When the babies are wrapped in a swaddling blanket or cloth, their reflexes work better, and they can relax while sleeping. That is why most parents prefer swaddling the infants for a long time till they are entirely sure that their babies are ready to adapt to the outer environment. You, as a parent, should know every detail of swaddling, including how many swaddles do you need. It is so because if anything goes wrong, then your baby might be in great discomfort.
Swaddling a newborn is effective, but until the time it is required. If you continue swaddling even after the baby has grown and does not need it any further, the consequences might be dire. Usually, such situations result in allergies or movement issues. We are sure you do not want this for your child. Hence, today, we are going to share with you when to stop swaddling. Are you eager to find out? If yes, then stay hooked until the end!
When Should You Stop Swaddling?
As per the experts, you should stop swaddling your baby when they are close to three months old. It is so because at this age, the infant grows and can gain the strength to roll on the stomach, or they might even try to break the clothing. However, if you want, you can still swaddle them with their arms out. But there will be a time when you need to stop swaddling a baby . Keep reading to know when!
When They No More Startle
Swaddling is usually used as a protective layer to comfort the babies when they startle or show Moro reflex. But this reflex soon starts disappearing when they are close to 6 months old. It is the phase when you should stop swaddling them. It shows that the infant is more comfortable with their environment and can do without the tight clothing around.
Infant is Often Waking Up from Sleep
If you notice that your baby is frequently waking up during their sleep hours and is uncontrollable crying even after feeding, then know that they are feeling uncomfortable. That is the time when you need to remove the swaddling clothes around them and stop doing it any further. After you stop swaddling them, see if they are still waking up from sleep. If not, you know what was bothering them! In case the baby is still fighting to sleep peacefully, we would suggest you consult a pediatrician.
When the Baby Becomes Defensive while Swaddling
In the initial stage of swaddling, the babies usually fight to avoid the clothing. But when they become defensive at the later stages, you should understand that they are no more comfortable binding. Take the hint and stop swaddling!
Baby Showing Signs of Breaking Out
When you see that the baby is stretching their arms out of the cloth and cannot rest in one position, you should take that as a sign and stop swaddling. If you keep binding the infant even after they attempt breaking out, the results can be harmful to their bones.
When the Infant is Rolling Over
If your child is in the process of learning the skill of rolling over, it’s time to get rid of swaddling. There are risks if the baby tries to move with the binding on. Hence, be careful!
How to Make Sure that the Baby Sleeps Well even Without the Swaddle?
Once you stop swaddling, you might feel that the baby is uncomfortable and cannot sleep well at night. For most infants, this isn’t the case. They usually get habituated to the change and sleep in calm. Still, if you want to try better methods, you can make sure that the baby’s daily routine contains proper feeding, bathing, massaging, and rocking. With a combination of all these comforts, your child will get the best sleep at night.
Apart from providing the infant with all the daily comforts, ensure that the environment is soothing. When your baby is sleepy, dim the lights of the room and prepare a calming ambiance. It will help the child fall asleep quicker and rest for longer.
Final Word
We hope this article has helped you know when to stop swaddling. We agree that the swaddling effect is great for comforting newborns, but it is also essential that you get rid of it at the right time. Hence, take the hints and let your baby sleep without any bindings. It will also free their arms and help them with better movement skills.
Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean you do not need adequate sleep. Prioritize your comforts as well so that you and your child can live a healthy life. So, how old is your baby, and when are you planning to stop swaddling them? Do share with us!
