Babies don't have to be swaddled. If your baby is happy without swaddling, don't bother. Always put your baby to sleep on his back. This is true no matter what, but is especially true if he is swaddled.
But if you want to stop sooner — maybe you're tired of the whole swaddle wrapping thing or your baby doesn't seem to sleep any better with a swaddle than without — it's perfectly fine to do so. Babies don't need to be swaddled, and some actually snooze more soundly without being wrapped up.
A newborn can absolutely sleep without being swaddled and many do. Some newborns simply don't like being swaddled and can sleep soundly without being wrapped up. As you spend more time with your baby, you will get to know each other and find out what works best for you.
If your baby is swaddled, keep them swaddled throughout their night feeds. Or if your baby is older, keep them in their sleeping bag. If you need to do a diaper change before or during their feed, re-swaddle them again or put them back in their sleeping bag as soon as they are changed.
You should stop swaddling your baby when he starts attempting to roll over. Many babies start working on this move at about 2 months old. Swaddling once your baby can roll over may increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and suffocation.
So to answer your question, YES! Yes, you should swaddle your newborn for naps! Swaddles are a safe and effective way to create a positive sleep association and help your newborn feel safe, snug, and calm so they can get all the sleep they need.
Some child care centers may have a policy against swaddling infants in their care. This is because of the increased risks of SIDS or suffocation if the baby rolls over while swaddled, in addition to the other risks of overheating and hip dysplasia.
If it is warm outside, putting your baby in a diaper underneath the swaddle may just be enough. If however, the temperature is cold, it's a good idea to put baby in a short or long sleeved onesie or even footy pajamas to ensure that baby is kept warm.
wearable blankets and sleepsacks
For newborns who want to feel comfy and warm but need just a little more wiggle room than a swaddle provides–wearable blankets–also known as sleep sacks–are perfect! These are bodysuits with blanket-like material.
Leave the arms free or the hands by the face: Some babies prefer to have their arms free, while others find it calming to have their hands near their faces. Make sure baby is not too warm: Swaddling should be done to help your infant feel secure, not to keep them warm.
Dress your baby in layers of fitted clothing rather than just thick pyjamas. You can add or take away layers as the temperature changes. Babies cool themselves down by releasing heat from their heads and faces. Babies can quickly overheat if they fall asleep wearing hats or beanies.
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, breathing slowly and having pale, cool skin. Babies who are hot, tend to look uncomfortable. Like adults who overheat, a baby's skin will become red, and they will look flushed.
Yes, you should swaddle your newborn at night. The startle reflex is a primitive reflex that is present and birth and is a protective mechanism. With any sudden noise or movement, your baby is “startled” and her arms will extend away from her body, she'll arch her back and neck.
Many Parents Swaddle Incorrectly!
Well, the most common swaddling mistake is not swaddling tight enough. Many parents are afraid of swaddling too snugly. When your baby is loosely swaddled, she will most likely bust her arms out and startle herself awake.
Researchers have found that an infant who is swaddled – wrapped tightly in a blanket or cloth with their limbs restricted – while placed on their front or stomach to sleep faces a higher risk of SIDS.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents keep their babies swaddled for 12–20 hours per day for the first few weeks after birth. This relaxes babies. Swaddling a baby correctly also protects her from overheating, injuries and sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.
Dressing a baby in a short sleeve bodysuit and cotton sleepsuit can be just right under a swaddle during colder nights, while just one long sleeve vest or sleepsuit is commonly worn underneath swaddles in milder temperatures.
Choose a breathable cotton or muslin material, and leave your baby's head and neck uncovered; swaddling sacks are also available to make the process easier. Keep an eye on your little one's temperature, and make sure they aren't wearing too many layers beneath their swaddle to avoid overheating.
So, do babies wear onesies under sleepers? The answer is yes, they do. However, it is not necessary to put an onesie under a sleeper. It is up to you to decide when you include all the factors that come into play.
Keeping this in mind, it is possible that babies can feel chilly at night, especially in the winter, and this will often present as frequent wake-ups and early risers.