How to Know When to Stop Swaddling a Baby

Swaddling is a term used to describe wrapping a newborn baby snugly in a blanket. It provides warmth and security. It also allows for better sleep, due to it's calming effect and similarity to life in utero. While swaddling is great for newborns, there is an appropriate time to stop swaddling the baby.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Watch for signs that the baby isn't comfortable. Fussing, crying or more frequent wakings at night are all signals that the baby does not want to be swaddled.

2. Consider stopping swaddling around two months of age. This is when most babies tire of swaddling. At this age, the startle reflex is almost gone, and there is not as much of a need to contain the arms and legs.

3. Keep the baby out of the swaddling blanket at playtime. Swaddling during awake hours can lead to a delay in development. Baby should be free to use his hands and feet with a full range of movement in order to fully develop and discover the world.

4. Find other ways to keep the baby warm. Blanket sleepers, fleece sleepers, and warm pajamas are good alternatives to the warmth of swaddling without binding the appendages down. Also, keep in mind that babies overheat, so avoid overdressing him.

5. Stop swaddling once the baby can roll over. Once baby can roll over, it is dangerous to swaddle. The baby could roll over, and with her arms swaddled, not be able to turn herself right side up, which could lead to suffocation if her face is in a blanket.

Who Can Help:

• Better than Botox®? Free Kit

[sarahrosieh]

on 6/19/2008 You have to buy the Miracle Blanket. It is the best purchase we have ever made!!!! It is much better than any other swaddle blanket, even the ones with velcro. It has little flaps that hold their arms in and one side that is about three feet long so it wraps around the baby a few times. My baby girl is three months old and smiles as soon as she sees the blanket. It is lightweight and stretchy! Also, my pediatrician said that 4 months is the AVERAGE age that babies do not want to be swaddled, however, some babies like to be swaddled up to six months. Just do whatever makes your baby comfortable and allows him to sleep best!

[Hanneli]

on 4/1/2008 I have a baby boy who is almost 4 months old. he has been so used to being swaddled that when he wriggles out of it, he wakes himself up and starts to cry. I find that I have to re-swaddle him again and this keeps him asleep longer. How do I get him used to being un-swaddled?