Swaddling is a popular technique for soothing babies. New parents may be puzzled about how to do it properly and for how long. To get the most out of swaddling, let’s get the hang of the proper technique and its duration per day.
So, How Long Do You Swaddle a Baby? General Guidelines
Newborns (0-2 Months)
Newborns up to two months old can be swaddled for most of the day and night. During this stage, babies often prefer the snug feeling. It reminds them of the womb and helps them deal with the startle reflex. Swaddle your baby for up to 16-20 hours per day. Go on as long as the baby is comfortable, and the swaddle is done properly.
Make sure that the swaddle is not too tight around the hips. There should be enough space for the legs to move. Allow for unrestricted movement during awake periods. Leave the little one out of the swaddle for some time. Alternate with, for instance, skin-to-skin bonding or diaper change.
Infants (2-4 Months)
Get ready as babies become more active. The time they spend swaddling should be progressively reduced. Between 2-4 months, most infants start showing signs of increased mobility. Limit swaddling to about 12-14 hours a day. Use this technique mainly when the little one is sleeping or needs soothing.
Always observe your baby’s cues during this stage. Some infants may start resisting the swaddle or attempt to break free. These are common signs that it might be time to start transitioning away from swaddling. Or use it less frequently.
Older Babies (4+ Months)
Swaddling should be gradually discontinued by the time a baby reaches 4 months. The child may start rolling over at this stage. And when they are swaddled, this could be dangerous for them. If a baby has early signs of rolling or increased movement before 4 months, stop swaddling to prevent suffocation.
For babies who still need to be swaddled at this age, parents can invest in sleep sacks or wearable custom blankets. These trinkets let the baby’s arms and legs move while still giving them the sense of security that comes with being swaddled.
Factors Affecting Swaddling Duration
Remember that each baby is different. The duration of swaddling depends on the child’s needs and parents’ preferences. Swaddling duration depends on factors like the baby’s temperament, sleep-wake cycle as well as developmental stage. Some babies will be comfortable being swaddled for most of their early days. Others may refuse to be swaddled at some point.
The time a baby is swaddled can also be influenced by environmental conditions. In warmer regions or seasons, the babies ought to be uncomfortable when put in swaddles for long. As this may cause overheating. On the other hand, in cold climates, swaddling could prove to be more helpful in regulating the body temperature.
Parents should always be mindful of the temperature of the room. Make sure that the baby is warm under the swaddle. Add or remove layers to regulate the kid’s temperature. Also, the time of day can affect the choice of the blanket’s fabric. Some parents prefer longer swaddling during the night. Others prefer shorter swaddling during the day.
Signs It’s Time to Reduce Swaddling
The most common signs are the baby’s increased movement and rolling attempts. If your newborn is trying to roll over or move during daytime naps or nighttime sleep, it’s safer to stop swaddling. Get the baby used to safe sleeping positions.
Sleep-wake cycle changes are also indicators that a baby may be ready to have swaddling reduced. A previously well-swaddled kid can begin waking more often or having issues with going back to sleep. This could happen because they’re ready for more freedom of movement during sleep. In such situations, it’s recommended to slowly wean the baby off swaddling. Or switch to a sleep sack.
Another obvious sign that a baby might be ready for change is when they start to resist swaddling. If a newborn fusses or cries when being swaddled or continually attempts to wiggle out of the swaddle, decrease the swaddling duration. This resistance is often observed in conjunction with developmental steps. These changes include increased arm and leg movement and the desire to self-soothe by sucking on hands.
Be aware of key developmental indicators of when swaddling may no longer be appropriate. These can be enhanced head and neck stability, purposeful reaching for objects, and lifting up arms while on the tummy. These milestones signify that as babies grow, they need more mobility. Thus, swaddling is becoming less necessary and potentially restrictive.
Common Swaddling Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake that parents make is wrapping the baby too tightly. This can compromise the baby’s airway and affect the hip joint as well. The swaddle should not restrict the movement of the legs and hips. Instead, your little one should feel secure around the upper part of the body.
Another mistake made when swaddling is the use of thick blankets. Thicker fabrics pose a risk of heat build-up, which is a SIDS-associated hazard (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). While swaddling, use fabrics that are light on the skin. The cover should allow free airflow. This is especially true when swaddling in the summer or in a hot climate.
One of the most common mistakes is swaddling past the appropriate age. Swaddling during sleep is considered dangerous once the baby starts displaying signs of rolling over. This is happening around 3-4 months old. At this stage, it’s crucial to transition to alternative sleep solutions that allow for more movement.
The worst mistake rookie parents can make is to fail to ignore the baby’s signals. Every baby is unique. While general guidelines are helpful, you must pay attention to the individual needs of your little one. If a baby struggles each time they’re swaddled, it’s better to change the swaddling method or try other effective calming techniques.
Conclusion
Babies are swaddled to ensure that the little one will sleep well for many hours. Thus, the knowledge of the right durability of swaddling and when it’s time to stop swaddling is vital for a child’s security and further growth. The following guidelines should help parents to use this technique properly and avoid any harm to the baby.
As a parent, go with your gut feeling and remember that if you have any questions or concerns about swaddling or your baby’s sleep, you should talk to your pediatrician. By being extremely cautious, you can easily take your little one through the swaddling phase and beyond.
