Swaddling has become a popular way to keep babies warm and secure after being born. In fact, swaddling techniques are usually taught before parents leave the hospital with their newborns, according to the Baby Center website. While swaddling is an effective tool for keeping a baby calm and content, weaning your baby off the swaddle can be a frustrating experience for both you and your child. Thankfully, you can make this process a little easier for everybody.
Step 1
Look for signs that your baby no longer wants to be swaddled. If you begin to notice your baby coming out of her swaddle when she wakes up, she's probably trying to wiggle around and is finding the swaddle to be oppressive. If your baby is telling you she's ready to go without a swaddle, that's your cue to take it away. This can come as early as 6 weeks, or it can come at 4 months, if not later.
Step 2
Swaddle your baby, but keep his arms out of the swaddle. This allows him to have his arms free to move around, giving him the mobility he wants, but it will still keep him feeling warm and safe, according to the Happiest Baby website. Stick with this version of the swaddle for a few weeks so he can learn how to sleep while not being totally confined by the swaddle.
Step 3
Replace the swaddle with a regular blanket or sleep sack. A sleep sack may give both you and your baby peace of mind that she's covered by something that will keep her warm. A blanket can accomplish the same goal, only with a greater chance of falling off the baby while she's sleeping. Whichever you choose, keep the rest of your nighttime routine consistent with the way it was when you were using the swaddle.
Step 4
Let your baby cry if he's unhappy. Your baby needs time to get used to his new sleeping arrangement, so it's natural that he might wake up crying while he's being weaned off the swaddle. If he cries, don't run in and pick him up right away. Give him a few minutes to cry it out. You may find that he stops shortly afterward, which is a sign that he's getting accustomed to sleeping outside of a swaddle.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not try to force your baby out of the swaddle if she's not ready. This will only cause frustration and sleepless nights for you both. Try not to get discouraged if your baby isn't comfortable sleeping without being swaddled at first. It's a big change in her sleeping routine; it may take time for her to adjust.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates swaddling as a safe way to put your child to sleep. However, they also state that heavy blankets pose a SIDS risk, so be sure to keep them in a place where they won't suffocate your baby. You may find that your baby wakes up more while you're weaning him off of the swaddle. This is normal, but it can cause frustration for you, your spouse and your other children.
Things You'll Need
- Blanket
- Sleep sack
