Baby sleep: what to do when your baby hates the swaddle?
If you’re looking for more general information on swaddling, check out our article on when and how to swaddle.
Does your baby actually hate the swaddle?
If your baby starts to cry when you start to put them in the swaddle, or if they are constantly wriggling their hands out of it, you may think that your baby simply is not made for the swaddle, however, the reality is that most babies fuss when going into the swaddle and naturally wriggle themselves free. Hear me out…
Swaddling restricts movement. Unfortunately, this comes at the same time as when a baby is discovering the world, itself, and, funnily enough, movement. How confused or frustrated would you be if you had just discovered a superpower you were excited to try out, and for unknown reasons you weren’t allowed to.
Of course, we know that swaddling can help them feel more safe and secure once they are asleep (when done right), but your baby doesn’t know that. When they fuss and push back, that doesn’t mean they hate the swaddle: it just means that they just don’t know better. At least, not until they’re soothed.
What to do if your baby doesn’t like the swaddle?
Like many things in parenting and in newborn sleep, we have some flexibility. I detail below a few options, but find the one that works for you. If you’re not sure how to proceed, that can be a great use of my FREE 30-min consult.
Option 1: Don’t swaddle!
If you’re reading this article, I’m assuming that you were told that swaddling can help lengthen sleep and support your baby in sleeping in their bed (instead of in your arms) - and you would be right! However, know that swaddling is absolutely not a requirement. If you are already getting decent sleep stretches from your baby and they swaddling is feeling more difficult than helpful, then it’s OK to not swaddle.
** Remember that swaddling is also temporary and should be removed between 3-4 months.
Option 2: Swaddle them and then soothe to sleep.
Rocking, bouncing, patting, and shushing your baby to sleep will help soothe them once in the swaddle. It will help your baby feel safe and secure, because of the proximity, touch, and familiar movement.
Option 3: Swaddle them once asleep
This one is trickier because you’ll be manipulating a sleepy baby. That said, if you manage, you’ve just solved your problem of your baby fussing over the swaddle. In general, this option is a really good approach for a baby that falls asleep while feeding, since they may need to be transfered anyway.
Option 4: Use an arms up swaddle like the Love to Dream swaddle
When we talk about a traditional swaddle, we usually assume that arms are tucked down by the side. However, some babies naturally prefer their arms up near their head. A swaddle sack that does this, such as those from Love to Dream, can still provide the benefits of a traditional swaddle while allowing some arm movement.
Conclusion
Swaddling your newborn baby can help ease their transition into the world as it tames that startle reflex that can often wake them. They are used to being snug in the womb and a swaddle can help mimic that sensation for them in the early months of life. Trying some of the tactics above to help swaddle your baby and ease them into a good sleep routine can help overcome any fussiness you are seeing during the process - and remember - swaddles are an option and not a requirement!
If you are trying to navigate newborn sleep and want some tips on soothing a newborn and maximizing sleep for the whole family during the early weeks and months of baby’s life, my Mini Sleep Consult is the perfect solution! Unsure if this is right for you? Feel free to schedule a FREE 30-min consult !