When it comes to parenthood, there are many ways to safely and happily raise children. From what to feed them to where they should sleep, parents all over the world have different methods to keep their babies healthy and loved. One question that frequently comes up is when to stop swaddling babies.
While swaddling babies is a great way to comfort and soothe a child, there are definitely safe methods and rules regarding the proper techniques and practices for swaddling. Below are some common and frequently asked questions regarding when to stop swaddling a baby, and how to swaddle a baby.
How do you know when to stop swaddling your baby?
All babies are different and there are definitely different ways to know if your baby should be swaddled. One specific rule is about if your baby has rolled over. If your baby is rolling over, you should not swaddle them unsupervised.
If you are holding your baby while they are swaddled, that is ok. It is important to not leave a swaddled baby that can roll over by themselves because they could roll over onto their stomach and not be able to breathe.
Another factor to consider is SIDS. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a sad and tragic result of poor sleep conditions. From tight swaddles to accidental suffocation, it is important to ensure the safety of your baby’s sleeping arrangements.
Monitor your baby to be sure that they can breathe in their swaddle. Check that they are not too hot and are not at risk for overheating in their swaddle. Always check that they are not able to roll onto their stomach.
If swaddling your baby helps them sleep, swaddle them. If they could roll onto their stomach in their sleep, do not swaddle them. While this seems like a steadfast rule, it is also important to trust your gut. If you feel it is unsafe, it is likely that it is unsafe. Stick to your parental instinct and your baby will be happy.
Can a swaddled baby be placed on their stomach?
No. While your child might enjoy tummy time, it is important to have them swaddled on their back. This is because they are not able to move much when swaddled, and have added pressure on their chest when placed on their stomachs. Leave tummy time for playtime when they are awake.
Can you still swaddle a 6 month old?
As mentioned before, a baby can be swaddled from the time they leave the womb. If your 6-month-old needs calmed and like to be swaddled, by all means, do so. However, if they are rolling back to their belly, it is best not to leave them unsupervised while swaddled. You can hold them in a swaddle.
Should you stop swaddling at 8 weeks?
Like the last two answers, this depends on their mobility and if they are supervised. There is not an age limit for swaddling. Why? Because all babies are different. What works for your baby might not work for another baby.
Is swaddling with arms safe?
The short answer is yes, as long as the arms are in a safe position. Many parents choose to have the arms free to allow babies to self soothe, like sucking fingers or thumb, but keeping arms out can lead to babies rolling over and being on their stomach which is not safe. This is not something to worry about if the baby is too young to roll over.
What is the proper technique and method for swaddling a baby?
The best way to swaddle your baby is the way that your baby is safest and happiest. Does your baby need a hand out to self-soothe and suck on their fingers and thumb? Keep their arms out.
Does your baby need to be swaddled in order to fall asleep at night? Please swaddle them! Given that your baby is safe and happy, your methods are the right ones.
Below is a great step-by-step on how to swaddle a baby with arms tucked in.
- Start with a blanket in the shape of a baseball diamond with one corner at the top and one at the bottom.
- Turn down the top corner to the middle of the blanket.
- Place your baby on their back on top of the middle of the blanket, with their head above the fold.
- Straighten your baby’s left arm and place it by their side while taking the left corner of the blanket, pulling it across their body, and tucking it between the right arm and baby’s body.
- Straighten your baby’s right arm and place it by their side while taking the right corner of the blanket across to the left side of their body and tucking it under your baby’s back.
- Twist or fold the bottom of the blanket and tuck it under your baby’s back.
- Adjust as needed to ensure the hips are flat to the surface that your baby is on and that the swaddle is not too tight. Aim to be able to get two or three fingers between the blanket and the baby’s chest to ensure room to breathe and move as needed.
Why should a baby be swaddled?
There are many reasons parents choose to swaddle their baby. From helping with colic to soothing a fussy baby, swaddling is a great way to make your baby happy and comfortable. Swaddled babies also can sleep well and feel safe.
Is it important to swaddle a newborn?
It is not necessary to swaddle a newborn, but many parents find that it helps their baby sleep and feel comfortable. For me, I found that when we swaddled out babies they slept so much better….until they got older and wanted to be free.
One of our daughters seemed to start flipping over so much faster than the rest of them. I am not sure if it was because we didn’t do a good job of swaddling her or if she was just ready right away to start rolling around.
How do I get my baby to sleep without being swaddled?
The answer to this question is different for every baby. Some parents choose not to swaddle their baby at all, and that is okay! If you are looking to wean your baby off of being swaddled, there are a few things you can try.
1. Start by only swaddling your baby during naps or at nighttime.
2. When you do swaddle your baby, only do so for a short period of time.
3. Use a lighter weight blanket or material.
4. Give your baby some supervised “tummy time” to help them get used to having their arms free.
5. Try using a sleep sack instead of a blanket.
6. When all else fails, consult your pediatrician.
Hopefully, these tips will help you try to stop swaddling your baby. Remember, all babies are different and what works for one might not work for another. If you have any concerns, please consult your pediatrician.
Conclusion
While there are ways to know when to stop swaddling baby, the most important way to know is to understand your baby. Some babies need to be swaddled for longer than others, and some babies do not like to be swaddled at all.
Whether you are a new parent or a person who is planning their family, it is important to be informed about proper methods and tips for how to properly care for your baby. However, just know that once your baby arrives, they will have different needs and ways to function out of the womb.
