C.R. asks from Richmond, VA on May 16, 2008
Still Swaddling My 6 Month Old Now That She Is Rolling Over?
My baby girl is 6 months and we are still swaddling her, and she really seems to like it. My question is whether anyone is still swaddling when their baby starts rolling over to sleep on her tummy. She can hold her head up really well, and I've been watching her in her crib to see that she moves her head to one side or the other, but of course I'm still nervous about her blankie somehow covering her face. Suggestions?
So What Happened?™
Thanks so much for your responses! We do leave her arms out when we swaddle, and she's been rolling over, pushing up and generally moving all around her crib. I think its time to stop now though, so we'll ween her off it. Thanks again!
Featured Answers
S.L. answers from Washington DC on May 17, 2008
Once they are rolling over you shouldn't swaddle them anymore. That way they can move around when they are on their belly. This will help her build her strength as well as avoid her getting stuck in a position.
My son loved being swaddled and it was a hard transition to the sleep sack. But it didn't take too long, a week or two, before he got used to it and didn't wake himself up from moving around.
She's getting strong, now comes the fun part when they start crawling, walking...and running!
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M.R. answers from Roanoke on May 17, 2008
I swaddled for long after they turned over. They can't really turn over when swaddled. I wouldn't lay a swaddled kid on their tummy.
You can also swaddle while leaving hands free.
S.H. answers from Washington DC on May 17, 2008
I am a very protective mom myself and was concerned about those same issues when mine were small. I would say follow your instincts. Watch her often. I had both of mine sleep with me when they were babies. I am a light sleeper so I would wake to any movement. I was so paranoid and scared that they would stop breathing so I kept them close as possible. If you feel that she will be ok on her stomach then let her just keep an eye on her and follow your instincts. Good Luck
S.
J.H. answers from Washington DC on May 17, 2008
I sawddled my 3rd little guy until he was just over a year. I used those wonderful 3 martha's blankets. Towards the end I gave him a bit more freedom. I started that by first allowing one arm to stay out of the swaddle and eventually just the legs were swaddled. I think he went to sleep so much better swaddled. I never was afraid of the blanket smothering him. The blankets I used were nice and thin.
S.C. answers from Norfolk on May 17, 2008
My 2nd loved to be swaddled for the longest time. I would swaddle her if she seems to like it when going to sleep and then you can always loosen the blankets once she is asleep to alleviate some of your concern.
S.M. answers from Norfolk on May 17, 2008
My son wanted to be swaddled until he was 10 months old, rolling and moving around, he didn't care. try to use some of the thinnest blankets you can and make sure there is nothing else in the crib, we finally broke my sone when he had a virus and had a fever and he as too hot for it or he would probably still be swaddled at 18 months old. We used a flat toddler bed sheet because it is thin and breathable.
D.S. answers from Allentown on May 17, 2008
Hi C.,
Check out this website on swaddling:
www.Parenting.com/article/Baby/Health/Ask-Dr.-Sears-Alter....
Hope this helps. D.
A.H. answers from Washington DC on May 16, 2008
Our first son loved his swaddle too and 6 mo.out was about the time we stopped because of his rolling. Once we stopped the swaddle, he stopped waking overnight for a bottle! I just laid him on his belly to fall asleep and he did cry a little, but I think that was due more to the change than anything else.
T.B. answers from Norfolk on May 17, 2008
We swaddled our daughter until she was about 5 months...then she became quite the houdini and would have a leg sticking out or an arm...so we just ditched the blanket...it took some adjusting but she was good in about 2-3 days! almost relieved to be FREE!
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