10 Signs Your Baby Does Not Want To Be Swaddled

Swaddling your infant is the one piece of advice I love to give new mothers and one is signs your baby does not want to be swaddled.

Swaddling is a great technique to help your baby feel comfortable, safe, and secure. Babies can adjust to life outside the womb when swaddled. 

Also, swaddles make babies sleep better, experience less anxiety, and prevent unnecessary wake-ups due to startling reflexes. 

But, the older babies get the less they need a swaddle method. Baby’s signs that swaddling is not for them are a good indicator that swaddling is becoming harmful to your baby.

You will learn what signs to look for to determine if your baby dislikes swaddling as well as how to transition your baby out of swaddling.

How Long Should You Swaddle Your Baby?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents start weaning their babies off swaddling when they begin to show signs of rolling over. The average rollover age for most babies is within 4 to 6 months. 

Every baby is different and unique. In some babies, swaddling is enjoyable beyond 6 months, but in others, it is much more difficult. 

In a few cases, swaddles might cause restlessness in the baby, resulting in fussy babies and sleep-deprived parents in search of how to manage a toddler that wakes up too early. 

When it comes to how long you should swaddle your baby, it depends on your baby’s needs and response to the techniques. So, It’s perfectly fine to stop swaddling before a certain age or begin to break free from swaddling during the night.

Why My Baby Does Not Want To Be Swaddled?

If your baby appears unhappy or fussy in a swaddle, it’s a sign your baby does not want to be swaddled. However, chances are high that your baby hates swaddling because your swaddling technique is loose and doesn’t calm your baby down. 

If your baby breaks out, you might need to try a new technique, practice a new style, and try tightening it around your baby’s arms to make your baby feel calmer. 

However, your baby might have outgrown swaddling or does not want to be swaddled. During this stage, your baby’s response is the best clue you need to make the right decision about whether to transition your baby out of swaddling or try other alternatives.

10 Signs Baby Does Not Want To Be Swaddled

1. Baby Being Fussier Than Usual

Babies get fussy for lots of reasons. This includes when the baby is hungry, tired, sleepy, hot, or going through a growth spurt. However, your baby might become fussy when the baby does not want to be swaddled. 

When next you swaddle your baby, observe your baby’s response, if the baby appears restless and fussy it might be that baby does not want to be swaddled or it is time to try something new. 

2. Baby Breaking Out Of Swaddle

Babies throwing their legs up and down in sleep is common, in the process, babies can break out of their swaddle. If this happens, it’s an indicator your baby is getting stronger and it’s time to transition out of swaddling. 

Every time a baby punches or kicks away their swaddle, this leaves loose fabrics in the crib increasing the risk of strangulation and suffocation. It also includes bedding, clothing, and blankets that could endanger your baby’s health. 

Sadly, of the 3,500 sleep-related infant deaths recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year, many cases are caused by items in the crib, like loose bedding.

If your baby breaks free a few weeks old, they are still very young and need to be swaddled, you might just need to brush up your swaddling technique to ensure it is firm yet not extremely tight. 

3. Baby Having No More Startle Reflex

Infants are born with a startle reflex also known as the Moro reflex. This is an involuntary response that usually happens when your baby is startled by a sudden movement, loud noise, or unfamiliar stimuli from the environment. 

When this happens, your baby will quickly stretch out his or her arms and legs to the front and suddenly curl back into a fetal position. Swaddling reduces this reflex that could make babies startle themselves awake and start crying. 

The absence of a startle reflex is one of those signs a baby doesn’t want to be swaddled and might have outgrown it. Babies stop the startle reflex at around 4 to 5 months old.

4. Baby Starts Fighting Being Swaddled

It is normal for your little one to resist being swaddled for the first time as a newborn. They just went through the birth process and have a lot to adapt to. At this stage, you don’t have to worry much as your baby will get used to being snuggled up like a burrito, keep practicing. 

However, there comes a time when your baby starts putting up a fight whenever you want to swaddle him or her. You will notice your baby kicking, punching, crying, or baby aggressively rubbing their face to resist being swaddled. These are signs that your baby does not want to be swaddled and that they are now a little older and want to sleep more freely. 

5. Baby Starts Rolling Over

Once your baby starts rolling over, it’s a clear sign to begin transitioning your baby out of swaddling. Most babies outgrow swaddling once they start rolling over because they have become more mobile and swaddling might be harmful to them at this stage.

If a baby rolls over onto their tummy while sleeping in a swaddle, it becomes dangerous as the baby might not be able to roll back over when the baby’s arms and legs are confined. This results in a high risk of suffocation in babies.

Besides, swaddling a baby when they are becoming more mobile can affect their motor skills development.

6. Baby Being Unable To Sleep In A Swaddle

One core aim of a swaddle is to help babies sleep more soundly without frequent waking in between sleep. The moment a baby stops feeling the warmth and calm offered by a swaddle, the baby may struggle to sleep in a swaddle. 

When you notice your little one suddenly stops sleeping when swaddled, it’s a clear sign they are unhappy and need to sleep more freely. Often, babies might frown, struggle, and squirm to communicate that the baby does not want to be swaddled anymore.

7. Baby Becomes Irritated When Swaddled

Baby becoming irritated from being swaddled is part of those signs baby does not want to be swaddled. The skin of an infant is sensitive and can become irritated easily. Tight clothes, swaddles, and blankets can cause heat rashes, a common irritation in babies.

Although babies are more likely to get heat rash for several reasons, swaddling babies too tightly is a major cause. Heat rash is usually found in areas covered by clothes, such as armpits, neck, chest, arms, torso, and legs, and is caused by overheating. Always observe your baby for any trace of irritation in those areas when swaddled.

8. Baby Start Sleep Training

Sleep training is the practice of teaching your baby how to fall asleep and stay asleep by themselves through self-soothing techniques. This technique might include the baby sucking their thumb or rubbing their head with their hands to fall asleep. 

However, they might not be able to learn this practice if their hands are not free from swaddling. Hence, you might want to stop swaddling your little one when you start sleep training. 

Also, whether your baby is ready to sleep depends on many factors, including your baby’s current sleep schedule and weight. It’s best to consult your baby’s doctor before starting sleep training with your baby. 

9. Baby Becomes Hot When Swaddled

Babies find it difficult to fall asleep when the temperature is too hot or cold. Clothing which includes swaddles is one factor that influences baby temperature. Observe your baby to know if swaddling is making your baby feel hot. 

Baby waking up with damp hair, flushed cheeks, sweaty back, or heat rash are signs that the baby feels hot. Additionally, a baby breathing rapidly when swaddled is one core sign a baby doesn’t want to be swaddled.

10. Baby Becomes Restless In Swaddle

As babies grow older they become uncomfortable in a swaddle and wouldn’t want it anymore. Often, babies try to break free or get an arm out when restless, but when they can’t, they wake themselves up crying.

Your baby might be sleep-deprived by frequent wakes as a result of feeling restless when swaddled. When a baby starts waking up more frequently throughout the night not needing food or a change of diapers, it might be that they are not comfortable in the swaddle. 

If this persists even after transitioning from swaddle don’t hesitate to contact your baby’s pediatrician, it could be something else is wrong with your baby. 

What To Do When Baby Does Not Want To Be Swaddled

Observing those signs baby does not want to be swaddled will help you know when to try out other swaddling alternatives.

If swaddling doesn’t soothe and calm your baby, try other methods. Swaddling may not be for your infant if he or she isn’t feeling any comfort from it. Change to a muslin or a baby sleeping bag/ wearable baby blanket.

It could be the restriction or the temperature. If you notice either of these. It’s best if you use a more breathable muslin as its baby sleeping blanket provides your baby more freedom of movement.

The half-swaddle is one alternative to swaddling in the traditional sense; just swaddle the infant up to the armpits to leave their arms free.

However, If all these alternative methods to swaddling aren’t working for your baby, it might be time to transition your baby out of swaddling. 

How To Transition Your Baby Out Of The Swaddle

Some parents quickly take off the swaddle from their little ones without a gradual process. If you’re lucky your baby might be okay with it. But, if the sudden change upsets your baby, you might want to ease them gradually.

1. The One Arm Out Method

This method is common and effective in transitioning babies out of swaddles. It helps if your little one still has the Moro reflex. Baby having one hand tucked in with the other out reduces the disturbance that comes from jerking movement.

2. Both Arms Out Method

If the one-arm method was successful, you can proceed to leave both arms out. Try this at nap the first time to enable you to see if your baby settles with it or not. This way you wouldn’t have your sleep and that of your baby interrupted at night if you eventually try it out. 

3. The Legs Out Method

While others prefer the arm-out method, some babies might transition easily by having their legs out before their arms. If your baby keeps awake by kicking their legs against the bed, you might want to switch to the arm method.

4. Removing The Swaddle

After a few days of trying the arms and legs method with your baby sleeping comfortably, you should try to take off the swaddle completely. Babies might get fussy at first because they are not used to sleeping without being swaddled. Soon they will learn to adjust. 

5. Alternating Method

Instead of removing the swaddle completely, alternate swaddling and sleeping freely. Start letting your little one sleep without a swaddle during naps and swaddle again to sleep at night and vice versa. 

This might sound counterintuitive, but letting your little one sleep freely gradually eases the process. Keep practicing to see what works for your baby and soon the baby will be swaddle free. 

How Long Does It Take For a Baby To Adjust? 

Some babies take a couple of days to get used to it while others would need more time. So, it all depends on your baby. 

Any significant change takes time for babies to adjust. On average, it takes babies 2 to 4 weeks to adjust. If you’re lucky, your baby might adjust in a few days. 

However, if 4 weeks and more pass and your baby is still struggling to adjust, you should consult your baby’s doctor to rule out other factors that may be affecting your baby’s sleep cycle.

Tips To Help Baby Sleep Without A Swaddle

• Swap the swaddle for a sleepsack

• Create a soothing atmosphere

• Ensure the baby crib is safe and comfortable

• Maintain a consistent bedtime

• Ensure the temperature is conducive

• Try using a pacifier

Conclusion

Swaddling is an effective method that helps babies feel calm and fall asleep. But, as babies grow older and get mobile, swaddling becomes more harmful than useful. 

However, the signs baby doesn’t want to be swaddled anymore discussed in this article will guide you in understanding your baby at this stage.

If these signs are present, it’s time to try other swaddling alternatives and give your baby a good sleep or transition your baby out of swaddling if need be. Perhaps, you’re unsure, contact your baby’s pediatrician right away.