Why is my baby fighting the swaddle? - Here’s what to do if your newborn doesn’t want to be swaddled

New moms are told time and again that newborns love to be swaddled. So if your newborn appears uncomfortable, fussy, and crying when you swaddle them, it can be frustrating and disheartening.

Do you wonder if you’re doing the swaddle right? Is it too tight? Should you just give up and try another approach, instead?

With these questions in mind, here are some tips for swaddling a baby that hates the swaddle and safe alternatives to swaddling that moms can use, instead.

Why do babies fight the swaddle?

Here are the possible reasons for babies to flight swaddling:

• Your baby might be overtired.
• Babies try to break out of the swaddle because they don’t like their arms being swaddled in.
• You swaddle your baby right after feeding without burping them, so their tummy doesn’t feel comfortable.
• Wrong swaddle technique.
• Your swaddle is made from non-breathable material and the baby is overheating.

Tips for swaddling newborns

So what can you actually do if your little one hates being swaddled?

• Don’t expect swaddling to be a magic charm

Yes, swaddling is one of the best ways to soothe a newborn, but it is not the only way. Some other, effective methods are: Mama’s voice, Mama’s touch, soothing sounds (like a white noise machine) and rocking back and forth.

Babies just a few days old may need only a swaddle to relax and sleep, but babies a few weeks old have different needs to feel safe. It’s okay if what your baby craves to feel cozy and comforted is different than it was at day one; go ahead and mix in some other effective methods to soothe your little one.

• Don’t swaddle immediately after a feed

Another reason many babies fight the swaddle is because it is too soon after a feed. If they have a full belly and are in need of a good burp, lying them on their backs and wrapping up their belly probably is not comfortable at all - no wonder they are crying and squirming!

Give time after a full feeding before wrapping your baby in a swaddle. Make sure they’ve had a good burp and have had a chance for their belly to settle before swaddling.

• Make sure the swaddle is snug enough

While many moms worry that the swaddle is too tight, usually the opposite is true: the swaddle is uncomfortable because it is too loose in some places.

How should the swaddle fit? A swaddle should allow baby’s legs some movement, and the knees should naturally bend outwards. Don’t swaddle your baby’s legs straight down.

A swaddle usually keeps baby’s arms snug to their sides and wraps around the chest - never at the neck.

Make sure your swaddle is safe and secure; too loose and it could come unwrapped and be a suffocation hazard.

• Try an "arms out" swaddle style

Not all swaddles need to lock in baby’s arms. Since the swaddle wraps around the chest, there is an option to wrap it under one of baby’s arms, for a single hand out, or both for freedom of the arms.

Some babies prefer the snug feeling around their chest and bum, but with the freedom to move their arms. This may be the key to the comfortable swaddle for your unique baby.

• Right material

Make sure you’re using the appropriate material to swaddle your little one. Muslin is one of the best, lightweight, and breathable materials for swaddling a baby.

Even if you do a perfect swaddle, just snug enough, but your baby is too hot in a thick fleece blanket, they will still be uncomfortable.

Alternatives to the swaddle

If swaddling is frustrating both you and your baby, it’s okay to ditch the swaddle!

There are some great products that give the fit of a cozy swaddle, but instead close conveniently with a velcro strap or zipper (Woombie is one of them!).

You can also find swaddles that allow for swaddling with one arm out or even both arms out. They are safe to use with newborns and provide that snuggly sensation of a swaddle, without the hassle. 

Another alternative, if your baby hates the swaddle is sleep sack.

If your little one continues to fight the swaddle, don’t feel bad about transitioning to a sleep sack early on.

If you’re likely going to be using a sleep sack once your baby can roll over, why not just start earlier?

It’s safe to have your baby sleep in a sleep sack even as a newborn, just pay attention to three things:

• The sleep sack is the appropriate size for your baby.

Sleep sacks come in designated sizes, so make sure to get one that fits your baby appropriately, you don’t want it to be too big.

• Check the TOG rating of the sleep sack.

Just like regular blankets, sleep sacks have a measurement of how much warmth they provide. Winter weather usually calls for 2 TOG or higher, while spring and summer 0.5 TOG might be just the thing to make sure your baby is comfortable, without overheating.

• Babies should always be put to sleep on their backs.

Swaddle or sleep sack, the safe sleep rules for babies remain the same: ‘back to sleep’.

Do some babies do better without the swaddle?

Just because most babies like being swaddled doesn’t mean that every baby does.

If your little one is in the group that just doesn’t want to be bundled up and cozy, there is no need to force it.

Find what makes your newborn comfortable and content and go with that, as long as it is safe. While there is no rule that parents must use a swaddle with their infant, there are some important rules to follow if you do go for swaddling.

Swaddling safety rules for babies

There are only two "rules" when it comes to swaddling a newborn (but neither one is a requirement to swaddle to begin with).

Here are the rules for swaddling:

• No loose bedding in your baby’s crib until 12 months of age.

This is a risk factor with newborns, so if it’s a question of using the swaddle "as a blanket", remember that is not an option until they reach their first birthday.

If the swaddle isn’t for your babe, reach for cozy pajamas or a sleep sack, instead.

• Stop swaddling when your baby can roll over.

This is another risk factor for suffocation. In the event that a baby rolls onto their belly, they will need their arms in order to push up and breathe. Since swaddling keeps their arms in, swaddling must stop when infants can roll over.

Remember, this milestone is different for every baby and is not based on age. Some babies can roll over before 10 weeks old.

Stop swaddling if your baby can roll over.

Final word

There’s no rule that says you have to swaddle your newborn. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by swaddling, it’s okay to reach for another alternative. Just make sure you continue to follow safe sleep guidelines, no matter what approach you choose. Whether it's opting for cozy pajamas, trying out a sleep sack, or even considering assistance with childcare abroad once you are traveling, the key is to prioritize your baby’s comfort and safety while adhering to recommended sleep guidelines.