Music: Bensound.com
The market for baby sleep devices can be very fickle. All the different objects and devices parents use to get their kiddos to sleep can gain and lose popularity very quickly. But you know what never falls out of favor? Swaddling.
When to Swaddle
I recommend swaddling babies in the following circumstances:
-
With pediatrician’s approval.
-
From newborn until either baby shows signs of rolling in either direction,
-
OR, once sleep training commences, whichever happens first.
While you may notice your 7 month old still appreciates the swaddle, it is dangerous to swaddle a baby once they show signs that that may even be thinking about rolling over. Also, once you start to sleep train (anytime after week 16), a swaddle is considered a sleep prop. So you’ll want to immediately cease using it on the first night of training.
How to Swaddle
In the meantime, know that swaddling properly is actually quite easy! It also doesn’t require too much special equipment. Even though many special swaddle blankets have come on the market, I still recommend using a double swaddle. You do this by pairing the oldie-but-goodie SwaddleMe with a large muslin blanket (think Aden and Anais).
While I could try to describe how to swaddle, the video at the top is much better! Please know that I recommend this swaddle technique because it is dang near impossible for a baby under the age of four months to break out! And busting out of swaddles almost always equals disrupted sleep. So if we can keep the swaddle secure, baby will likely sleep more deeply, for longer stretches of time.
Speaking of helping your newborn sleep more deeply, for longer stretches of time…I have my Newborn Sleep Program! In the program I give you ALL of my top tips to get you and your newborn the best sleep possible!
what do you recommend dressing the baby in under a double swaddle? Just a onesie, so they don’t overheat? ty!!
Hi angiebruzina! It really depends on the climate you live in and the temperature of your baby’s room, but a onesie is great as well as footed jammies – anything single layered really.
Swaddling is my go to recommendation for parents of newborns because how it mimics the coziness of the womb. You have some really good tips here. I usually suggest using a muslin blanket. Are there another blankets you suggest?
I usually suggest a muslin blanket too so you can easily double up with a SwaddleMe. <3
Hi Natalie!
I just purchased your book and am gearing up to sleep train my little girl in a few weeks after her 4 month check up. She’s been sleeping very long stretches at night (8 p.m.-4 a.m.) and I’m worried that taking the swaddle away cold turkey will cause a lot of wakings when we start training. Is this common and will it help her to learn to sleep better in the long run. Or would you recommend starting to slowly transition her with one arm out a couple days before hand?
We trained my son with no issues 4 years ago, but I can’t remember all that we did, so I feel a little rusty. Thank you so much for all of your resources and help.
Hi Michelle,
I think this article will help.
https://www.babysleeptrainer.com/myth-of-transitioning-away-from-sleep-props/
Thanks so much! I didn’t realize you already had a blog about this. And with my exact question in the comments!
Thanks a lot! very helpful