My Honest Review of the Ollie Swaddle
First and foremost, I want to clarify that unlike many of the other Ollie swaddle reviews you might find online, this is NOT a sponsored post. This means I have not received any financial compensation or free products from Ollie to write this review. I was gifted an Ollie swaddle by my sister for my first child, and later purchased a few more at full price for my second child. And let me tell you, they aren’t exactly inexpensive!
I share this information to emphasize that I understand the skepticism surrounding sponsored reviews. While most reviewers aren’t dishonest, it can be challenging to see these articles as genuine. Here, I aim to provide you with a complete picture of my experience with the Ollie swaddle, as I believe it’s crucial for an accurate review.
The first time I watched a YouTube video of a nurse expertly swaddling a baby with a traditional receiving blanket, I realized I would need a more user-friendly alternative. I excel at many things, but swaddling a baby with a regular blanket has never been one of them. This led me to seek something a bit more sophisticated than your average baby blanket.
Related: Best Swaddles for Newborns
I had never heard of the Ollie swaddle until my sister gifted us one at our baby shower. We experimented with several (ten, to be exact—and I truly am not exaggerating) other swaddles before ultimately discovering our loyalty to the Ollie. We got more use out of this swaddle than any other baby product we purchased, prompting me to write this review since we feel like we’ve become somewhat of experts on the subject!
Quick Navigation
- Ollie Swaddle Review
- Ollie Swaddle Vs. Miracle Blanket
- Ollie Swaddle Information
- Swaddle Safety
- Note: There are affiliate links in this article. You can read more about this in my disclosure.
Ollie Swaddle Review
Let’s dive into some of the pros and cons of the Ollie swaddle. While no product is perfect, this swaddle comes pretty close.
Great Things About the Ollie Swaddle
I’m excited to share our experience with the Ollie swaddle. If you’re interested, you can check it out for yourself by clicking the button below to view it on Amazon.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
Simple Design
Some might be put off by the simplicity of the Ollie’s design—especially given its price tag—but I firmly believe that when it comes to swaddling, less is more. The Ollie is essentially a long rectangle of stretchy fabric featuring a substantial strip of hook-and-loop (similar to Velcro) along one side, accompanied by a small band near the bottom to keep your baby snugly wrapped. That’s all there is to it!
Ease of Use
In those exhausting early weeks after your baby is born, making life easier for yourself is essential. The Ollie swaddle is so simple to use that you could practically do it with your eyes closed or even in the dark—something I often found myself doing! While many swaddles are easy to use, the Ollie stands out as exceptionally user-friendly.
Stretchy and Soft Material
Although many swaddles are made from stretchy material, the Ollie is my personal favorite. It’s incredibly soft yet elastic, allowing for a bit of movement without being overly loose. One of Ollie’s selling points is its use of moisture-wicking fabrics, commonly found in sportswear, which helps your baby regulate their body temperature in both warm and cool environments.
Hook and Loop Closure
The hook-and-loop closure offers a level of convenience that other swaddles lack. However, it can wear down after several washes, leading to either a stinky swaddle or the need for frequent replacements. Fortunately, the Ollie’s extensive Velcro strip has proven durable; ours has held up well even after twenty or thirty washes.
Lovely Packaging
The Ollie swaddle I bought arrived in a charming box adorned with cute woodland creatures, complete with a thank-you card and a small laundry bag. Although I’m unsure if the laundry bag is still included, as I never used it, I appreciate the thoughtful packaging that some parents might find appealing.
Downsides of an Ollie Swaddle
Hook and Loop Closure
Interestingly, I have a love-hate relationship with the hook-and-loop closure. If you need to readjust it during the night (which is a common occurrence with all swaddles), the loud ripping noise can startle your baby awake. Thankfully, we rarely had to remove it while she was sleeping, but it’s something to consider.
It’s Pricey
The Ollie swaddle is on the expensive side—probably one of the priciest items we purchased for our babies. The straightforward design almost feels unjustifiable at that price. However, when something genuinely helps your baby sleep, it’s worth the investment.
Why the Ollie Swaddle is Better Than Other Brands
As I mentioned earlier, we tried numerous swaddle brands with our babies. Honestly, I forgot about the Ollie swaddle with my first until we’d been home for a week. We experimented with various reputable brands like Halo SleepSack, Miracle Blanket, SummerMe Infant, and SwaddleUp, all of which had their own drawbacks, with the main issue being that our baby could easily escape most of them.
Related: Top Baby Products
Our baby disliked having her arms constrained (as with the SwaddleUp), and the hook-and-loop closures on other brands wore down quickly. Ultimately, despite its few downsides, the Ollie remains the only swaddle that worked effectively for us while also being incredibly easy to use.
Ollie Swaddle Vs. Miracle Blanket
A common question I receive is how the Ollie swaddle compares to the Miracle Blanket. The answer largely depends on your baby’s temperament. If your little one is a mini escape artist (like both of mine), the Miracle Blanket may not be sufficient.
I purchased two Miracle Blankets because a friend highly recommended hers. However, I found that the texture of the two I received varied significantly—one was soft while the other felt scratchy, and one was stretchy while the other was stiff. While many people are satisfied with the Miracle Blanket, these inconsistencies led me to prefer the Ollie swaddle.
When comparing the Ollie swaddle to the Miracle Blanket, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. I found the Ollie to be easier to use and more breathable, although the Miracle Blanket is quieter since it lacks a hook-and-loop closure.
Ollie Swaddle Information
Now that we’ve covered the Ollie swaddle review, let’s delve into some general information about the product.
How to Use an Ollie Swaddle
Although this review doesn’t necessarily require a how-to section, I believe it’s helpful to share the steps for using the Ollie swaddle:
- Step 1: Lay your baby down in the center of the swaddle, ensuring their shoulders are slightly above the top of the fabric. This positioning prevents the material from bunching around their neck.
- Step 2: If you plan to swaddle with arms in, gently pin both arms down (trust me, it’s not as daunting as it sounds!) and fold the left side of the Ollie snugly over the left arm and torso, tucking it behind the right arm.
- Step 3: Now both arms should be secured. Take the second side of the Ollie and attach it using the hook-and-loop closure.
- Step 4: Finally, secure the elastic loop beneath your baby’s feet. The sizing is flexible, allowing it to adjust as your baby grows.
How Do You Clean an Ollie Swaddle?
When we bought a new Ollie swaddle for our second daughter, it arrived just two days after her birth. Unfortunately, the first time we used it, she had a massive poop explosion all over it! Yes, we’re talking about the infamous black newborn poop.
I quickly ordered a replacement, convinced the stains would be impossible to remove. However, I decided to give washing it a shot following the Ollie website’s instructions:
- First, secure the hook-and-loop tabs and place the Ollie swaddle in a mesh laundry bag. Wash it on a delicate cycle in cold water using baby detergent.
- For drying, either air dry or tumble dry on a low or no-heat setting.
I was skeptical about this method working, given the severity of the stains, especially since I hadn’t secured the tabs due to the mess.
How I Handwashed My Ollie Swaddle
Instead, I opted to handwash the Ollie in our laundry sink with warm water. I let it soak and scrubbed the hook-and-loop area thoroughly. After that, I followed the washing instructions, crossing my fingers that the stains would come out.
To my surprise, the stains vanished completely, and my scrubbing did not affect the stickiness of the Velcro-like material, which is another reason I’m sharing a positive review of the Ollie swaddle. While I wouldn’t recommend my handwashing method, I felt it was my only option at the time!
What Should My Baby Wear Under an Ollie Swaddle?
The appropriate clothing for your baby to wear under the Ollie swaddle depends on the room temperature. Consulting with your pediatrician is always the safest choice.
How Many Ollie Swaddles Do I Need?
Technically, you only need one swaddle. However, having multiple swaddles can be much more practical. Since babies tend to nap at various times throughout the day, relying on a single swaddle can make it challenging to ensure a clean one is ready when needed. For us, having two was the perfect balance.
Who is an Ollie Swaddle Not For?
I believe the Ollie swaddle is suitable for anyone with a newborn, but I also recognize the steep price point. Will other swaddles do the job? Absolutely, usually! If you’re looking for a swaddle that is easy to use and effective in keeping your baby from wiggling out, the Ollie is my top recommendation. If the cost is prohibitive, consider looking for a second-hand Ollie swaddle (we sold ours on eBay). They tend to hold up well over time, and we sold ours for half of what we originally paid ($30), which is much closer to the price of other brands.
Swaddle Safety
There are several general safety guidelines for swaddling that are relevant to all swaddles, not just the Ollie.
How Long Can I Swaddle My Baby?
Swaddling (with arms in) becomes unsafe once your baby can roll over on their own. Most babies start rolling around four months old, but some may do so as early as two months. For safety, we stopped swaddling with arms in around nine weeks, even though our baby didn’t roll until she hit the four-month mark.
Related: Safe Sleep Recommendations
Can I Use an Ollie Swaddle with Arms Out?
Yes, you can absolutely use the Ollie swaddle with one or both arms out. The process is the same, just without the arms being pinned down. Once your baby is old enough to start rolling, it’s time to transition to arms out.
How to Tell If Baby is Swaddled Too Tightly
It’s generally quite difficult to make an Ollie swaddle too tight—this is true for most stretchy swaddles. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents often worry unnecessarily about swaddles being too tight, as it’s more common to swaddle too loosely.
A simple way to check if the swaddle is too tight is to slide your hand between the swaddle and your baby’s chest. It should feel snug, similar to how it felt to slide your hand between your pregnant belly and the waistband of your pants during the final stages of pregnancy.
Wrapping Up Our Ollie Swaddle Review
I hope this Ollie swaddle review has provided you with valuable insights to help you decide whether the Ollie is right for your family. The best swaddle may vary among families, but I genuinely believe you can’t go wrong with an Ollie.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON