Babies don't have to be swaddled. If your baby is happy without swaddling, don't bother. Always put your baby to sleep on his back. This is true no matter what, but is especially true if he is swaddled.
Most babies adjust to sleeping without a swaddle blanket within 1-2 weeks. However, it can take longer for younger babies who are still experiencing the Moro reflex regularly and will wake up more frequently without their swaddle.
If you're wondering how to keep baby warm without swaddle the Lullaby Trust recommends using “light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag.” Especially when unwell babies need fewer, not more bedclothes.
wearable blankets and sleepsacks
For newborns who want to feel comfy and warm but need just a little more wiggle room than a swaddle provides–wearable blankets–also known as sleep sacks–are perfect! These are bodysuits with blanket-like material.
Babies don't have to be swaddled. If your baby is happy without swaddling, don't bother. Always put your baby to sleep on his back. This is true no matter what, but is especially true if he is swaddled.
Some child care centers may have a policy against swaddling infants in their care. This is because of the increased risks of SIDS or suffocation if the baby rolls over while swaddled, in addition to the other risks of overheating and hip dysplasia.
In fact, some newborns prefer being swaddled with one or both arms free from the very beginning. - whattoexpect. This is also a great swaddling technique for babies who roll earlier than 4 months, as the American Academy of Pediatrics state that you should stop swaddling when your little one can roll independently.
Deactivating the Startle Reflex
So simply placing a baby on their side or completely onto their stomach, helps calm them and stop their crying. Of course, when you place a baby on their side or stomach, you always need to be sure that baby's airway is clear so their breathing isn't obstructed.
In reality, it may take a week or two for your baby to become used to the change in swaddle and this is totally normal. The most important thing is to try to stay consistent in all of your sleep routines and before you know it, you'll all be sleeping soundly again!
You may notice that those little baby hands get really cold at night now they're not swaddled. This is totally normal and usually nothing to worry about. The reason for cold hands in babies is their inability to regulate their body temperature as quickly as adults. The same goes for their feet.
The temperature can make your baby cry. They may cry because they are too hot or too cold. If your baby is fussy because of the temperature, there are signs that you can look for. Signs of the baby being too hot are sweating, damp hair, heat rash, or clammy skin.
And only use the swaddle when it is sleep time or when they are having a hard time calming down. Any other time during the day, your baby should be unswaddled.
By the sixth month from birth, the moro reflex should more or less be gone. This is a sign that your baby's nervous system is developing properly and your little one is getting stronger.
The Moro reflex, which is present in varying degrees in different babies, usually peaks during the first month and starts to disappear after about two months.
By day 3 your baby should be getting used to having no swaddle, so start to give them the chance to settle themselves to sleep if they were previously self-settling. Any change for your baby is going to be hard and it will take some time for them to adjust, un-swaddling is no exception.
The safest sleeping position for a baby is on their back so always place your baby on their back to sleep and not on their front or side.
Leave the arms free or the hands by the face: Some babies prefer to have their arms free, while others find it calming to have their hands near their faces. Make sure baby is not too warm: Swaddling should be done to help your infant feel secure, not to keep them warm.
SIDS is most common at 2-4 months of age when the cardiorespiratory system of all infants is in rapid transition and therefore unstable. So, all infants in this age range are at risk for dysfunction of neurological control of breathing.
Many Parents Swaddle Incorrectly!
Well, the most common swaddling mistake is not swaddling tight enough. Many parents are afraid of swaddling too snugly. When your baby is loosely swaddled, she will most likely bust her arms out and startle herself awake.
You should stop swaddling your baby when he starts attempting to roll over. Many babies start working on this move at about 2 months old. Swaddling once your baby can roll over may increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and suffocation.
The answer is yes, they do. However, it is not necessary to put an onesie under a sleeper. It is up to you to decide when you include all the factors that come into play. Hopefully, this article will help you decide how to dress your little one for a night of sleep.
In warmer weather, you can dress baby in a sleeveless and legless onesies, or just a nappy and singlet. For cooler weather, a full suit will keep baby warm. If you are using a sleeping bag, select the TOG that matches the temperature of the room.