Logistical question re:swaddling blankets at night

martinimomma

Happy Thanksgiving, all! As I contemplate turkey along with a lack of sleep, a quick logistical question about the use of swaddling blanket type things (such as the miracle blanket or swaddle me) al night. DCS (dear colicky son) has never kept his arms in a "regular" swaddle, and when we have been successful at getting them in he shreiks until they are out. So given what we're working through at our house, we have not pressed the issue. However, in addition to the abundant joys of colic and reflux, DCS has developed a nasty case of eczema on his cheeks, and has taken to clawing at his face, and he's managed to work protective mitts right off in the process. We do have a miracle blanket and I contemplated using it, even though the protest is bound to be loud and long, but here's the question: what do you do for feedings at night? DCS pees like the proverbial race horse, so skipping a diaper change is not an option. Do you unwrap LO to change and eat and then reswaddle? Do you somehow sneak in a diaper change and leave LO trussed up tight during the feeding? Just wondering how it can work and whether or not it's worth a try.

luvmyducks

When she was younger and we needed to change her at night, we would change her and reswaddle and then nurse. We only change her for poopy diapers which normally doesn't happen until morning. 

labbie1821

My DS was a ninja and hated to be swaddled at any time. He was a very hands on feeder during BF'ing so I would only swaddle him from the chest down and leave his arms free. I always made sure I kept his nails super short since he had sensitive skin and would scratch his face a lot. Try swaddling with a blanket from the chest down and allowing him to be more free. Are you elevating him at night for the reflux? 

Mrs.EmmaLouise

Have You tried swaddeling with his arms up? It may be more comforting for him. I had a lazy eater so i always fed one side, unswaddled and changed, fed the other side. Otherwise she wouldnt be awake enough to keep eating. Now when she wakes i diaper fhange and then feed. She screams a lot but we cant make it without a change. Good luck. 

ksulli

We did the halo sleep sacks- they zip down rather than up, so the Velcro part stayed on her arms and we only unzipped up to thee waist to do the diaper and then zipped back down.

samm1983

We un-swaddle, change diaper, feed, walk/rock to sleep or close to it and then swaddle again (with arms out).  DS can't stand his arms in either.