Swaddling?

stella6979 wrote: Hey everyone, I'm new to the board and just had a question. I have a 4 month old daughter who still LOVES being swaddled. I keep hearing from people that I should break her of that, but sometimes that is all that will sooth her. I was just wondering how everyone felt about this. How long did all of you swaddle your kids? Thanks in advance!

PrairieMom replied: I swaddled my son until he was over 6 months an coul break free of the blanket!
he is 3 now and still asks to be wrapped tight.

Boo&BugsMom replied: I guess it depends. If it's restricting her from development, then that's never a good thing. Babies need tummy time, etc. But if she is developing like any other child should then I don't see why it's not ok.

stella6979 replied: Oh, she's developing just fine and we give her lots of tummy time, she just loves being swaddled. Especially at naptime.

Boo&BugsMom replied: Than I don't see what's the big deal! Sounds like it's just her way to feel secure and comfortable. I even like being wrapped in blankets when I sleep!!! And I'm 29!

stella6979 replied:
Really? Thanks Prairie! I have read that some people swaddle their kids up to 8 or 9 months, but of course EVERYONE has an opinon about EVERYTHING.

PrairieMom replied:
I figure, what ever keeps -em quite right? It didn't slow dis development at all, he was walking at 10 months, and using baby sign language at 8 or 9 months.

ashtonsmama replied: Welcome again!

I have a baby who was 6 months yesterday, and we still sometimes do that with him, especially at night...he seems to still be soothed by being wrapped up like that, so why quit, that's my thought.

I don't think you should have a problem getting your baby out of the swaddling habit, they'll probably just get tired of being wrapped and let you know.

Boo&BugsMom replied: I must have had an odd baby. Tanner never liked to be swaddled except when he was first born. He's also not a very cuddly child...wish he was. I would probably enjoy the cuddly and swaddling moments as much as I can.

PrairieMom replied: oh, and by the way!

moped replied: I swaddled Jack for almost a year

stella6979 replied: Thanks for the feedback everyone! Now if only I could get my co-workers to understand that I don't need their unsolicited advice.

PrairieMom replied:
Yeah... good luck with that.

JP&KJMOM replied: JP never liked it either. About 2 days old he was hands over his head and legs spread but Karlee lvoed it for a couple of months. Do what is comfortable for your baby IMO.

BAC'sMom replied: I would do whatever makes YOU and YOUR baby happy!

Oh and welcome aboard

coasterqueen replied: Oh gosh, Megan was over 9 months old before she finally didn't need swaddling as much.

Some babies need it longer than others due to them needing that 'deep pressure feeling'. I wouldn't listen to others, just listen to what your baby needs .

ETA: BTW, Megan needed swaddling 24/7. She was usually only un-swaddled for tummy time and to nurse/change diapers, etc. Her docs thought it was completely fine and she developed just fine too.

stella6979 replied:
Thanks a bunch! I feel much better knowing I'm not the only one out there still swaddling.

~Roo'sMama~ replied: ITA with all the above posts. I swaddled Andrew for quite awhile too - until he started kicking the blanket off in his sleep. If that's what she needs then there's nothing wrong with it.

redplaydoh replied: Don't listen to your co-workers... YOU are the mom and every baby is different. Go with you gut feelings...
As to the co-workers, just nod your head in agreement and say, "Thanks, I appreciate your valuable advice" and do things YOUR way.

Zachsmom2002 replied: If it helps soothe your daughter I would keep doing it. Some kids need that tightness or warmth to feel secure. She is only 4 months that is what she knows helps her and if she likes it I would keep doing it. My son hated it but he liked to have his hands free and he hates to be too warm (still does and at 4 in the dead of winter he sleeps with no pajamas). I have always told moms in my classroom (I usee to care for babies in a daycare for over 10 years) that they need to follow their gut. Most times that feeling is the right answer. I had a baby who was almost a year old and still liked to be tucked in to his mat of wrapped up in his blanket (that is a long story and he was a peanut). Do what you feel is right!!

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: My sister swaddled her daughter upto 2 years. She would use a twin sheet. I don't see a reason to stop. Wil never liked it much, neither does Wesley, but if they like it, I would say go with it. IMO, there is no way that it would stop their development.

CantWait replied: When she's tired of being held down and wants to move freely on her own, she'll let you know. She's still a baby right now so she wants that closeness.

Cece00 replied: My kids were never big fans so it didnt last long, but if she likes it & is developing & getting tummy time & time during the day where you arent swaddling her, I can not see how there is a problem. Besides, she is just 4 months, still very young, and I am sure it makes her feel better.

lesliesmom replied: We swaddle (in a way) our 2+ month old at night. Someone gave us one of those SwaddleMe sacs and they are just wonderful. Although she doesn't get completely "encased" (so to speak) I put it right under her arms so from the chest down she is wrapped. She also likes to fall asleep with fleece blanket draped over her head... go figure.

ITA with what everyone is saying if it makes her AND you happy, who cares. There's no developmental delay so go for it. It's a security thing. I like to be covered up too.

holley79 replied: Seems like everyone feels the same. Annika hated being swaddled from the start. Looks like she is fine and you should do what makes he rhappy.

Zachsmom2002 replied: You know it is funny how kids like to fall asleep. And how the Doctors who say "No sleeping on the belly", "No blankets in the crib until they are older" etc. is bull. My son at a month was sleeping on his belly (sleep at night for mom or a miserable mom what would you choose). People use to say you shouldn't do that. I know and it was my sanity so we did what he felt comfortable doing. Same thing with the blankets, if my ds didn't have his blanket to cuddle with forget it. Still the same way.

Ok that was my vent. I truly think you should follow the child's needs they can usually tell you by body language what makes them happy.

MyLuvBugs replied: My daughter was never swaddled. She hated it. She'd scream and scream when we tried, so we just stopped after a week and she was better. I think so long as your kid is ok with it, let them have their comfort.