A newborn’s sleep journey can feel like a whirlwind for both the baby and the parents. Long days followed by sleepless nights are everyone’s least-favorite part of the newborn stage.
Fortunately, there is a lot of information available, and there are helpful products geared toward making your little one’s sleep journey much easier.
The Ollie Swaddle is one of those products that can change your baby’s sleep for the better.
Is the Ollie Swaddle good for newborns? This popular swaddle is designed specifically to help with neurodevelopment, improve sleep by offering security and comfort, and keep newborns safe while they sleep. The swaddle secures with three Velcro fasteners along the torso, while the bottom is left roomier for leg movement and diaper changes.
If you are doing research on baby swaddles and searching for the perfect one, you have probably come across the Ollie. Let’s look at what makes this swaddle so unique and one of the most highly rated on the Internet.
What Is the Ollie Swaddle?
The Ollie Swaddle is a baby swaddle that has become increasingly popular because of its enhanced qualities that many believe make it one of the best baby swaddles on the market.
What Is Special About the Ollie Swaddle?
So, what’s the big deal about the Ollie Swaddle and why are parents raving about it? What is different about this swaddle compared to all the other baby swaddles out there?
The Ollie Swaddle was created by a single foster mother who raised a sweet boy, Oliver, for one year.
Oliver was an infant who was not meeting milestones and was on the verge of being labeled “failure to thrive.” He was difficult to soothe and struggled with eating and sleeping well.
When other swaddles weren’t working, his foster mom set out to create something that would fit Oliver’s needs, help him to sleep, and ultimately, help him thrive. That is when the Ollie was born.
Once Oliver began sleeping with the Ollie, everything improved. He began to flourish and thrive.
Unlike any other swaddle, the Ollie is made of a unique, moisture-wicking fabric that prevents overheating by lifting the sweat from your baby’s skin.
It is stretchy, but once secured, it will keep your baby’s arms constrained for maximum soothing and comfort.
A big concern with a lot of swaddles is the pressure that they put on a baby’s joints. The Ollie is designed to fit just under your baby’s shoulders so there is no extra pressure or strain put on your little one’s joints.
The Ollie also allows babies to move their legs freely while swaddled.
Finally, the open access at the bottom of the swaddle makes night-time diaper changes much simpler for you as well as more comfortable and less startling for your little one.
Benefits of Swaddling
Sleep is critical to a newborn’s neurodevelopment; however, there are many things that can prevent a baby from sleeping soundly. That is where the benefits of swaddling come into play.
- Swaddling helps a baby to feel more secure, similar to how he felt in the womb. This helps him have a more restful sleep, which is important for brain development and healthy babies.
- Swaddling helps infants remain on their backs, which is crucial for safe sleep and reducing the risk of SIDS.
- Swaddling secures a baby’s arms and keeps them from waking themselves with their startle reflex.
- Swaddling reduces colic and fussiness. If a baby feels safe, they are less prone to unexplained fussiness.
- Swaddling helps to keep babies warm since their bodies are not as efficient at regulating body temperature.
Is the Ollie Swaddle Safe?
The Ollie is one of the safest swaddles on the market. From the fabric quality to the construction and chemical safety of the product, it has been tested a lot to ensure maximum safety.
You can view all the different tests that have been done on the Ollie here.
Ollie Swaddle Fabric
As soon as you touch an Ollie Swaddle, you know something about it is different. Ollie Swaddles are made from a special, patented, moisture-wicking fiber weaved from a custom-blend material made of 85% polyester and 15% spandex.
By lifting the sweat off the skin, this type of fabric helps to keep the body warm or cool it off, depending on what is needed. The Ollie fabric will keep your baby dry and cool in the summer months and warm and cozy in the cooler months.
The fabric of the Ollie is truly what sets it apart from its competitors. It is soft and soothing, it keeps your little one comfortable, and it is tight enough to keep your baby’s arms secure for a restful night’s sleep.
What To Wear Under Ollie Swaddle
The Ollie is on the “lighter” side when it comes to fabrics, so it can be suitable in a wide variety of temperatures depending on what your little one is wearing underneath.
The Ollie could be paired with a short sleeve onesie in a home that is kept above 75 degrees Fahrenheit or paired with light, long-sleeved pajamas in a home kept around 70℉.
Drawbacks to the Ollie Swaddle
The Ollie Swaddle is a very highly rated baby product that many moms swear by. However, there are a few minor drawbacks.
First, the Ollie is a Velcro swaddle, which is great for convenience but not so great on fabric. It may have a tendency to pill the fabric over time. Velcro can also be a bit noisy and may wake or startle your baby during readjustments.
The last downside is the price tag. The Ollie is one of the most expensive swaddles out there, and most of the negative reviews focus on how pricey it is. Fortunately, there are options to bundle, which can save money.
On the bright side, there are hardly any negative reviews about the quality of this product. Most parents love it and say that the benefits of this swaddle make it worth the money.
Ollie Swaddle Age Ranges
One of the best things about the Ollie is its versatility! This swaddle is meant to last the first several months of your baby’s life as they reach developmental milestones.
Once your baby begins to roll over, the Ollie can be used as a transitional swaddle with one or both arms out. You may continue to use the Ollie in this way so long as your child needs it to sleep well.
When To Stop Using the Ollie Swaddle
As soon as your baby can roll from back to stomach, you need to leave one or, preferably, both arms unswaddled.
As long as you do this, you can continue to use the Ollie for as long as your baby needs it and prefers it to a wearable blanket or sleep sack.
Ollie Swaddle: How To
When it is time to put your little one in the swaddle, lay the Ollie out flat, perhaps on your bed. There are little indentations on the top of the swaddle to help you position your baby in the right spot.
Lay your baby on the swaddle with his shoulders slightly above the top of your Ollie.
Next, you will begin folding. Pulling the fabric tightly, pull the left side (when you are facing your baby) of the Ollie over your little one’s torso, and tuck it over and behind his right arm.
Both arms should be tucked nice and tight. The swaddle should be tight to resemble the womb. It may seem scary, but rest assured that your baby is happy in a tight swaddle.
The Ollie logo should be in the middle of your little one’s torso and 2-3 inches below the chin.
After you pull the other side over, again pulling the fabric tightly, you will attach it to the hook-and-loop closures to make the swaddle the appropriate size for your little one.
The final step is to tie the elastic loop just below your little one’s feet. This ensures their safety and keeps them secure while allowing them to move their feet.
How To Use Ollie Swaddle With Arms Out
You will swaddle your little one almost the same as before, but you will position him differently on the Ollie. Lie him on the swaddle with the top of the Ollie just below his armpits. Then, swaddle as normal, leaving one or both arms out.
How To Wash Ollie Swaddle
Moms love baby gear that can be washed easily. The Ollie is definitely one of those things! It is made to be durable and withstand multiple washes, so there is no need to fear throwing that cute swaddle in the wash.
Before throwing it in, secure the hooks-and-loops tabs and place the swaddle in a small laundry bag for delicates. Wash on a delicate cycle in cold water, and tumble dry on a low or no-heat setting. Air drying is also a great option.
Where To Buy Ollie Swaddle
So, are you ready to add the Ollie Swaddle to your baby registry? Or maybe you are ready to buy one right now! You have several different options when it comes to purchasing your Ollie.
The Ollie World
Buying your Ollie straight from the creators at Ollie World is probably one of your best options!
- Guaranteed original swaddle and warranty
- Color options include stone, sky blue, lavender, meadow, and steele.
- Option to bundle and save money
- Free or priority shipping depending on how quickly you need your Ollie.
- Returns within 30 days with proof of purchase
Ollie Swaddle on Amazon
Amazon has everything, right? They even have the Ollie!
- Meadow, lavender, and sky blue color options
- Prime members enjoy free shipping and returns
Ollie Swaddle at Target
On a Target run? Grab an Ollie at your local Target store or online.
- Same price as The Ollie World
- Available in sky blue
- Can be returned at any Target store
Ollie Swaddle on eBay
You can even find the Ollie on eBay.
- Cheapest option
- Free shipping but no returns
- Only available in sky blue
Ollie Swaddle Reviews
Moms all over the Internet are raving about this swaddle. With a consistently high rating on Amazon, you have to dig for any negative reviews.
Moms are calling it the “holy grail of swaddles” and state that their “only regret is not buying it sooner.”
Several mothers admitted to being hesitant about the price, but after buying several cheaper options that didn’t work as well or could not constrain their baby’s arms, they said it is worth it to buy the Ollie from the start.
Among its advantages, many moms are saying that the Ollie Swaddle is a sleep-saver and truly helps babies sleep through the night from the beginning.
Many compliment the fabric quality and its ability to keep their baby’s arms snuggled in tight throughout the night.
Is the Ollie Swaddle Worth It?
All of this information begs the question: Is it really worth it?
It may be a bit more money upfront, but by investing in this swaddle, you are getting a very high-quality product that will last much longer and be more effective than the cheaper alternatives.
Money aside, the quality of sleep that you will get because of this product is priceless.
Final Thoughts
We know finding the perfect swaddle can be quite the quest with the endless options available to you. We hope you found this information helpful and wish you and your sweet babe the best of luck on your sleep journey!
Charlynn is an educator and mom to fraternal boy/girl twins. She loves learning through the experiences she has with her littles and using her knowledge to help other moms as they embark on the journey of motherhood.