https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:15:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926957 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 10:04:30 +0000 AmandaB8 1926957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD hates being confined when she sleeps - always has. She hated the RnP, the swaddle, the swing - everything. </p> <p>The best way for her to sleep? In a crib. By herself. </p> <p>She likes to strech out (which, both DH and I do too - so can't blame her!)</p> <p>When she was really little I put her in the top part of a pack n play in our room, and she's been in her crib since 8 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926828 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 08:49:29 +0000 Greentea 1926828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I could.not.swaddle. my LO. She would roll over in her swaddle and that made me uncomfortable- and that was only IF she was actually in the swaddle for two seconds instead of one! She busted out her first night and we couldn't find a swaddle to stay on her ninja self. </p> <p>Hang in there, those first weeks are super rough! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926804 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 08:25:25 +0000 Ms.Pumpkin 1926804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: She definitely moves her arms around, she's a stretcher and reacher for sure. But we haven't been swaddling for daytime naps, and it doesn't seem to bother her too much, and during the day she can sleep for 1-2 hours at a time unswaddled.</p> <p>I think that we might possibly be able to skip swaddling, at least for now. As other folks have said, I'm totally open to the possibility that in a few weeks, she may need/accept it though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926773 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 07:38:21 +0000 looch 1926773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Regarding the swaddling, do you notice that your baby is struggling with a really strong Moro reflex? If not, then there is no need to swaddle...my son would swat himself on the face and wake himself up, so the swaddle was necessary. But if your babe doesn't have that problem, I wouldn't swaddle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926763 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 07:23:14 +0000 Ms.Pumpkin 1926763@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ScarletBegonia: Thanks for this- I've been dreading the 6 week fussy period that all the baby books talk about, because if I can barely handle a 3 week old, what chance do I have once she really kicks into gear? :silly: But these littles are just tough, and I've been walking around the past 2 nights, rocking her and chanting, "this won't last forever"</p> <p>@matador84, @MrsRcCar: Yeah, I can totally see how co-bedding would help, but to be honest, it scares me- I've got a small bed, a cat who refuses to sleep anywhere else (and loves to sleep on top of people), and a DH who is a roller. I know lots of people who have co-bedded successfully, but I'm not sure that it's for us.</p> <p>@Rocker2014: Oh, many hugs... it sounds like your baby E is in cahoots with my baby E! When will they stop their nefarious plotting to keep us up at night? </p> <p>@catomd00: We've got the Dohm noise machine cranked up, and every so often I'll loudly shush her or turn on an additional white noise app on my phone- it's crazy how that actually will work for a hot second!</p> <p>Again, thanks for all of the perspective- it's so helpful to hear from folks who have survived these phases! But if the last few nights have taught me anything, it's that newborns love to mix it up- now she refuses to sleep anywhere that is not my chest! Can't wait to see how long this lasts, but at the moment I'm pretty attached to the couch and my Moby wrap! </p> <p>But yeah- I know that this won't last forever. She's not going to be a 16 year old who needs to lay her head on Mommy's chest to get to sleep, right? :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926750 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 06:49:11 +0000 Orchid 1926750@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO hated swaddles in the beginning, then when he was about 1 month old, I had a MOTN desperate moment and pulled out the swaddle. He slept well in it and we continued to use it since then until he started rolling. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926735 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 06:26:26 +0000 Adira 1926735@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Xander hated swaddles too. He just hated his arms being constricted, so after two weeks, we just swaddled him from his chest down and kept his arms free. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926719 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 04:06:41 +0000 Rocker2014 1926719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ms.Pumpkin: I just wanted,to say thanks for posting this- we're in the exact same place with baby E right now. Ugh! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926662 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 23:30:24 +0000 MrsRcCar 1926662@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Neither one of my boys like to be swaddled. E was ok to be swaddled as long as his arms weren't. I didn't push the issue. We co-bed (I realize it doesnt work for everyone) , it has made a world of difference for us. Everyone is getting more rest. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926629 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 21:45:08 +0000 catomd00 1926629@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>White noise!!! Loud!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926371 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:53:44 +0000 matador84 1926371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you tried cosleeping? My son hated the swaddle and I forced it and sort of wish I hadn't. My daughter on the other hand also hated the swaddle but I just co slept with her and said screw it and I think that gave her a lot of security in place of the swaddle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926358 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:37:38 +0000 ScarletBegonia 1926358@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No advice on swaddling since we did it way longer than we should have and my baby LOOOOOVED it, but console yourself with the fact that if you can get your baby to settle without the swaddle you won't have to deal with swaddle weaning down the track! Its gonna suck now or suck later, you're getting it out of the way now!! Hugs - FWIW 0-4 weeks was MUCH harder for us than 6 weeks +. I felt by 6 weeks that I was more accustommed to the baby's cries and wants and needs so felt more in control. The first month was just a shit show. I barely remember it now and my baby is only 8 months. It gets better xox </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926324 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 15:40:48 +0000 Ms.Pumpkin 1926324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Little Misters Mom: That's actually exactly what I've noticed- I'm fine during the day, and as soon as the sun goes down, I'm back to feeling hormonal and weepy again! So glad to know that others have felt that same rhythm. Also good to know it does get better on that front eventually- I'm noticing that my moods are getting a bit better after 2 weeks, so hopefully the baby blues will go away in another few weeks or so! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926213 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 13:22:26 +0000 Little Misters Mom 1926213@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We went through the day/night confusion as well. It was so, so hard but it did pass, I promise. Our little guy was ok with the swaddle but he hated so many things people swore by. I kept buying more and more stuff, wondering what I was doing wrong. Despite us trying everything to speed the process, he just naturally started to organize his sleep a little better around 5 or 6 weeks.</p> <p>Also, just because you mention the nighttime and day time emotional difference, my "baby blues" had a very similar rhythm. During the days I felt ok, and then it would start to get dark and I was just so overwhelmed about the thought of facing another night. In retrospect, the hormones were a big part of it, and once those lifted after a month or so it was much easier to cope even if objectively he was still not a great sleeper. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926198 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:49:26 +0000 Ms.Pumpkin 1926198@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you, everyone!</p> <p>@chibee: It's great to hear another baby learned how to sleep without the swaddle- and my LO seems to be like yours- she grunts and fights and seems so angry when she realizes that her arms are bound! </p> <p>@Mamasig: Wow, arms out swaddle, that might be worth trying, and might work with the velcro Swaddleme. Might try that during a nap this afternoon.</p> <p>And it totally is one of those things that I've been told that ALL babies love, so I totally thought that I was doing something wrong if she hates it so much. </p> <p>@yerpie110: My DH is the one who is really questioning the whole swaddle thing and why we're trying to force her into it if she really doesn't like it at all! </p> <p>And thanks again for all the votes of confidence- I'm usually feeling fine during the day, but these nighttime struggles really make you question yourself! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926196 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:48:20 +0000 yoursilverlining 1926196@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO HATED being swaddled. She busted out of swaddles done by veteran L&amp;D nurses and wouldn't tolerate a swaddle once we got home.</p> <p>Things that did help calm her: holding her tight and swaying/swinging back and forth (worked much better than rocking), holding her hands tightly so they were still, bouncing on the edge of the bed/on an exercise ball or similar. </p> <p>LO also had her days/nights flipped and it took about 4 weeks to get them straightened out. </p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926193 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:42:18 +0000 keiki_mama 1926193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO1 loved being swaddled but LO2 didn't care for it. What worked for LO2 is a binky while being rocked in the glider for 20 minutes or so then softly transferring her to her crib or sometimes I just put her on our bed. Maybe your LO just wants to sleep on you :happy: You're doing great mama!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926176 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:14:14 +0000 yerpie110 1926176@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO hated the swaddle with a passion of a hundred fiery suns, and I hate to say I pushed it on her for longer than I should have, simply because I was told by multiple sources that every baby likes and needs it, despite my gut telling me (as well as her yelling) otherwise. My husband finally pulled the plug for me right around the age of your LO. Every baby is different, and don't be afraid to trust your mama instinct! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926173 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:10:52 +0000 farawayyama 1926173@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>V is 6 and a half weeks. For the first month she hated any swaddle and so we simply put her in a sleepsack and let her be (sometimes in our arms, sometimes in the co-sleeper).</p> <p>At about 5 weeks we were getting desperate with no sleep - she has silent reflux, so would grunt and squirm to the point it woke her up in the night. We tried swaddle + rock n play again, starting with naps where I could sit with her and comfort her, and eventually down for the night. She has been sleeping in 6 hour stretches for the last week. So it mht be an idea to try it again in a few weeks time? </p> <p>Also, she will only take miracle blanket, no others. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926171 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:09:15 +0000 Maysprout 1926171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For us turning on their side and shhh sshhing loud in their ear is what worked best for us. Also my husband was a bit better with it than I was, they'd fight hard for milk or I just didn't wrap them quite as tightly or something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926168 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 11:58:52 +0000 rachiecakes 1926168@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My J haaaated swaddles and sling/woven carriers, basically anything that was like a swaddle.<br /> He would sleep in the RNP with a blanket around his legs. And in the swing. I actually didn't want a swing but got desperate when I realized he didn't like anything else.<br /> There is no one-fits-all, every baby is different. You're doing a great job! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926162 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 11:51:19 +0000 avivoca 1926162@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>H hated to be swaddled too. I just rolled with it. It's okay to by swaddle. You are doing a great job Mama! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926137 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 11:19:23 +0000 Mamasig 1926137@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not all babies like to be swaddled. It's one of those myths! I remember telling my pediatrician that my son didn't like to be swaddled. She suggested swaddling him with his arms out. She also told me it's ok not to swaddle! With my 2nd, I never swaddled at all!</p> <p>Eta: and you are not a failure. Babies cry. It's their only way to express themselves. It will get better. At that age the 5 S's soothed my son but without swaddling. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926125 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 11:06:22 +0000 chibee 1926125@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine hated the swaddle also, it worked for maybe 3 days and then he would actually sleep worse because every time he woke up a little bit he would wake himself up fully by trying to struggle against it. it works for most babies, didn't work for mine! he gets super angry in the swaddle. My baby is only 10.5 weeks old right now but trust me, it gets better! I cried daily for weeks and weeks because it was so hard and he was a terrible sleeper - just do what you need to do to get through this time and i promise it gets better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-hates-swaddling#post-1926121 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 11:01:07 +0000 Ms.Pumpkin 1926121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 2.5 week old is still struggling with day/night confusion- she's napping fine during the day (even with lights on, normal daytime noise, etc), but just cannot get settled for nighttime sleep at all.</p> <p>Everyone I've spoken with (RNs, LCs, other Moms, etc) has told me that swaddling will help her settle down and sleep, but no matter how hard we try or how snug we make it, she seriously struggles against the swaddle, grunting and thrashing against it. We've tried the A&amp;A blankets, Swaddlemes, a Miracle Blanket and a SwaddlePod (kind of like a Woombie). None of them seem to calm her down, she just gets more and more frantic until we undo the swaddle. </p> <p>We also have been trying other calming measures like rocking, paci, nursing, bouncing, etc while swaddled, and while she may calm down initially, as soon as we put her in the RNP, she's awake and freaking out again!</p> <p>Is swaddling something that we should just persevere with, in the hopes that she'll get used to it eventually, or are there other non-swaddling measures to soften the arm reflexes that might work better?</p> <p>She's only 2.5 weeks and I just don't know what to do to help her. I'm kind of feeling like a failure as a mother, and am so scared that she'll get even fussier as she hits the 6-7 week window, and I'll never be able to cope! :crying: </p>