I know how valuable extra sleep is, especially during the first months of your baby’s life. Fortunately, you discovered the swaddle, and now the munchkin is calmer and sleeps longer.
Swaddling is excellent as it provides a warm womb environment for your munchkin to feel comfortable. But, with a newborn rolling to side in swaddle, it may call for extra caution.
In the article, let’s learn more about swaddling, its safety, and other helpful tips when using a swaddle.
Newborn Rolling To Side In Swaddle – Is It Safe?
Swaddling your baby is safe, especially during the first two months of life. However, it’s not safe when your newborn rolls to her side while in a swaddle because she can easily suffocate, leading to sudden infant death syndrome.
Experts recommend babies sleep on their backs to avoid accidents. When on her side, it’s easy for her to lay on her tummy with the head facing down. The tummy position is worse when the baby is swaddled because her arms and legs are covered inside the swaddle, making it easy for them more prone to suffocation.
What Happens When A Baby Rolls To Side In Swaddle?
Newborn babies are delicate and can quickly get into accidents. When you put your baby to sleep on her back during the early days, she may stay in that position until you adjust it. But, as she grows, she starts moving her arms and legs, and it’s common to find her on her side.
The side position is risky in the following ways:
1. Risk of sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS)
While lying on his side, a baby needs one slight movement to shift onto the tummy position, putting him at risk of sudden infant death syndrome due to suffocation.
SIDS is a leading cause of death among babies under one year. According to the CDC, about 3,500 children die from SIDS every year in the U’.S alone. At the same time, there’s no researched cause of the syndrome. Most possible causes are related to unsafe sleeping conditions.
2. Risk of torticollis
Aside from SIDS, torticollis is another risk associated with side sleeping in babies.
This condition is associated with neck pain similar to sprains. When a baby is wrapped in a swaddle tightly, and the neck is left to move freely, it may be painful if she rolls to the side.
3. Harlequin color change
This is a temporary color change where half part of the face turns pinkish-red due to sleeping on the side. It’s worse when a baby is swaddled since she can’t move freely.
Whether swaddled or not, the best position for your baby is on their back. This is because she can breathe well and isn’t at risk of suffocation. Unlike the stomach position, it’s hard for your baby to roll onto a vulnerable position when on its back.
When Should I Stop Swaddling My Baby?
Children develop differently. Some can roll over early, while others take more time. With all the benefits of swaddling, it presents more risks as your baby matures.
So, when is it time to stop swaddling your baby?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should quit the swaddle once an infant shows signs of rolling over to avoid strangulation or suffocation.
There’s no specified age for all babies to learn rolling over, but openly, it’s between 4-6 months. Some do it as early as two months. So, when your swaddled newborn rolls on side, she can’t roll from her tummy to their back yet. That’s why swaddling isn’t a good idea at such a time.
Other signs that your munchkin is ready to leave the swaddle include:
1. Short sleeping intervals at night with frequent waking up
If you notice that your baby wakes up more than before and is fussy, he may be feeling uncomfortable in the swaddle.
2. Trying to break or breaking away from the swaddle.
When your baby manages to remove her arms from the swaddle or unwraps it while asleep, it’s a sign that they are outgrowing it. If he loosens the swaddle, it may easily suffocate him.
3. Resistance during swaddling time
If your baby changes from calming down to resisting when putting his swaddle on, they are telling you to let the arms and legs stay free. This is a pointer that they have outgrown it.
It’s true transitioning from the comfort of a swaddle could be difficult. You don’t know what else will give your baby the calm, comfort, and efficiency of a swaddle.
That’s okay. Talk to your pediatrician about any other safe ideas to try going forward. With the risk of sudden infant death syndrome being high among babies, try to stay safe.
Is It Okay For A Newborn To Roll On The Side While Sleeping?
It’s not uncommon for newborns to curl on their sides while sleeping. This does not indicate that they are starting their first independent movement (rolling over). It’s often a habit that they outgrow.
Imagine spending nine months in one position. Babies, too, may find the position they were used to in the womb more comfortable. That’s okay. It is normal, but keep a watchful eye and call your doctor if you see any unusual development.
Helpful Tips When Putting Your Baby In A Swaddle
Swaddling your newborn is safe and healthy if you take the necessary caution. The following are helpful tips on how to wrap your little one safely:
1. Use an easy-to-secure swaddle blankets
While you can make a swaddle at home, buying a customized one is better, preferably with Velcro straps for maximum security. Remember, it’s better to keep your baby unswaddled than put him in a loose-fitting swaddle that may cover the face.
2. Mind the temperature – not too hot or cold
Swaddles come in various shapes, sizes, and fabrics. Also, some are warmer than others. Make sure your baby is comfortable by ensuring the swaddle provides good warmth.
3. Don’t put the swaddle past the shoulders.
While the baby needs a comfortable environment, cover her up to the shoulders to leave the head free to breathe freely. Don’t cover the baby’s neck, too, as it may restrict its head movements.
4. Leave the arms free.
Be careful not to restrict the movement of arms. Some babies are comfortable with hands on the face or stretched on the sides. Either way, putting the swaddle tightly around the arms could be dangerous.
5. Do not restrict the legs.
A baby’s legs should be left to move freely like the arms. If you restrict the legs, your baby may develop long-term physical health problems.
6. Put your swaddled baby on a firm surface.
Don’t let the appearance of bouncy, fluffy mattresses and bedding fool you. They can be more dangerous if your munchkin rolls on the side or, worse, on their tummy. Go for firm surfaces, as they won’t block your baby’s face if they accidentally move on the side when swaddled.
7. Keep the sleeping area free from toys, unnecessary blankets, and pillows
A baby rolling on side in swaddle isn’t safe. He may bump their face on toys or blankets, causing harm or suffocation. A clean sleeping area enhances the safety of your little one.
Alternatives When Transitioning Out Of The Swaddle
1. Try the hands-free swaddles.
The regular swaddles are made to restrict hands and arms. Try swaddles that don’t cover hands to keep your baby free, safer, and comfortable.
2. Customized sleeping bags
Sleeping bags are an excellent idea for babies not suitable for swaddling. The sacks leave hands and legs free while providing the warmth and comfort of a swaddle. Further, they are perfectly safe for even older babies rolling over.
3. Special full-body sleepsuits
You may also consider a one-piece sleep suit instead of a swaddle. Most sleepsuits have a sturdy material that provides a cosy, warm and flexible environment, especially for babies who don’t like being covered.
Wrapping Up
Swaddling has a myriad of benefits for new mothers. Experts advocate putting your swaddled baby on their back when sleeping. However, cases of a newborn rolling to side in swaddle aren’t new.
Whether swaddled or not, staying/sleeping on the side isn’t safe due to the possibility of suffocation or death. Rolling on the side could be a habit in newborns or a milestone in older babies.
Either way, it may be time to go swaddle-free when a baby develops motor skills such as rolling over, resists swaddling, and experiences unusual sleep patterns.
Other options, such as sleeping bags and sleep suits, help during the transition. If you have any concerns about swaddling your newborn, who rolls over on their side, talk to your doctor about it.
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