Can i swaddle too tightly

UNwrapping the Controversy Over Swaddling. American Academy of Pediatrics News. June , Volume 34, Number 6. Infant deaths and injuries associated with wearable blankets, swaddle wraps, and swaddling.

J Pediatr. Swaddling: a systematic review. If a baby is swaddled too tight around the chest, he may not have enough space to breathe freely. Swaddling once a baby can roll over. If a swaddled baby rolls over to her stomach, this increases the risk for SIDS because it is less likely that she will be able to roll back over to her back. And there is strong evidence that young babies who sleep on their stomachs are at higher risk for SIDS. Swaddling too loosely.

Swaddling promotes too deep of sleep. While deep sleep sounds like a good thing for a baby, it is potentially harmful in some situations because if a baby is sleeping too deeply, he might not arouse in an unsafe sleeping situation, such as if a blanket is over his face. Swaddling with a heavy blanket. If a baby has a thick blanket on and is too warm, this can increase the risk of SIDS. Some important swaddling safety tips to keep in mind:.

Swaddle snugly, but not too snugly. Always put your baby to sleep on her back. Be sure to tuck the bottom of the blanket underneath your baby too. Keep your baby cool. Swaddling could cause overheating, which can raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome SIDS. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. And resist the urge to bundle your baby in extra layers — a pair of pajamas and the swaddle blanket are likely enough to keep her comfy.

Sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash and rapid breathing are all possible signs that your baby might be too hot. Swaddle for night sleeps and naps. Swaddling can help your baby sleep more soundly during the day and at night.

But if checking her swaddle while she sleeps gives you extra peace of mind, feel free to peek more often. Plenty of parents swear that swaddling is key for soothing their newborns. The truth is that not every baby loves swaddling. Some seem to find swaddles restrictive and will try to fight their way free every time.

Before giving up completely though, you might want to experiment with some alternatives. If your baby seems to want her arms out, try leaving her arms out of the swaddle blanket. The extra freedom might make swaddling more appealing to her.

Got a little one who loves to kick? You might have to try a few different swaddles to find the one your baby likes best — but once you do, stock up on a few so you have extras on hand in case of diaper leaks or spit-up. And if none seem to be the right fit? Feel free to move on. Swaddling can be a smart move for newborns. Being wrapped up can interfere with healthy development for older babies too, since it prevents them from practicing age-appropriate motor skills.

So at what age should you stop swaddling?