It’s that classic newborn shot that every family wants.

Your sweet little baby all swaddled up and fast asleep.

And so, I make it my mission each and every newborn session to ensure I get a great variety of swaddle photos for you.

Choosing a fun swaddle can be a great way to bring some of your interests and personality into your photos.

Do distance cycling? How about a swaddle with bikes?

Love camping? How about a wildlife themed swaddle?

This doesn’t mean you have to search high and low for the ‘perfect’ swaddle – it’s more that if you have one you love and it means something to you, then your photo session is a great time to use it.

I’ve swaddled hundreds of babies and like to think that I’m a bit of a master at it. (I’ve had parents video me so they could reference it later! I’ve even recorded a whole demo that’s saved in my Instagram Story highlights.)

These are a few of my absolute very favourite swaddles to work with. Grab one for the next baby shower you’re heading to or treat yourself before you baby arrives.

Perlimpinpin Cotton Muslin Swaddle

I first fell in love with Perlinpinpin products when I was looking for a sleep sack for my daughter. We found a Perlimpinpin bamboo one and it was the perfect weight and softness. She outgrew that one and right away we bought the next size! She’s now 6 and although she doesn’t fit in it anymore, it’s now her ‘blankie’ and is tucked in right under her every single night.

Perlimpinpin also makes really beautiful cotton muslin swaddles that are the perfect size and wrap nice and tight. Their patterns are really adorable and modern. A few of my favourites are the mermaid, cactus and pretzels.

I like to buy mine locally at Baby & Beyond.

Aden & Anais Silky Smooth Swaddles

When I had babies, the Aden & Anais Silky swaddles were always the ones I’d go for first in the drawer as they are just. so. soft. They’re lighter than the traditional muslin, which really nice if you have a summer baby. I still have a few of these hanging around in our linen closet and my girls will often steal them to sleep with as they love having them next to their faces.

Lulujo Bamboo Muslin Swaddles

I’ve now worked quite a few times with the Lulujo bamboo swaddle and they’re just as nice as the Aden & Anais ones. The xoxo Lulujo pattern has actually made an appearance on multiple newborns I’ve photographed and I love the simplicity of it. It also looks amazing when the baby is swaddled on a solid coloured crib sheet.

Copper Pearl Knit Swaddle Blanket

For babies who are little escape artists, a jersey knit swaddle can be a life saver. As they have a lot of stretch, it’s easier to get it really tight and tuck those arms in. The Copper Pearl swaddles are a great size and weight and many colours come with coordinating hats and bows.