Popsugar Parenting Baby Shower Gifts Lou Lou Swaddle Blankets Review This Line of Swaddles Was Created by a Former NICU Nurse — Naturally, Parents Are Obsessed 26 April 2019 by Angela Elias Image Source: Lou Lou As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. I first discovered Lou Lou's swaddle blankets while scrolling through Instagram and stopping on a particularly adorable image of a newborn wrapped snugly in one of their signature blankets knotted just below the baby's feet. Aside from the sheer cuteness, there was something else that really caught my eye — the blanket's smooth, stretchy texture, the absence of bulk, and the extra length reminded me of a much better version of the swaddle blanket I reached for the most when my son was a newborn. With baby number two on the way, I immediately tapped Lou Lou's Instagram handle to learn more. Lou Lou's Founder Was a Former Nanny and NICU Nurse Image Source: Lou Lou After skimming through glowing testimonials, it was the brand's origin story that really convinced me to give the line a try. Founder Karen Klakring was a nanny for over 10 years and a NICU nurse for five years before launching Lou Lou. After going through countless baby blankets that either left rashes because they weren't soft enough, allowed the baby to wiggle out because they weren't stretchy enough, or were too short for the baby to grow with, she gave up and got to work hand-picking fabrics and experimenting on her sewing machine until she created the first Lou Lou blanket ($25). After selling out at local markets and having mom friends and even strangers approach her for orders, she decided to make Lou Lou official. Lou Lou blanket $25 from loulouandcompany.com Buy Now Lou Lou Also Offers Soft Baby Accessories Image Source: Lou Lou Aside from Lou Lou's awesome blankets, the brand offers an assortment of gentle yet utilitarian baby accessories, like knotted gowns that can also grow with your baby, headbands that don't leave marks, soft top-knot hats and no-scratch mittens. All of the material is still hand selected with just a limited amount made in each style, which makes each piece feel even more special. If something you love is sold out, you can request to be notified for restock alerts, but there are no guarantees that the exact item will be back in stock. Lou Lou's Sweater Knit Blanket Image Source: Lou Lou The sweater knit blanket is similar in thickness to the classic swaddle option, but has a fuzzier option that feels especially cosy for slightly chillier days or nights. Both are really lightweight, measure 48 x 48 inches, and are perfect to use as a nursing cover up, throwing over the car seat as a shield from wind or sun and can be used as the baby grows into a toddler. Is Lou Lou Worth It? Image Source: Lou Lou Bottom line: if you're looking for comfy, no-fuss basics that you'll be able to use as your baby grows, you'll definitely want to give Lou Lou a try! Baby Shower GiftsBaby ShoppingShoppableNewbornBabies