How to Swaddle Baby
Swaddling a newborn mimics the feeling of being in the womb and helps calm and soften the Moro (startle) reflex. Most babies though tend to fight getting into them but once they are swaddled, we see a child typically relax into sleep.
How to Swaddle Baby
1. Use a Swaddle with Velcro (preferable) or a swaddle blanket: The Swaddle with Velcro is preferable as it makes it easier to swaddle the baby, change their diaper in the middle of the night and overall easier to get on.
2. Position baby on top of the swaddle: Lay baby on top of the swaddle and put arms down by their side or tummy. Swaddling with arms down or on tummy helps decrease the likelihood of breaking out of the swaddle.
3. Wrap swaddle around baby: Make sure it is snug but not too tight so they can take breaths comfortably, doesn't restrict their legs/hip area and be able to have room for movement for their legs.
4. Dress baby appropriately: If baby feels hot and/or red cheeks, then remove a layer of clothing (sometimes they are only in a diaper or a diaper with a onesie). If they seem cold, then add a layer (such as socks or footed pajamas).
Should I swaddle for naps?
Sleep is sleep to a child and they don’t know the difference between day sleep and night sleep and recommend swaddle for all sleep (day and night). When baby is finished with sleep session (overnight or naps), then we get them out of the swaddle so they can get lots of movement during awake periods. Once baby starts showing signs of rolling, then we move from a swaddle to a sleep sack. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that rolling commonly begins around 4 months, but it can happen as early as 2 months.
Signs that it may be time to stop swaddling include:
Trying to roll from back to side
Repeatedly twisting or turning their body
Getting onto their side during sleep
Pushing strongly against the mattress with their legs
Increasing attempts to roll during awake time
Getting into a position where they could potentially roll
How To Transition Out of the Swaddle
We have a couple of options
Option 1: Cold Turkey
We move immediately from a swaddle to a sleep sack. It can take a few days to a week for baby to get used to where their arms are in space so sleep may be a bit disjointed as that is happening. Stay consistent in our responses for wakes as they are learning this new skill.
Option 2: Gradual
Remove one arm out of the swaddle for three to five days and then remove the other arm out of the swaddle. Baby is now hands free and would move to a sleep sack. As mentioned earlier, sleep is off while they are adjusting to having their arms out for sleep.
Option 3: Semi Gradual
Remove one arm out of the swaddle half the night for three to five days (re swaddle it halfway through the night), then have that arms out free the whole night for three to five days and then we start on the other arm.
For any of these options, if baby is rolling then we need to switch to sleep sack immediately.
What About Weighted Swaddles?
I don’t recommend them for safety reasons. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics advise against weighted swaddles and weighted blankets for babies. There is not enough evidence to establish that they are safe, and added weight could make breathing more difficult or make it harder for a baby to reposition if they roll.
The most important rule for babies is to always lay them on their back whether they are swaddled or not. We also want them to be sleeping on a firm, flat and level surface with no loose blankets, clothing, etc and nothing covering babes face or head.
The transition from swaddle to sleep sack is part of our baby’s growth and development. If you're feeling overwhelmed by newborn sleep, remember that you don't have to figure it all out at once. Your baby's sleep will change quickly during these first few months, and your approach can change right along with them. If you want more support for your newborn, we have a newborn course that can help address many of the phases that we see in the first three months.
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