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Hunni Bee 10:39 AM 08-12-2013
Welcome to Annoying New Mommy Questions, part 2 of 173639.
Do I have to swaddle my baby all the time?
She was swaddled in the hospital, and they told me to keep doing it, but she doesn't like it. She breaks out within five minutes.
I do have a Halo sleep sack, but do to unfortunate circumstances (no washer or dryer, and having to wash her things by hand and hang dry) its out of commission right now.
So instead of having her rip her blanket (and hat and socks and mittens lol) off every second, I am just letting lie in the crib with just clothes on. Its cool-ish in my house...and she seems a little cool to the touch but not cold, and she's content...
Is she okay? I do insist she keep her socks on, and I try my best with the cap.
Do I have to swaddle my baby all the time?
She was swaddled in the hospital, and they told me to keep doing it, but she doesn't like it. She breaks out within five minutes.
I do have a Halo sleep sack, but do to unfortunate circumstances (no washer or dryer, and having to wash her things by hand and hang dry) its out of commission right now.
So instead of having her rip her blanket (and hat and socks and mittens lol) off every second, I am just letting lie in the crib with just clothes on. Its cool-ish in my house...and she seems a little cool to the touch but not cold, and she's content...
Is she okay? I do insist she keep her socks on, and I try my best with the cap.
Blackcat31 10:45 AM 08-12-2013
I have zero experience with swaddling but I did find and save this article awhile back.
It may have some great info about swaddling in it for you....
http://swaddling101.com/
It may have some great info about swaddling in it for you....
http://swaddling101.com/
Cradle2crayons 10:53 AM 08-12-2013
Swaddling is an art lol.
First of all, you have to be sure the blanket or wrap u are using is large enough.
Second, instead of just wrapping them like a taco if you put her first arm to her side and instead of bringing the blanket across her chest after pinning her arm, wrap and fold it around her arm at the edge.. Then go across her chest and repeat.
It makes it harder to get out and makes em feel safe and comfy.
First of all, you have to be sure the blanket or wrap u are using is large enough.
Second, instead of just wrapping them like a taco if you put her first arm to her side and instead of bringing the blanket across her chest after pinning her arm, wrap and fold it around her arm at the edge.. Then go across her chest and repeat.
It makes it harder to get out and makes em feel safe and comfy.
MsLaura529 10:53 AM 08-12-2013
When DD was a newborn, she had to have her arms out of the swaddle or else she would scream. Once her arms were out, she was a happy clam. DS didn't want to be swaddled AT ALL.
If you think she is happier without, and is staying at a comfortable temperature for herself, as far as I know (and I could be wrong), I would say she is fine not being swaddled.
If you think she is happier without, and is staying at a comfortable temperature for herself, as far as I know (and I could be wrong), I would say she is fine not being swaddled.
Willow 10:55 AM 08-12-2013
It's certainly not required. If she's happy you can certainly let her be just as you are!
My daughter hated being swaddled (and being snuggled/held closely in general). My son on the other hand loved it and it's one of the only things that got us through his colicky stage.
I'd say leave it up to her. In general preemies tend to be more prone to startling since their nervous systems are not as mature as full termers. Swaddling cuts down on many waking from that which is probably why the hospital suggested it.
My daughter hated being swaddled (and being snuggled/held closely in general). My son on the other hand loved it and it's one of the only things that got us through his colicky stage.
I'd say leave it up to her. In general preemies tend to be more prone to startling since their nervous systems are not as mature as full termers. Swaddling cuts down on many waking from that which is probably why the hospital suggested it.
itlw8 10:57 AM 08-12-2013
No you do not have to keep doing it. most babies find it calming and sleep better but while awake let her move. I love the Velcro swaddles but you can double wrap I never did it so not positive how it went. the first blankek was folded in a rectangle lay the baby on it bring it up next to the body and around the arms to the back then swaddle with second blanket as usual . It keeps the arms in place better with out swaddling too tight.
I did not put socks on my babes and the hats were a lost cause. I did love the night gowns instead of sleepers. I am old so they had draw strings instead of elastic like they do now. kept babe warm and easy to change.
I did not put socks on my babes and the hats were a lost cause. I did love the night gowns instead of sleepers. I am old so they had draw strings instead of elastic like they do now. kept babe warm and easy to change.
Hunni Bee 11:08 AM 08-12-2013
Originally Posted by MsLaura529:
When DD was a newborn, she had to have her arms out of the swaddle or else she would scream. Once her arms were out, she was a happy clam. DS didn't want to be swaddled AT ALL.
If you think she is happier without, and is staying at a comfortable temperature for herself, as far as I know (and I could be wrong), I would say she is fine not being swaddled.
That's her. She must have her arms out at all times. The Halo blanket lets you swaddle with the arms out...the only problem I have with it is that I only have one When DD was a newborn, she had to have her arms out of the swaddle or else she would scream. Once her arms were out, she was a happy clam. DS didn't want to be swaddled AT ALL.
If you think she is happier without, and is staying at a comfortable temperature for herself, as far as I know (and I could be wrong), I would say she is fine not being swaddled.
. Blanket swaddling she hates. If you aren't holding her preventing her from breaking out, she immediately takes it off. The only thing that bothers me is that her little hands are chilly, but she won't wear the mittens either.
Heidi 11:53 AM 08-12-2013
so, on that note...(sorry to hijack). My new dcb (6 weeks) falls asleep, then startles himself awake every 5 minutes.
He is really warm-blooded, so he gets hot swaddled. We are allowed to swaddle here.
Do you think a semi-swaddle is ok? By that means, I am swaddling his arms but leaving his bottom half uncovered so he stays cooler. I sort of rolled him in a receiving blanket like a sandwich-wrap instead of a burrito.
I keep checking on him and he's snoozing contently...
He is really warm-blooded, so he gets hot swaddled. We are allowed to swaddle here.
Do you think a semi-swaddle is ok? By that means, I am swaddling his arms but leaving his bottom half uncovered so he stays cooler. I sort of rolled him in a receiving blanket like a sandwich-wrap instead of a burrito.
I keep checking on him and he's snoozing contently...
EntropyControlSpecialist 12:00 PM 08-12-2013
Originally Posted by Cradle2crayons:
Swaddling is an art lol.
First of all, you have to be sure the blanket or wrap u are using is large enough.
Second, instead of just wrapping them like a taco if you put her first arm to her side and instead of bringing the blanket across her chest after pinning her arm, wrap and fold it around her arm at the edge.. Then go across her chest and repeat.
It makes it harder to get out and makes em feel safe and comfy.
They talk about it in Happiest Baby on the Block. Swaddling is an art lol.
First of all, you have to be sure the blanket or wrap u are using is large enough.
Second, instead of just wrapping them like a taco if you put her first arm to her side and instead of bringing the blanket across her chest after pinning her arm, wrap and fold it around her arm at the edge.. Then go across her chest and repeat.
It makes it harder to get out and makes em feel safe and comfy.
EntropyControlSpecialist 12:02 PM 08-12-2013
Originally Posted by Hunni Bee:
That's her. She must have her arms out at all times. The Halo blanket lets you swaddle with the arms out...the only problem I have with it is that I only have one.
Blanket swaddling she hates. If you aren't holding her preventing her from breaking out, she immediately takes it off. The only thing that bothers me is that her little hands are chilly, but she won't wear the mittens either.
Most babies have cold hands and cold feet until their body temps are more regulated.That's her. She must have her arms out at all times. The Halo blanket lets you swaddle with the arms out...the only problem I have with it is that I only have one
. Blanket swaddling she hates. If you aren't holding her preventing her from breaking out, she immediately takes it off. The only thing that bothers me is that her little hands are chilly, but she won't wear the mittens either.
Willow 12:16 PM 08-12-2013
Originally Posted by Heidi:
so, on that note...(sorry to hijack). My new dcb (6 weeks) falls asleep, then startles himself awake every 5 minutes.
He is really warm-blooded, so he gets hot swaddled. We are allowed to swaddle here.
Do you think a semi-swaddle is ok? By that means, I am swaddling his arms but leaving his bottom half uncovered so he stays cooler. I sort of rolled him in a receiving blanket like a sandwich-wrap instead of a burrito.
I keep checking on him and he's snoozing contently...
so, on that note...(sorry to hijack). My new dcb (6 weeks) falls asleep, then startles himself awake every 5 minutes.
He is really warm-blooded, so he gets hot swaddled. We are allowed to swaddle here.
Do you think a semi-swaddle is ok? By that means, I am swaddling his arms but leaving his bottom half uncovered so he stays cooler. I sort of rolled him in a receiving blanket like a sandwich-wrap instead of a burrito.
I keep checking on him and he's snoozing contently...
Could try it. Wondering what you've tried for materials though? My son would sweat like crazy in the cotton receiving blankets but muslin worked awesome. Regulated his temp well and the ones I found were larger which allowed me to wrap him up better.
Hunni Bee 12:30 PM 08-12-2013
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
Most babies have cold hands and cold feet until their body temps are more regulated.
Thanks Most babies have cold hands and cold feet until their body temps are more regulated.
.I didn't know that.
jenn 06:04 PM 08-12-2013
My daughter has always been a "hot sleeper". She hated being swaddled from day 1. She slept in the same type of clothing she wore during the day. She was born in July, so it was plenty warm enough. She usually just wore/slept in a onesie. She is 5 now, and prefers to sleep in just her panties.
littlemissmuffet 07:18 PM 08-12-2013
I am all about swaddling (or "sausaging" as we call it in our house)... except my own. She was okay with it the first three months in the hospital, but when we brought her home she wasn't having it - and also would break out quickly (and I consider myself a MASTER swaddler)!
We quickly learned that our kiddo likes to be cool. She's like her dad and her core temp is higher than the norm... but like your little one, always has cold hands and feet (I think most babies do actually) and is cool to the touch - but she prefers it.
I couldn't imagine trying to keep a baby in mitts, socks and a hat... no way!
Our little lady either sleeps/naps in a sleep sack or just a sleeper sans blanket.
We quickly learned that our kiddo likes to be cool. She's like her dad and her core temp is higher than the norm... but like your little one, always has cold hands and feet (I think most babies do actually) and is cool to the touch - but she prefers it.
I couldn't imagine trying to keep a baby in mitts, socks and a hat... no way!
Our little lady either sleeps/naps in a sleep sack or just a sleeper sans blanket.