are still swaddled. We find this somewhat annoying and self-defeating.

The Ergobaby Swaddler claims to be a one-size-fits-all product, and it fits our 2-month-old tester perfectly. However, you can only use it from 0-3 months or until your baby begins to roll over on their own. Three months is an average usage span compared to other swaddles in our review, but the quality of the sleepwear means that you can keep it for your next child or pass it on to a friend or family member for their newborn.

If you are looking for a zip-and-go product that takes minimal effort, the Ergobaby may not be for you. The wrapping process involves more steps than some other products we tested, mainly due to the hip positioning flap of fabric between the legs that no other swaddle has. But we find the process intuitive, resulting in a snug fit and healthy leg positioning every time.

Conclusion

The Swaddler is a unique take on a classic hybrid swaddle. It may not be as simple as other products, but it is one of the most foolproof designs in terms of healthy hip placement, and we love that it is one of the more affordable options out there without sacrificing quality. If you struggle to get a secure wrap with other swaddles and good ergonomics are essential to you, the Ergobaby Swaddler may be the perfect option for you.

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