Start swaddling at 7 months?

[MeredithK]

Do you think it's ok to start swaddling a 7 month old?

We've been struggling with naps and night sleep. DS has always napped on me or in the stroller and doesn't nap past 20 minutes while he's alone. Out of desperation, I ordered a Woombie and tried it for a nap yesterday. He slept over an hour all by himself!!

So, DH thinks we should try it at night, too. But, I'm worried about trading one habit for another. At some point soon, he will be rolling over and crawling and I don't know if it's a good idea for him to be swaddled at that point.

Or, is this a good transitional tool? I just don't want to create another obstacle that we will have to overcome in order for him to sleep.

Any thoughts? Just swaddle for naps? Swaddle for all sleep? Don't swaddle at all?

Thank you so much for any advice!

[octobermoon]

I think if your baby likes it then go for it.

[cristeen]

I hadn't swaddled for months, but started swaddling again around 6 mos on occasion (not every day/night). Just when he seemed to be fighting sleep.

I use a blanket though (Aiden & Anais, which is plenty large enough), and once he's asleep I loosen it around his arms so he can get out of it... since he rolls/crawls while half-asleep all the time.

But, my guy doesn't need to be swaddled to stay asleep - just to get to sleep.

[Ms. Cellaneous]

Hi Meredith! Another October mommy here wondering the same thing. Just looked up the Woombie and it looks great. DS slept really well swaddled but after a few months he started breaking out, even from the velcro ones. He kicks his legs a lot when he falls asleep and I think it wakes him up sometimes. Anyway, hopefully some other mamas have more answers for you but at this point I'm willing to try anything that will lead to better sleep!

[MeredithK]

Originally Posted by Ms. Cellaneous

Just looked up the Woombie and it looks great.

I totally wish we had this when he was born! He can't seem to get out of it and it's quick and simple to put him in. When I tried to swaddle him with a blanket recently, he wasn't too in to it. I feel like an ad, but this is a great invention! I know the feeling of trying anything to try to get them to sleep, that's why I decided to try this. He's napping right now in it in his co-sleeper and it's been 50 minutes!!