Are you having trouble with your little one transitioning out of a swaddle? Here are some things to try...
Firstly I would ensure your little one isn’t over tired this will only heighten any sensitivity to the feeling of having their arms out. It will also mean an increase in jerky, rigid movements and harder settles in general.
BEGIN AT BEDTIME
Start the transition at bedtime for a few nights then include nap time. Make sure your little one is warm and start with one arm out for a few days then the second arm following that.
I recommend arms out of their swaddle or love to dream by 4.5 months at the latest. It is important to know that little ones arms may still be jerky when you first take them to arms out. This doesn’t mean they aren’t ready and you should re-swaddle. This is generally just a matter of leaving them out so they can have more practice and gain control in their movement – give them time to adjust to this. The flailing arms when you first remove them from being swaddled after 4 months isn’t generally due to the startle reflex as that generally settles by 3-4 months of age.
ALLOW BABY TIME TO ADJUST
Allow your baby time to adjust even if they are awake but happy don’t feel the need to rush in and put them off to sleep. Give your little one time.
CONSIDER THAT SLEEP ASSOCIATIONS MAY HINDER PROGRESS
If you find sleep only gets worse, even after a week or so, I would consider the possibility that learned sleep associations is causing your little one's sleep to be disrupted. If this is the case, a plan to teach your little one to self settle, paired with appropriate awake windows and a good structure is key.
Onyi
Comments