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How do I "wean" my 1 year old from swaddling?

Sarah - posted on 05/29/2010 ( 8 moms have responded )

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I still "swaddle" (with her arms free) my 11 and a half month old, but I want to get both of us out of the habit of using that as a sleep aid.

The benefits are that she can't move around as much and can't squish herself into a corner of the crib, it makes her feel snug, and she doesn't get chilled at night since she can't get out of her blanket. The drawbacks are that it will be too hot to do that come summer time, and she she should learn to go to sleep in a way more fitting to her age. I can't swaddle her forever! :) Any suggestions?

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Liz - posted on 05/30/2010

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I'm not going to lie, i still swaddle myself, and I'm 22. I use a light sheet in the summer and a heavy blanket in winter. I can sleep without, but i would rather be wrapped up tight. Try wrapping her up not as tight, and go a little loose everynight, if she really likes it, shes wrap herself up as she gets older. Otherwise, Good Luck!

Krista - posted on 05/30/2010

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Sarah, if you're good with a needle, or know a seamstress, you can make one in whatever size you need to fit your baby. That's what I did with my beanpole of a son. Here's a link for instructions:

http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/sle...

Sarah - posted on 05/30/2010

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Well, since her arms are out when swaddled, then it's not really a full swaddle, just wrapping her belly. I'd try transitioning her to a sleepsack, like the Halo ones. It is basically a looser way to do the type of swaddling you are doing. She'd have more freedom, but not full freedom. Halo makes them is toddler sizes, and ones with foot holes too.

Chatty - posted on 05/29/2010

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Sarah, here's a link.....I've heard they're wonderful! It says the largest size is up to 25lbs but if the length is right it may just work?!!

http://www.thewoombie.com/index.html

Lisa - posted on 05/29/2010

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i stopped swaddling my son at 10 months, we went cold turkey it was a few nights of crying but u have to remember its for the best... one week before hand i did introduce one teddy bear, he went to that for comfort... or you could use a 'sleep safe' or 'sleep aid' it wraps on to the cot then you wrap bub into it, stops them from rolling up down and arround. good luck

Sarah - posted on 05/29/2010

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Is there a sleep sack for a 30 lb baby?? I've tried going "cold turkey" before--I would lay her in bed and tuck her covers into either side of the crib hoping that she wouldn't kick them off or scootch out. Sometimes it was successful, but mostly not. Keep the suggestions coming! Thanks! :)

Krista - posted on 05/29/2010

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With mine, I went from swaddling to a sleep-sack. From there, I just wound up going cold turkey one night, and fortunately, it worked.

Chatty - posted on 05/29/2010

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I respect that you think it's time to call it quits but short of just giving her a blanket and letting her figure it out I don't know what to suggest? I've never heard of anyone swaddling that long but I don't think there's a problem with it.....once summer hits if she doesn't wanna be swaddled or it's too hot she'll protest! Maybe try not wrapping her as tightly so it comes apart more easily!

I personally would keep swaddling her!

Good luck!

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