My son will only sleep if he is swaddled. I've tried to put him to sleep in a sleep sac, half swaddled, one arm out, both arms out and he will NOT fall asleep without being tightly swaddled. I heard lots of moms do it even until the age of 1 year old... but my concern is this:
Is this dangerous? He is starting to roll over. I'm concerned he will roll over on his face and suffocate. My husband says he'll turn himself over... but how can he if his arms are swaddled? I could really use some perspective!
S.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and words of advice. I tried the one arm out today and he actually fell asleep! I'm trying it again tonight. Wish me luck! I'm hoping to gradually wean him off of the swaddling.
Hi S.: I'm a brand new mom of a one month old baby (so I almost don't feel qualified) but there is that book/DVD called "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Dr. Harvey Karp. In it he recommends swaddling for the first 3 months for sure but it can be continued for the first year. You may want to rent the DVD or pick up the book in your local library. I think it's very helpful.
G. T.
HI S.,
6 1/2 months old seems a little old for Swaddling. When you mentioned that he's rolling over, my first thought was, his hands are tied up! I have three children, I would never leave them unable to use their arms once they could roll over.
I think it's time to wean him from this. Start at nap time, that's when i would start. Put him down for a nap, with a blanket on top of him... tuck it in on the sides, that might help. you'll have to let him fuss, he might even scream, but he'll sleep after a while.
Once he realizes he can sleep without the swaddling your life will be easier. Also, he may sleep better on his tummy. I have a 9 month old daughter whos been rolling over since 11 weeks old, she's slept on her belly ever since. Once they can rollover you'll find them on their tummy a lot more often. He may rollover and feel "swaddled" or more secure on his belly.
You'll never know until you give it a try.
try it durring a nap and if hes ok after that then he should be ok for all night. is he still swaddled when he wakes up from naps or are his arms out? i understand your worry and think he will be ok. just keep an eye on him
If it makes you feel any better, we are still swaddling and my daughter is 6 1/2 months old. I also have friends with babies about the same age and they are all still swaddling. We just started keeping one arm out and she seems to be doing fine. My goal is to try it for a week or two and then keep both arms out, but still swaddle so she has the feeling of being wrapped around her belly. Also, you have to do what feels right for you and your baby. If your baby still needs to be swaddled, that's okay. He'll let you know when he's ready to be free. I hope this helps.
A.
