So, my 20-week old has needed a swaddle to help calm those busy little arms. She's been in a woombie for a whille, and liked it MUCH better than a traditional swaddle. But, she is starting to seem really uncomfortable in in it (keeps trying to get out), and she's just figured out how to roll from tummy to back. And, she keeps waking up when her binkie falls out. So, I think it's time to drop the swaddle. I've ordered the woombie that lets her keep her arms out, but I am really NERVOUS that she won't sleep.
Any advice on how to wean her off of the swaddle?
We let kiddo have one arm out for a week, and then the other arm (still swaddling tummy/legs), and then gave it up. It went better than I thought it would!
At 5 months, I am sure she will be able to sleep well on her tummy and reach around for binkies. We had a neighbor who placed about 5 binkies in their daughters crib at about this age. With her eyes closed she could find it and pop it into her own mouth..
Our daughter slept so much better on her tummy, it may surprise you.
Just remember if you have to go into her room at night. Do not speak, do not turn on her light so that she does not get any stimulation.
She has to come out of the swaddle at some point, I guess this is the time..
My first one only swaddled for 2 weeks! My second did for 6 months. When he got too fidgety to want to swaddle, I would just tuck him in with the blanket I had used to swaddle him. He loved the fact he still had his familiar blankie, and that he could move freely. He still drags it around now, it is officially his lovey :-)
From 4 months of age on the child needs an arm or two to learn how to roll over. Swaddle from chest down and she'll let you know how comfortable or not she is.
I'd just loosen the swaddler a bit over the next several nights. Give her a little more wiggle room.
One of my kids would not put her own binkie back in. NO MATTER WHAT. I'd suggest putting several in the crib and let her find it or let her fuss a bit. I got into a BAD HABIT of going in to replace it each time...even after waiting a bit to see if she could do it herself. This went on for months, several night wakings - up to 20!!!!
Have you checked out a Halo sleep sack or are you using footie jammies? Either should help her stay warm but keep her arms free.
BTW - check out ebay or Criagslist. Many people sell these dirt cheap since they are used for such a short period of time.
I second the suggetions of having the arms out and then transitioning to a sleep sack. It might take a couple nights/sleeps to make the transition but she'll be fine :)
