Another swaddling question... - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

KeltoKel · 12-09-2006, 02:54 PM

MY DS is almost 5 weeks old and loves to be swaddled. However, I feel like he is swaddled all day long at times! He gets rather fussy and will often cry and the only way we can calm him is to swaddle him and place him in his swing. It upsets me b/c I want to hold him and cuddle with him, but sometimes even he doesn't want this. He is restless if he just sits in my arms.

People tell me that I am lucky that he doesn't need to be held constantly, but I sit and feel like a bad mother when he is in his swing AGAIN! But it seems like the only thing that calms him.

He was born at 37 weeks and a friend reminded me that although he is 5 weeks old - he left the womb early and it is more like he is 2 weeks old. Does that make sense?

I also wish he would be more awake at times during the day. He seems to sleep an awful lot - even if it is only for an hour here and there - but he doesn't seem to be awake very often for "play" or just to be content. I try to keep him awake after feedings so I can have some "play" time with him, but sometimes he is just cranky and we end up swaddling him to calm him - and eventually he falls to sleep!

I don't know if I am doing anything wrong. I guess all babies are different. I sure would like to hear some similar stories.

debating · 12-09-2006, 05:24 PM

Get a ring sling. They naturally keep baby all snuggled up tight, and little babies are often soothed to sleep by your motion. You get close "kangaroo" time with your little one, which is WAY better then leaving them in a swing all day, and your hands are free to continue on with your day.

DD lived her first 4 months in the sling.

KeltoKel · 12-09-2006, 05:33 PM

North - how did I know you would say this? I should have mentioned - I have a sling and he does not like it. Someone gave it to me last week and I have used it a few times, but it does not calm a screaming baby. It is ok when he is calm. Plus, I am not on my feet 24/7 - I do sit every once in a while (rare, but it does happen). But the point is, he is a fussy baby and we often find ourselves calming him with a swaddle.

My question is this - is it ok to swaddle them - even if they aren't even napping? I received "The Miracle Blanket" today and I was able to just sit with him all swaddled in the blanket this evening. It was nice to spend the time with him. I do know babies like a swinging motion and he seems to take well to the swing.

My hubby says I have high expectations for a one month old. LOL!

debating · 12-09-2006, 08:09 PM

It's fine to keep them swaddled, just make sure it's not too tight. You want to sort of rotate them so they don't get pressure points.. but if it keeps him calm, go for it!!

As for the sling, what I used to do (and it took longer then a week to get her used to it) was to put it on really loose, put her to the breast, and when she started to fall asleep I would slowly tighten it. This is also how I learned to nurse it in. And when she got upset I would put her back to the breast.

But, no matter how hard I tried, she was never happy unless I was moving.

And then I discovered the wrap. It allows you to carry them upright, and it goes over both shoulders, and can be tied in a gazzilian different ways. I have the "Moby Wrap" brand. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it. It is so comfy, and DD loves it. I love, love, love it. I like my sling, but I love my wrap. I use it a couple of times a day. Love it!! (Have I told you I love it?)