What to Do If Your Baby Breaks Out of the Swaddle

Infants often have a difficult time transitioning from their crib to the world, but with a little help from your most helpful friends and caregivers, you can make that transition smoother for everyone involved. In this article, you'll find out what to do if your baby breaks out of the swaddle and how to keep them from breaking out again in the future.

How to Swaddle a Baby

Swaddling a baby is a tried and true method for calming them down and helping them sleep. Follow these steps to swaddle your baby safely and effectively:

1. Make a “T” with one arm and rest the arm near the baby's shoulder. Use the other hand to wrap the baby's arms in front of their body, then tuck the bottom of the T under the baby’s bottom. The goal is to create a snug fit so the baby can’t move around.
2. Pin down any loose fabric around the baby’s neck with one finger, then use two hands to tightly wrap the fabric around the baby’s neck. Leave a small opening at the top so you can feed or change the diaper.
3. Use one hand to secure the Velcro closure on one side of the blanket, then do the same on the other side. The blanket should now be covering all of the baby’s body, including their head and feet.
4. If using a light blanket instead of an adult-sized one, fold it in half so it’s half its original size. Fold it back up and pin it in place on the baby’s body, with approximately 1″ of fabric overlapping the sides of the blanket. Pin down any loose fabric on one side.
5. Wrap both sides at once using one hand to secure them in place, then do the same with the Velcro closure on both sides.
6. With one hand, quickly tug the Velcro corners so that they meet each other in the center (in a zigzag fashion), then bring the two corners together and pull tight so that they become wrapped around each other (the material should almost touch). Repeat this several times until you have completely wrapped up all of your baby’s limbs.

Why Babies Break Out of the Swaddle

If your baby is breaking out of the swaddle, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure you are using the right size swaddle for your baby. Some babies need a tighter swaddle, while others need a looser one. Second, make sure the arms and legs of the swaddle are fully covered. If they aren't, your baby will be able to move around too much and break out. Finally, make sure the swaddle is positioned correctly so that it's tight against your baby's body but not too tight. If it's too tight, your baby may start to cry and break out of the swaddle.

Things You Can Do to Prevent Breaking Out of the Swaddle

If your baby is breaking out of the swaddle, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening.

One way to try and prevent breakouts is to make sure your baby is swaddled tightly. When babies are swaddled tight, they cannot move around and therefore cannot break out of the swaddle. Additionally, make sure the blanket or fabric used to swaddle is warm and soft. Some babies will break out of a swaddle if it feels too cold or stiff.

Another way to prevent breakouts is to reduce the amount of time your baby spends in the crib or infant carrier. When your baby spends less time in these confined spaces, they have more opportunity to move around and become agitated. Additionally, keep a close eye on your baby while they are sleeping so that you can immediately intervene if they start to break out of the swaddle.

If you find that your baby is breaking out of the swaddle often, it may be helpful to speak with a doctor about trying another type of sleepwear for your baby. There may be a particular type of sleepwear that is better suited for your baby's needs and prevents them from breaking out of their clothing.

Things You Can Do If Your Baby Has Broken Out of the Swaddle

If your baby has broken out of the swaddle, there are a few things you can do to help keep him or her warm and comfortable. First, try putting the baby in a shirt or coat. This will help trap more body heat, and the coat can be used as a makeshift swaddle if needed. If that doesn't work, you can try using a heating pad or blanket. Be sure to place it on either side of the baby's body so that it doesn't touch their face. Finally, you can try giving the baby a pacifier to suck on. This will help regulate their breathing and keep them calm.

Conclusion

If your baby seems to be breaking out of the swaddle more often than normal, there are a few things you can do in order to help. For starters, make sure that your baby is warm enough — both physically and emotionally. Try wrapping them tightly in a blanket or putting them inside a warm bathtub for a short period of time. If these measures don’t work, try using different types of swaddles or changing the way you position your baby in the swaddle. If none of these solutions work, it might be time to seek outside help. A professional may be able to recommend other techniques that have more success with preventing breakouts from occurring.