How to swaddle a baby using the Cocoon Swaddle Bag
Learn how to swaddle your baby for safety using the Cocoon Swaddle Bag
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Let’s check the fit!
An important safety element when using the Cocoon Swaddle Bag is to ensure it's correctly fitted to prevent the product from riding up around your baby’s face. Here’s how you can check you’ve got the right size.
- Check you have the correct size according to your baby's weight using our Size Guide.
- Put the Cocoon Swaddle Bag on your baby as you intend to use it (arms in or out).
- Slip two fingers into the neckhole of the Swaddle, and onto baby's chest. The material should feel firm and comfortable on your fingers, but not tight.
- Check your baby's hips and legs. Your baby's knees should be able to flop outwards in a frog like position without any restriction. Tight swaddling across the hips that hold the legs together is thought to contribute and increase developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
Please do not be tempted to upsize, to get more wear out of the swaddle. A larger size may cause the material to gather around your baby's face.
If in doubt, feel free to chat to our friendly Customer Service team who can help you check the fit for your baby.
Swaddle Size Guide
| ergoPouch size | 00000 | Newborn | 0–3M | 3–6M | 6–12M |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Same as size | 00000 | 0000 | 000 | 00 | 0 |
| Pouch length (cm) | 47cm | 52cm | 60cm | 70cm | 76cm (0.2 & 1.0 TOG) 80cm (2.5 TOG) |
| Pouch length (inch) | 18.5" | 20.5" | 23.6" | 27.6" | 29.9" (0.2/1.0 TOG) 49.5" (2.5 TOG) |
| Child weight (kg) | 2-3kg | 2–4kg | 3–6kg | 6–8kg | 8–10kg |
| Child weight (lb) | 4-7lbs | 4-11lbs | 7-13lbs | 13-18lbs | 18-22lbs |
| Child height (cm) | 50cm | 55cm | 62cm | 62–68cm | 68–76cm |
| Child height (inch) | 19.7" | 21.7" | 24.4" | 24.4"-26.8" | 26.8"-29.9" |
Understanding TOG ratings
Your Cocoon Swaddle Bag comes with a TOG rating. TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and is a unit of measurement for insulation and warmth of sleepwear and bedding. Put simply, the lower the TOG rating the lighter the fabric. The higher the rating, the more padded and insulated it is for warmth. TOG-rated fabrics are important as your baby cannot regulate their temperature like adults can. Learn more about TOG ratings.
Included in your pouch packaging is a Room Thermometer and Dressing Guide. Simply read the thermometer to find the room temperature of your baby's sleep environment, then follow the Dressing Guide on the front of the thermometer. The guide will inform how to layer your baby for sleep based on the TOG rating of your swaddle, and the temperature of your room. Simple, smart and sanity-saving!
Understanding TOG ratings
What TOGs does the Cocoon Swaddle bag come in?
Choose from three TOGs for comfortable sleeping no matter the temperature.
Extend the life of your Cocoon Swaddle Bag
Your Cocoon Swaddle Bag is made from GOTS certified organic cotton and elastane*, and filled with GOTS certified organic cotton. When cared for properly, this product will last several years and can be used for more than one baby. Our TOGs don't lose their warmth ratings over time, but a gentle fluff up in the dryer on a low setting helps maintain the fibre's loft, allowing air to circulate more effectively.
If you've received a second-hand Cocoon Swaddle Bag, check for loose threads, stable zips and any stretch around the neck before using. Contact our Customer Service team if you're unsure if you have received the correct size for your baby's weight.
*1.0 TOG Cocoons also contain bamboo viscose for added stretch.
How to wash and dry your Cocoon Swaddle Bag
- Gentle cold machine wash
- Low tumble dry
- Moderately hot iron
- Dry cleanable
- Do not use bleach based stain removers
FAQs for swaddling your baby
Do I use blankets on top of the Cocoon Swaddle Bag? The Cocoon Swaddle Bags are TOG rated meaning they have an insulation grade making them warm enough to use for sleep without loose bedding, and are designed to replace blankets. It is recommended by safe sleep guidelines to sleep your baby with their face and head uncovered, and their bassinet or cot free from loose bedding, pillows and toys. If your baby needs extra firmness and comfort to help with their startle reflex during sleep, our Baby Tuck Sheet is a safe-sleep approved option to use over the top of the swaddle.
How do I know if I have the right TOG to keep them warm enough? Included in your Cocoon Swaddle Bag packaging is a Room Thermometer and Dressing Guide. Place the thermometer in your baby's sleep environment to check room temperature. Once room temperature is established, use the table to guide you on the correct TOG and under-Layers combination. The Cocoon Swaddle Bag comes in three different TOGs to ensure your baby is comfortable no matter the room temperature. Our organic cotton fibres are excellent at keeping your baby warm, whilst being breathable to maintain a comfortable and safe sleeping temperature.
My babies hands feel cold. Are you sure I have the right TOG? It is normal for a newborn baby's extremities to feel cold to the touch during sleep, as their circulatory system develops. Their body is prioritising blood flow to keep the core warm and supply blood to vital organs. A better test for your baby's warmth is to put your hand to the skin on their nape or chest. If their skin feels warm and dry to touch in these areas, your baby is warm enough during sleep despite cold hands. If your baby feels cool to touch on the nape or chest, they are too cold and may need to go up a TOG in the swaddle, or need extra layers underneath. (For more information, learn how to dress your baby for sleep in winter.) If they feel sticky or hot to touch, they are overheating and require less layers or a lower TOG rating for their swaddle.
Can I use the Cocoon Swaddle Bag with arms out from birth? Absolutely! The Cocoon Swaddle Bag is designed to be worn arms in or out. Not all babies like to be swaddled, and if your baby is fussy when putting the swaddle on or fighting it during sleep, try releasing their arms using the press studs. Your newborn will still be sleeping safely in a TOG rated sleeping bag that is appropriate for their age and stage.
Does the Cocoon Swaddle Bag cause chest compression? When the correct size for your child's weight is used, the Cocoon Swaddle Bag should be a firm fit to control the startle reflex, but should not cause chest compression. Every Cocoon Swaddle Bag is made with stretchy elastane for both comfort and to enable unrestricted breathing when used with arms in or out.
How long can I use the Cocoon Swaddle Bag for? When using the Cocoon Swaddle Bag as an arms in swaddle, it is safe to use until your baby shows signs of rolling over. Once your little one shows signs of rolling, it’s time to transition to arms out sleeping for their safety. Simply open the press studs and transition one arm out at a time over several days. As an arms out sleeping bag, the Cocoon Swaddle Bag can be used as a safe sleeping bag up to 12 months old; simply follow our Size Guide to ensure you are using the correct size for your baby's weight.
What does my baby wear under the Cocoon Swaddle Bag?
This will vary from a nappy, through to warm pyjamas/onesies depending on the room temperature. Follow our What to Wear dressing guide (included with your swaddle) to layer appropriately underneath, according to your room temperature and what TOG swaddle you use. ergoPouch's under Layers are also TOG rated to help make dressing for sleep easy.
Do I need to remove the Cocoon Swaddle Bag when doing overnight feeds or nappy changes?
This is optional, but the short answer is no. Your baby can remain swaddled for a feed, but you may wish to unswaddle for comfort and burping. You do not need to remove the swaddle for nappy/diaper changes. Simply unzip the swaddle from the bottom to release the legs and change a nappy.
Can I use the Cocoon Swaddle Bag for sleep on the go with baby?
The Cocoon Swaddle Bag can be worn if sleeping in a bassinet-style pram attachment or travel bassinet/cot, but cannot be used in a five point harness. Please do not put your baby in a car seat wearing the Cocoon Swaddle Bag.
Can my baby sleep with their arms up in a Cocoon Swaddle Bag?
A baby won't be able to get their arms all the way up to the sides of their head in an ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bag. Instead, our swaddles are made from a stretchy fabric to allow for natural arm movement around the body. We find that babies will wriggle their arms and hands into a position that is most comfortable for them. The bag is stretchy enough for your baby to bring their hand to their mouth for self-soothing if they are inclined.
If your newborn baby prefers to sleep arms out (i.e. not swaddled) – that’s OK! Simply open the press studs to let their arms out. The Cocoon Swaddle Bag is still the warmest, safest solution for non-swaddled newborn babies during sleep.
How many swaddles do I need?
We recommend that you start with at least two Cocoon Swaddle Bags, one to wear and one in the wash. A baby can be a messy creature with leaking nappies and spitting up milk constantly! If baby's room is warmer during the day and cooler overnight, opt for two swaddles in each TOG rating. For example, two 1.0 TOG swaddles and two 2.5 TOG swaddles during cooler months, or two 0.2 TOG swaddles and two 1.0 TOG swaddles in warmer months. You can use the cooler TOG rating for day sleeps, and the warmer TOG rating for night sleeps.
Does the Cocoon Swaddle Bag come in a 3.5 TOG?
The Cocoon Swaddle Bag does not come in a higher tog than a 2.5 TOG. This is reduce the risk of overheating, by dressing a baby too warmly for sleep. A young baby cannot regulate their body temperature like an older child or adult does, and has not yet developed the ability to sweat if they are too hot.
If you are finding your baby is waking by being too cold, consider increasing their Layers underneath, or using a light layer such as the Baby Tuck Sheet on top (for babies not yet rolling).
When can my baby move to a 3.5 TOG pouch (if they outgrow 0-3m size before they are 3 months)?
Once your baby is sleeping arms out and older than 12 weeks, a 3.5 TOG pouch may be suitable for them. You might also consider a sleeveless 2.5 TOG pouch with Arm Warmers over top.
Safety tips for swaddling a newborn or baby
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Not suitable for use in a 5 point harness. Please don't put your baby in a car seat whilst wearing the Cocoon Swaddle Bag.
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Babies don’t regulate their body heat very well and rely on their coverings to keep them warm but not hot. Do not overdress a baby underneath their swaddle and never cover their head during sleep (e.g. with a hat or beanie). Follow our What To Wear Guide to safely dress your baby for sleep and to avoid overheating.
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When your baby shows signs of rolling (usually from 8 weeks), it's time to open the press studs to release their arms for safety. If they do roll onto their stomach during sleep, their free arms will assist them in lifting their head to the side for unobstructed breathing.
Safety tips for swaddling a newborn or baby
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