Do all babies like to be swaddled?

mgm84 · July 2013

Just curious, does anyone out there have a baby that prefers arms out when swaddled? I love attachment parenting, but this seems to be the one thing I am unsure about. I read a book that said all babies do not like to be swaddled (Eat, Sleep and Poop I think), and I think my daughter might fall into that category.

Essentially, she gets very fussy at night, and I cannot get her calm or to sleep. She was a preemie, and is now 9 weeks (or 3 weeks adjusted). I keep trying the swaddle but she seems to dislike being constrained. Just wondering what your experiences have been like. I am also open to any other suggestions to getting her settled!

Thanks

Emerald27 · July 2013

A lot of babies don't like to be swaddled, and there is no need to swaddle. In fact, there are lots of reasons for not swaddling, like that it takes swaddled babies longer to gain muscle control over the startling reflex and that it's unsafe to swaddle while bedsharing.

Lots of babies are also fussy in the evenings. It's very common, and oftentimes there's not much you can do but snuggle them and wait for them to grow out of it in a few weeks. Here are some things you can try, though, that have helped some mothers calm their babies:

1. Skin to skin: recline slightly with your chest bare and place baby on your chest and between your breasts. Cover both of you with a light blanket if you need to. Your smell and warmth can calm the fussies, and oftentimes when next to the breast, the baby will scooch over to it to nurse.

2. Hold baby upright and walk around, bouncing him/her slightly as you walk. And maybe even take a walk outside. The fresh air can help, and if baby is in a carrier, you can nurse as you walk.

3. Try running errands in the evening during baby's fussy time. Maybe she will be happy if distracted by the sights and sounds of the mall or grocery store.

All that said, some babies do love being swaddled. Every baby is different. It takes patience and experimentation to figure all of this out and meet the needs of YOUR baby.

Good luck and hang in there!

Gwyneddlesliegrace · July 2013

Where is baby sleeping? Maybe a different place might work. You could try not swaddling and bed sharing. She may need to feel you near her.

mgm84 · July 2013

Thanks everyone! I have her in a cosleeper at night, and when she is fussy it doesn't seem to matter what location she is in (swing, bouncer, parent's arms, etc.). I have tried to sway her, rock her, hold her in every position. She likes being swaddled but with her arms our, otherwise she just tries to free herself and it makes her angry! However, I am going to try skin to skin next time. It's funny, I used to do that with her more, especially when she was fussing during the day. Hope it helps!

Rosebud2587 · July 2013

DD hated being swaddled at night so we started using sleep sacks and she fussed less.

ebp913 · July 2013

I don't have a lot to add but my DD hated being swaddled. DS was okay but we did it more because he was just so darn fussy all the time. I would only swaddle if it helps with comfort or sleep. If it doesn't make a difference, I wouldn't do it. It's just one less thing to wean you child off of later.

ncbelle · July 2013

We never swaddled and I don't personally care for it (and I don't think it has anything to do with APing!). However, we do bed share (and in my mind, swaddling and bed sharing don't mix). If it's not working, try something else

nanabanana06 · July 2013

I don't swaddle. In the hospital I unwrapped as soon as possible and put him on my bare chest. I preferred this over swaddling. The skin to skin is so much nicer too. We also bed share so he can touch me all the time and it helps regulate his breathing.

Runaway22 · July 2013

DS didn't like it. I didn't swaddle him, but I didn't realize it was a thing. His startle reflex has gotten much better, probably not sooner or later than swaddled babies.

pixieprincss · July 2013

No, not all babies like to be swaddled. DS2 hated it as a newborn, then liked it for months 4-7. For what it's worth, do know that swaddling (or not) is not part of the AP theory. Responding to your baby's needs is key. If your baby is telling you no, then you are doing the best thing by respecting that. So, go you! In general, if you are bedsharing, swaddling is not optimal because of your body heat and because baby being able to wiggle is great for safety. But, do what works and is safely done.

aiche Umm Ayoub · July 2013

My daughter didn't like being swaddled when she was a baby she would scream until unwrapped but my son he would fuss and cry until he was swaddled it just depends on the baby

LizBGood · July 2013

Just chiming in here. First, my DS despised swaddling from day one. He was very happy to sprawl wherever he was.

Second, the fussy nights are so common for young babies like that! Get creative: try the whole sway, shush, swaddle thing, sure. But also consider the lighting. Turn down the lights. Try soothing music. Try singing. Try bouncing. Also ask yourself if your LO is getting over-stimulated in the afternoons (that can be a big cause of evening fussiness.)

What worked for us was getting a wrap and wearing down to sleep. A walk outside in the evening air soothed him instantly. If outdoors wasn't an option due to weather, I wore him and walked/bounced around the bedroom while singing lullabys. Really helped us.

Good luck mama! This too shall pass all too quickly.

Want a personalized experience?

Do all babies like to be swaddled?

Re: Do all babies like to be swaddled?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards