How to Swaddle a baby that easily gets out of the swaddle

Does your baby get out of the swaddle? There IS a solution.

If you’re swaddling, then you most likely already know the benefits, but if you’re a first-time mom or new to swaddling, a swaddled baby feels more secure - like in the womb, and tends to sleep longer, as the swaddle minimizes the startle reflex. There are two main risks to swaddling, which are that if baby’s hip joints are swaddled so tightly that the hip movement is restricted, it could lead to a condition called hip dysplasia, and if a swaddled baby rolls over, it could present a dangerous situation, so it is recommended that parents discontinue swaddling when baby starts showing signs of rolling over.

The conventional swaddling technique (which does not work very well for many babies) starts with the cloth placed in a position like a diamond, with the top edge folded down, leaving inadequate cloth material by the shoulders to securely swaddle the baby. Most babies are able to easily get out of this type of swaddle, unless you use a huge swaddling cloth. However, with a huge swaddling cloth, there is the issue with the excess cloth that ends up getting tucked behind baby’s back - I couldn’t imagine that to be comfortable!

This problem can be avoided by placing your swaddling cloth horizontally and using a swaddling cloth that is the proper size.

When I have my baby, I will upload a video of how to swaddle safely and securely.

Many big-box-store swaddling cloths are too small to adequately swaddle, and many muslin cloths are too big. The ones between 40-44” are the perfect size. A little too large is okay, but too small won’t work. These are the best organic swaddle blankets that I found in the ideal size: Lilliput World, The White Cradle, and TillYou. A couple that are a bit larger than what I consider ideal are by Cotton-Organics, Burt's Bees (girls), Burt's Bees (boys/unisex), and Greenwood. 

I enjoy swaddling with a swaddling cloth, but for some the easiest way to swaddle is simply to use a pre-made baby swaddle. Due to the fact that baby getting his or her hand up through the neck opening could present a dangerous situation due to pressure on the neck, it is important to get one that zips all the way up to the neck and does not allow for space for baby’s hand to fit through. One great one that we used on our firstborn is the Woombie swaddle. It unzips from the top as well as from the bottom, allowing for easy diaper changes, and provides for the necessary hip movement to avoid developing hip dysplasia. I purchased a few more, as they’re very convenient. Another similar product is the Happiest Baby swaddle, which I do not have. The reviews are great, but baby's arms are tightly held in place. Personally the Woombie swaddle looks better to me, as baby is better able to move his or her arms, like in the womb, but is unable to get the arms out of the neck opening. 

I was my mom's firstborn, and my mom says that I cried what seemed like non-stop for days, and the only thing that would soothe me, is when I was swaddled by my grandma. So if your baby is having a difficult time, try to swaddle! 

Also, a very interesting thing I learned with my firstborn was the concept of Dunstan Baby Language. I'll write a blog on them in a bit, but they worked for my daughter and I.