Etsy seller KnottedWear has invented the Pumpkin Sack Wearable Baby Blanket, to help keep baby swaddled from crib to car seat. Its detachable swaddle has an opening for easy diaper changes. It’s simple and stylish, and a solution for keeping baby warm in a variety of situations. Inventor Carlee Cash explains, “simply slip baby in and secure snaps on side and over shoulders… baby is ready for a nap or an outing. Then, wrap the swaddle around baby’s waist with arms in or out and you are ready to go (swaddle is also detachable via Velcro in back). If you need to get baby from a nap to run an errand and don’t want to disturb her, not a problem… just get her from the crib and place her in the car seat… with the bottom hole, any bottom car seat latch can be used. And, diaper changes are a snap… just undo the Velcro at the bottom, pull baby’s legs out and change that diaper (great for middle of the night diaper changes)”.

Each Pumpkin Sack measures about 28 inches long and 14 inches wide and is designed to fit sizes from newborn up to 6-9 months. They can be custom-made to specific desired lengths or widths. A variety of fabrics and styles are available, and they sell for $34.50 at KnottedWear.

Here’s a wonderful gift for the eco-conscious parent-to-be on your gift-giving list. This Organic Swaddle Blanket Gift Set from ja-lu organics features an organic swaddle blanket and coordinating infant cap. The blanket trim is available in a number of fun fabrics perfect for boys or girls. The set is sewn in the USA and comes wonderfully-packaged for gift giving (if you aren’t tempted to keep it for your own little one). You can purchase a set for $60 at twolittlewhales.com.

My little one has outgrown most of her swaddle blankets, but we still use wearable blankets every night. The problem is that most of them are pretty heavy, and I worry about their safety as the weather starts to warm up. I love our current Cloud B LullaBag because it is large and roomy, so I was glad to discover that the company also makes a lighter weight version. Available in pink, blue, and sage, this lightweight cotton bag comes in two different sizes. Since it replaces blankets in your child’s bed, it helps to reduce the risk of SIDS. You can purchase one for $26.95 at spiffybaby.com.

My sister’s first child was very collicky. He wasn’t soothed by anything that usually helps babies–he even hated being in the car or stroller. My poor sister tried just about everything imaginable to keep him even reasonably happy. One of the things she purchased was the Miracle Blanket. I remember being a bit surprised when she told me how much it cost. It seemed a lot compared to some other swaddling blankets that I had recently bought for my second daughter who was born around the same time. Since she was colic-free, I just didn’t “get” it.

After baby number three started her life as a fussy little thing, I completely understood. I would have bought just about anything that I thought might help. Luckily, since my sister is done having children, she sent me her Miracle Blanket. Although my little one was already starting to outgrow her fussiness when I received it, I have to say that it is very well designed. While other similar blankets use ties and velcro, the Miracle Blanket simply wraps and tucks. The most innovative part of the design in my opinion is the special wraps for the arms which keep them in place at the baby’s sides. I would definitely recommend it to new parents. I wish I had tried it earlier since my daughter is really starting to outgrow swaddling. I think the price has also come down a bit in the last few years. Currently you can purchase one for $29.95. The company is also offering several special promotions on their Web site. Check them out, watch a demo video, and order your own at MiracleBlanket.com.

I think most moms are now aware of the benefits of swaddling such as reduced SIDS risk and better sleep for everyone. With so many swaddle blankets on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. This Solana Organic Swaddle Wrap not only makes wrapping your baby for sleep easy, but its breathable organic fabrics will give you added peace of mind. The wrap is made from 100% cotton and is large enough to be used with infants of any size. My daughter has already outgrown swaddle blankets from other brands at 2 months of age, so I definitely appreciate this wrap’s generous size. It also doubles as a light towel, a mat for tummy time, or an bug/sun shade for strollers. I found the gender neutral fabric of this “Baby Tree” design extremely appealing, but other designs are available as well. You can check out the whole collection at SolanaBabyWear.com. The organic collection retails for $35.95.

Every once in a while, I misjudge a product, or change my impression of it over time.  I have to say that the Kiddopotamus Swaddle Blanket is one such product.  I bought two of these when I was pregnant with my middle daughter three years ago.  I was terribly disappointed when I brought her home and couldn’t figure out how to make them work.  They didn’t seem intuitively easy to use, the Velcro seemed like a pain, and the smallest size was too big, so the edge was up in her face, which just seemed dangerous.  I gave up and packed the open one away.  I later gave the second one to a friend.

Fast forward three years and I find myself with a very fussy baby.  I pulled this out and decided to give it another try.  Although this baby was smaller at birth than the last, she is gaining weight pretty quickly, and at three weeks this is a pretty good fit.  I don’t have to worry about extra fabric being up near her face.  I also had no problem getting it on her and the Velcro worked just fine.  She is actually sleeping quite peacefully in it at this very moment.  I still wish that it weren’t made from a synthetic fiber, but all and all, I am quite glad I gave it another shot.  The company has since begun making a 100% organic cotton version which costs just a little bit more.

If you have small babies, you might not be able to use this product immediately after birth, but don’t rule it out completely.  You can purchase one for $9.99 at ToysRUs.com.  Several sizes and color choices are available.

The Teddytoes Couture Swaddle Blanket from Gobaby is certainly one of the more unique swaddling blankets that I have encountered.  Created by a mother who wanted to be able to use her swaddler on the go, this product is designed for use with car seats, strollers, backpacks, and infant carriers.  Because the Teddytoes swaddler is made with “legs,” you can easily buckle your child into all of your favorite on-the-go gear. This is a great way to keep your little one toasty in cooler weather without giving up your active lifestyle. It is available in two sizes: 0-6 months, and 6-18 months.  You can purchase one for $40 at PoshBabyLLC.com.

When you just need a little light protection from the weather, these Bundle Me Lites from the JJ Cole Collections will do the job. I’ve seen the extra-deluxe, extra-thick car and stroller bundles, and they’re fine for serious weather, but also very bulky. These bundles wrap baby in soft cotton and are designed to work with three- or five-point harnesses in carseats or strollers.

If you’re considering a baby shower gift, these bundles are also available with personalization  for a small additional cost. They fit infants size 0 to 12 months and come in Pink, Blue, Gray, Navy and Chocolate, priced at $34 at PotteryBarnKids.com.

Blankets designed specifically for swaddling were just starting to appear on the market when I had my soon to be middle daughter a few years ago.  At that point, I bought the most commonly-available brand.  I liked the idea and the convenience, but I wasn’t crazy about the synthetic fabric, which made me a little nervous and looked pretty worn after only one washing.  I also didn’t like the velcro fasteners, which looked like they would be uncomfortable for my little one.  To make a long story short, I bought several, and ended up giving one away unopened to a friend.

This time around, I’m going a different route.  This swaddling wrap from Merino Kids/Cocooi is a huge step forward from what we used last time.  Its 100% merino wool fiber is blissfully soft, and designed to help your little one regulate his or her own body temperature so that s/he feels snug and secure without overheating.  Moreover, because the wrap has a lot of natural elasticity, it grows with your baby from birth to approximately three months.  Best of all, there are no velcro strips or complicated fasteners.

I am very excited to use this swaddling wrap with my new daughter very soon.  You can purchase a wrap for your own little one for $49.99 at babysleepbags.com.  It is available in several color choices, and would make a great shower gift.

As the parent of two (soon to be three) winter babies, I have always been a big fan of buntings.  Even during cold weather, I don’t want to stay inside all day, and my children have always seemed to enjoy getting outside for walks in the stroller, even when they were quite small.  Buntings are a great way to keep a little one warm–they go on easily, are soft like a blanket, and you don’t have to worry about blankets dragging under stroller wheels or getting accidentally left behind at the park.

This classically-styled bunting from Dior is a luxury that any baby will enjoy.  Made from 100% cotton, it closes at the shoulders, and a side zipper for easy changes.  It features an embroidered medallion on the ivory bodice for a classic, feminine look.  The pink bottom is closed to keep your baby extra warm. This bunting is also machine washable, so cleaning up spit-up and diaper leaks is no big deal.

At $235, this product is definitely a splurge.  You can purchase one at saksfifthavenue.com.  The matching bib shown in the picture retails for $49.

The Dharma Trading Co. Baby Bunting looks so soft and huggable. It’s 100% cotton, ready for dyeing, and elasticized at the bottom for quick changes. Sizes fit newborns right up to 20 month old children, which is a surprising range, with prices ranging from $5.25 to $7.26 depending on size.

Affordable, pretty, cozy; what more could one ask for? I think it would make an elegant choice for a Christening gown and can be dyed later on in whatever color Mom and Dad prefer. Buy your bunting bag at dharmatrading.com.

Bubblecakes offers a number of unique designs for baby blankets.  Whether you are seeking a vintage look, a modern print, a trendy minky fabric, or a simple swaddling blanket, there is sure to be a design to capture your imagination.

I am particularly fond of this Playful Puppies and Kitties print.  The blanket features a soft white cotton chenille on one side and an adorable vintage-inspired print of kittens and puppies on the other.  The soft blue color would ber perfect for a baby of either sex.  The blanket looks extremely cozy.

This is a one of the larger baby blankets I have seen recently, measuring a generous 30″ x 40″.  It will definitely grow with your child well into his or her toddler years and beyond.  As he or she becomes more aware of the world, the charming kitties and puppies will no doubt become treasured friends.

This great blanket retails for $40, which includes the cost of an optional monogram.  Other personalization options are also available.  You can purchase one, and check out the company’s entire fun line at bubblecakes.com.

If you are looking for the ultimate luxury in bundling your child, you might want to check out the Sheepskin Snuggler by Bill Amberg.  Bill Amberg is known for high-end leather goods, and this product follows in that tradition.  Designed to be used in strollers, cribs, or wherever you take your child, this snuggler is made of baby-safe sheepskin.  It can be used with a small infant, but it is also big enough for use with a toddler.  This prolonged life might help you justify the rather steep $540 price tag.

The sunggler can be machine washed, and can be purchased at babygeared.com.

The product description for this item makes quite a few claims: helps relieve pain, provides comfort, sense of security, calming and soothing, comforts colicky children, absorbs moisture in warm weather, baby will sleep longer and more soundly. How does it do all that?

According to the product description, this idea for a Natural Lambskin Comforter was discovered by a young New Zealand mother. While her child was in the hospital with a broken thigh, she noticed other long-term patients who were using sheepskin bed pads and wondered if the natural fibers would help relieve her daughter’s pain. Apparently she was right and she took her idea to Bowron. Bowron research and development, along with the New Zealand Parents Centers Inc., spend four years finding the perfect lambskin for babies. The result was the Babycare lambskins that have been sold world-wide since 1970.

I don’t know if the Soft Natural Lambskin Comforter by Bowron can hold up to all its claims. It sounds like an idea that has its roots from a traditional home-remedy solution. Whatever the claims, lambskin is luxuriously soft and a natural moisture absorber. I also like that it has many uses as a comforter, a crib pad, a play rug, car seat pad, etc. It could easily become one of your most favorite and dependable baby items in your home.

The comforter measures 32 to 37 inches in length and 19 inches in width. You can purchase one for $99.99 at BabyAnt.com.

The Arms-Free Swaddle by L’ovedbaby is a swaddle blanket for that “transitional” period when baby still needs to be secured and feel secure but he is beginning to interact more and more with his environment. My two month old niece is already rolling over on her stomach and doing the “inch-worm” technique - almost right off the bed. It’s a delicate balance between keeping your little ones safe and allowing them to explore.

You can have a happy medium with this Arms-Free Swaddle by L’ovedbaby. It gently swaddles baby’s tummy and legs, leaving covered arms free to move but with fold over gloved sleeves for added warmth and protection. Another feature is a self-attach strap on back for a secure stay-in-place fit each time. This Swaddle would be ideal for use in a stroller when you don’t need a bulky blanket but your “infant” still needs a little extra covering up. And with their little feet tucked into the swaddle blanket you won’t have to worry about missing booties or socks.

The Arms-Free Swaddle by L’ovedbaby comes in one size: 3-6 months (or until baby can roll over), and comes in Bright White, Think Pink, or True Blue. It also comes in your choice of fabrics: velour or cotton.

You can purchase one for $29.99 at BabyAnt.com