Most babies like to be swaddled, especially when sleeping. A swaddle can soothe a baby, perhaps reminding him of the tight space in the womb, where he spent nine months. But in the end, you have to break the habit of swaddling and help your baby learn to sleep without a swaddle. After a few months, babies need freedom of movement to explore the world around them. Keeping the baby in a comfortable cocoon can interfere with this exploration.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Preparing for the Transition from the Weave
Step 1. Consider security
In general, swaddling a newborn is perfectly safe. However, many babies start rolling over at about three to four months of age, and at this stage, they can't control their head very well. Keep in mind that older babies who are still swaddled may be at risk of falling or rolling over on their stomach with their head facing a mattress or other surface, posing a risk of suffocation or suffocation.
Step 2. Observe your baby's behavior
When your baby is ready to end the swaddle (usually between four and six months of age), he or she may give you several signals, including:
- Crying when swaddled
- Struggling to loosen the blanket
- Getting used to not being swaddled during sleep. If this starts when the baby is still small, be aware that blankets and other covers can pose a risk of suffocating the baby.
Step 3. Wait for the startle reflex to disappear
Babies are born with a condition called the “Moro reflex” or “startle reflex”-when he is startled (and sometimes for no particular reason), his arm will be thrown to the side. Newborns tend to be startled easily and flap their arms and legs a lot; A swaddle can help keep the baby quiet and calm for sleep. For best results, wait for the Moro reflex to subside before you stop the swaddle-unless the baby has started rolling over and safety is a major concern.
Step 4. Plan the transition
Once you're sure your baby is ready, think about how to make the transition? Will you start during a nap or a night's sleep? When will it start? How will you handle the difficulties that arise?
Consider spending the weekend or another convenient time experimenting with removing the swaddle. Know that to do this, you may have to sacrifice your baby's normal sleep time. If your partner can help, even better-you can take turns observing what your baby likes and trying to calm him down without a swaddle
Step 5. Stick to your routine
Plan to maintain a routine when you break the habit of swaddling. If you stick to the same bedtime routine (low light, bath, lullaby, whatever you're used to), chances are your baby will be more receptive to sleeping without a swaddle.
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Transitioning to Swaddleless Sleep Gradually
Step 1. Know that drastic methods are unlikely to be good
In general, removing the swab abruptly and suddenly will not work; The baby will feel uncomfortable and have difficulty sleeping. If your baby is very active and is already trying to wriggle out of the swaddle on his own, you can try this method. Otherwise, a stepwise approach is probably best.
If you choose to abruptly stop swaddling, try starting at nap time. That way, if it doesn't work, you won't be sacrificing a lot of sleep
Step 2. Try removing the swaddle on the baby's feet
Many babies are more receptive to sleeping without a swaddle if you start gradually. Try swaddling her hands and arms as usual, but leaving her legs exposed. You can use a special swaddle for this, or improvise with blankets, cloth diapers, and the like.
Step 3. Consider starting with hands
Alternatively, you can start not swaddling your baby's hands and arms, while continuing to swaddle her legs as usual. For best results, initially release only one hand, then continue with both hands.
Step 4. Continue gradually
When your baby has accepted each stage of removing the swaddle, continue until he can sleep without the swaddle at all.
Step 5. Pay attention to signals from the baby
If your baby has trouble sleeping, wakes up frequently, or seems displeased, don't continue. Wait until he is able to accept the first stage (hand or leg is not swaddled) before proceeding.
Step 6. Set the time interval
If your baby enjoys being swaddled, it may be helpful to start removing the swaddle during naps or only during the first few hours of sleep (for example, until he wakes up to feed). Increase the time without swaddling gradually.
Step 7. Help the baby who is not swaddled to calm down
If your baby has trouble sleeping without a swaddle, try holding his hand gently over his chest. This can soothe the baby and put him to sleep.
Step 8. Try a baby sleeping bag
There are a number of products on the market that are shaped like sleeping bags, to help babies stay warm and calm without a tight swaddle. If baby seems comfortable in a sleeping bag, use it! You can gradually open the sleeping bag to make it easier for your baby to feel free.
In addition to the sleeping bag, there is also a swaddling strap that helps older babies feel comfortable being swaddled. If your baby has trouble sleeping without his usual swaddle, you might consider one of these products for a while
Step 9. Calm baby without swaddling him
If your baby wakes up and cries more easily when not swaddled, try some calming techniques. Consider the methods below:
- Singing lullabies
- Put on some relaxing music
- Carry the baby in a sling and go for a walk
- Rocking baby
Step 10. Don't give up
Soothe baby as you should, but as soon as he calms down, put him in the crib so he can sleep again. Every baby is different, and your baby may need time to accept this new sleeping arrangement.
Tips
- If your baby seems very distressed, there's nothing wrong with continuing to swaddle a little longer. Talk to your pediatrician, but don't feel like you have to force your baby through this process.
- Do it slowly. Allow the baby to get used to the half swaddle and/or sleep without the swaddle for a short period of time before moving on to the no swaddle stage for a longer period.
- Remember that babies are individuals-they tend to follow individual patterns, and have different needs. Some babies like to sleep without a swaddle; others would not sleep that way for a long time. Understand that there is no one-size-fits-all pattern.
