Many babies like to be wrapped in blankets, especially when they are sleeping. This calms them, perhaps because it reminds them of the narrow space of the mother's womb where they were for nine months. However, in the end you will have to kick that habit and help your baby learn to live without it. After a few months, babies need to be able to move around to explore the world around them. Keeping them inside those warm blankets can affect that exploration.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Get Ready to Change the Habit of Swaddling Your Baby in a Blanket
Step 1. Take security into account
Swaddling newborn babies in blankets is generally completely safe. However, many babies start to turn around around three to four months and at this stage they cannot control their head very well. In addition, an older baby may fall or roll onto his abdomen and end up face down on the bed or other surface, which can present a choking hazard.
Step 2. Observe your baby's behavior
When he is ready to put down the blanket (usually between four and six months of age) he will give you some signs like the ones mentioned below:
- He cries when they wrap him in the blanket.
- Try to get rid of the blanket.
- She gets rid of the blanket frequently while sleeping. If this happens when your baby is still young, be very careful; remember that blankets and other covers can pose a choking hazard.
Step 3. Wait for the startle reflex to disappear
Babies are born with what is known as the "Moro reflex" or "startle reflex"; when they startle (and sometimes for no particular reason) they stretch their arms out to their sides. Newborns tend to startle easily and flap their arms and legs a lot; doing this calms them down to continue sleeping well. For best results, wait until the Moro reflex is gone before removing the blanket from your baby, unless they have already started to roll over and their safety has become a concern.
Step 4. Plan the transition
When you think your baby is ready, think about how you will transition: Will you start at nap or at night? When will you start? How will you handle difficulties that arise?
Consider setting aside a weekend or other opportune time to try to remove the blanket from your baby. Realize that you will have to sacrifice some of your regular sleep hours to do so. It would be ideal for your partner to help you; They can take turns observing the baby's preferences and trying to soothe him without wrapping him in the blanket
Step 5. Follow your routines
Plan to keep as many routines as possible when you stop swaddling your baby in the blanket. If you follow the same routines to put him to sleep (dim lights, lullabies, and whatever other activities you usually do), he's more likely to agree to sleep without the blanket.
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Gradually remove the blanket from your baby
Step 1. Be aware that the "kick the habit" method will not work well
Usually, pulling the entire blanket out of your baby at once doesn't work very well, as he may feel uncomfortable and have trouble sleeping. If your baby is very active and has left the blanket on his own, you can use this method. If not, it is better to choose a method that is applied more gradually.
If you decide to remove the blanket from your baby "suddenly", do it first at nap; That way you won't have to sacrifice many hours of sleep in case it doesn't work
Step 2. Try to uncover the baby's legs
Many babies accept sleeping without a blanket more easily if you start small. Try to keep your hands and arms wrapped but not your legs. You can use wrapping products specially designed for this purpose, or you can improvise with sheets, cloth diapers, and the like.
Step 3. Start with the hands
Alternatively, you can start by uncovering the baby's hands and arms and leaving the legs covered as usual. For best results, leave only one hand free first, then both.
Step 4. Continue gradually
As the baby accepts each stage of the blanket removal, continue until he sleeps without the blanket.
Step 5. Pay attention to your baby's cues
If he can't sleep, wakes up frequently, or is upset, don't go on. Wait until he accepts the first stage (not covering an arm or legs) before removing the blanket.
Step 6. Set time intervals
If your baby quite loves being wrapped in the blanket, you can start removing it only during naps or the first hours of the night (that is, until he gets up to breastfeed). Gradually increase the hours without the blanket.
Step 7. Help your baby to calm down without being wrapped in the blanket
If you can't fall asleep without it, take her hands gently resting on your chest. This can calm you down and help you fall asleep.
Step 8. Experiment with baby sleeping bags
There are many sleeping bag-shaped products on the market to help babies stay warm and calm without needing to be wrapped in a tight blanket. If your baby is comfortable in one of these, use them. You can loosen the bag little by little so that your baby can move more easily.
In addition to sleeping bags, there are also baby harnesses available on the market to swaddle larger babies and make them feel comfortable. If your baby can't sleep without his regular blanket, you might consider using one of these products temporarily
Step 9. Calm your baby without wrapping him in the blanket
If he wakes up and cries more easily without it, try using other cooing techniques, such as:
- Sing him a lullaby
- Play soft music
- Put him in a kangaroo and make him walk
- Rock it
Step 10. Be persistent
Cradle your baby when necessary, but as soon as he calms down, return him to the crib to get him back to sleep. Every baby is different, and it may take a while for yours to accept these new sleeping habits.
Advice
- If your baby is very distressed, it won't hurt if you wrap him in a blanket for a while longer. Consult with your pediatrician, but don't feel like you have to rush your baby through this process.
- Take things easy. Get your baby used to partially removing the blanket or sleeping without the blanket for short periods before leaving him without the blanket for longer periods.
- Remember that babies are unique; they tend to follow their own patterns and have different needs. Some babies do not like to be wrapped in blankets while they sleep; others endure sleeping in these for a long time. Understand that there is no one-size-fits-all pattern.