The Truth About Why Your Newborn Doesn’t Like Swaddles
Have you ever had to deal with a newborn actively trying to escape the swaddle?
Your baby senses that you are about to bundle them up, and resists it completely! I had the same issue with my youngest baby, Theo. He never got used to the swaddle, no matter what I tried.
However, know that there are good ways to have your baby sleeping soundly, even if your newborn doesn’t like swaddles at all.
I’ll elaborate on the reasons why your baby doesn’t like swaddling, what you can do instead, and list out answers to FAQs.
4 Reasons Why Your Baby Breaks Out of the Swaddle
1. Natural Reflexes
Did you know that your newborn has several natural reflexes? Among them, the Moro reflex and tonic neck reflex are sub-conscious limb motions that may explain why babies break out of swaddles.
- The Moro reflex is your baby’s response to loud noises or sudden movements where they stretch their limbs and pull it back in again. They may even cry or fuss as a result.
- The tonic neck reflex happens when your baby turns their head to one side, stretching out their hand to that side.
These movements can sometimes loosen the swaddle, causing discomfort. As a result, your baby may try to break out of the swaddle to get more comfortable.
2. Growth and Development
A newborn goes through many developmental stages in just a few months. By the time they reach the second month, you’ll notice that they grow rapidly, and move around as much as they possibly can.
- At this stage, it’s natural that they may try to break out of the swaddle, and practice their wiggles and little dances.
- So, if you notice your newborn becoming more mobile, take it as a sign to transition them out of the swaddle, and let them explore their moves.
3. Improper Swaddling
When the swaddling is too tight, incorrectly placed, or too loose, your baby will know and try to break out of that uncomfortable feeling.
- So, ensure that you swaddle them snugly right below the shoulders, and leave not more than a two-finger gap at the chest.
- Similarly, position their legs and hips correctly, so they have some room to bend their knees and move their hips.
4. Other Discomfort
Many babies just don’t like the swaddle, even if you do it right. They might find it confining and restricting, so they rebel to get out of it.
- In such cases, it’s best to avoid the swaddle and find alternatives for sound sleep, like sleep sacks or bedside bassinets.
- And don’t be disheartened that your baby doesn’t like the swaddle. They’ll grow out of it in just a few months anyway (trust me, those months will fly by quick).
More Information: 3 Signs on When to Stop Swaddling Baby
FAQs: Newborn Doesn’t Like Swaddles
1. Should I Swaddle My Newborn At Night?
Yes, you can, although it isn’t a compulsion. You can swaddle your newborn at night if your baby struggles to sleep well.
As long as they are not trying to roll over or are older than 2–3 months, swaddling at night can be beneficial. It can help you soothe your newborn, reduce fusses and crying spells, and keeps them from waking themselves up, promoting deeper sleep
2. What To Do If My Baby Hates the Swaddle?
Simply stop using it. If your baby sleeps better even without the swaddle, you don’t need it anyway.
But if you do need to swaddle, try different techniques with the traditional swaddle. In my post on How to Swaddle a Newborn, I talk about how you can do the arms-up swaddle and double-swaddle for babies who tend to break out of swaddles frequently.
And if your newborn hates the swaddle even when you’ve swaddled them correctly, then it just does not make sense to use it. It is also one less thing to transition them out of, since they’ll eventually outgrow the swaddle as well.
Instead, you can try the following:
1. Adjustable swaddling
2. Sleep sacks
3. Bedside bassinets for easy soothing
3. How to Get Baby to Sleep Without Swaddle?
I’ve always used the swaddle sparingly. There are more holistic ways to improve baby’s sleep, and I believe that it starts with having a consistent bedtime routine.
Remember, babies find a lot of comfort in solid sleep habits. So, I’d recommend you follow a good bedtime routine –
1. Give them a warm bath (or a warm wipe down) and then a gentle massage with baby oil/moisturizer.
2. Breastfeed or bottle-feed them to their content, wait for burps and talk to them while they digest their yummy meal.
3. Dim the lights in the room, move away from all noise, and wait for the drowsiness to kick in as you sing or stay with them.
Your little one will soon enough associate the routine to sleep mode, making things easier as time goes on. Beyond that, it always helps to room share using a co-sleeper or a bassinet to soothe your newborn whenever they wake up (if they fuss, need a nighttime feed, or are light sleepers).
I talk more about sleep routines in my post – 5 Tips to Get Baby to Sleep in Bassinets.
4. What To Do When Newborn Rolls to Side in Swaddle?
If your newborn rolls to their side in the swaddle, remove the swaddling and DO NOT swaddle them anymore.
Attempts to roll over are a crucial sign that your baby has outgrown the swaddle, and it should not be used anymore. Swaddling your baby beyond this point can put them at serious risk of suffocation and SIDS.
Imagine – your baby may roll over to their side, but not know how to get back up again. They’ll be trapped and this can cause fatal accidents if you are not careful.
5. Can a Swaddle Be Too Tight?
Yes, there are always risks of swaddling too tight and as parents, we need to be aware of the signs that we swaddle too tight. Notice their hand, leg, and hip position, and make sure you leave a little gap for them to wiggle their limbs and body.
When you keep swaddling your baby too tight, over time this can cause issues like hip dysplasia and delayed development. So, please follow guidelines and learn how to swaddle your baby safely.
Concluding on Swaddle Struggles
Swaddling is effective for sound sleep, that’s for sure. But your baby might not always take to it, or they may break out of the swaddle due to reflexes, growth spurts, or discomfort.
Therefore, it helps to pay attention to the cues that your baby gives you and swaddle them only when they need it and love it. Swaddled babies are adorably cute, to be sure, however it does not help to compel it on them when they clearly don’t like it.
So, please ensure you listen to your baby’s needs and focus on comfy sleep times. See you in the next one!
