How long does a baby need swaddling?

All babies vary in their swaddling needs, ranging from 3 to 9 months. However, the majority of babies are swaddled until approximately 6 months.

What if my baby cries while being swaddled?

Crying during or shortly after swaddling is not a sign that your baby does not like to be swaddled. Did you ever notice how "busy" your baby's arms and legs can be at times? Swaddling actually helps them to feel more relaxed, secure and in control of their rigorous involuntary movements. It is BEST to start the Woombie when the baby is first born! This eliminates swaddling confusion.

How can my baby get used to the Woombie when he has been using a tight wrap from birth?

Babies sleep on an average of 10-12 hours daily once past the young infant stage. Tight swaddling for almost HALF of the day during sleep is not good for baby's motor development, circulation, and can even cause developmental hip dysplasia. Imagine all of the natural movement they are missing! To get baby used to the Woombie vs. tight swaddlers, you can either start using the Woombie first at naptime, or you may place baby in a onesie and then into his/her Woombie. FOLLOW that by tight swaddling the baby OVER the woombie, and once baby feels comfy and falls asleep, you may release the top swaddle wrap and leave baby in woombie alone. Remember you do not want to over-heat the baby, so do not leave them in both wraps for the night! A light blanket may be placed over the woombie from the chest area down to the toes if you feel a chill in the air.

Why is the Woombie different from regular blankets?

The Woombie allows baby some movement while still effectively swaddling baby. This allows for good blood flow and improved Motor Development. Why tight swaddle your baby if he/she doesn't need it? Basically, the goals of swaddling are decreased arm movements which startle baby and increased security. The Woombie offers both.

Are there any dangers involved in swaddling?

Yes. Parents who are not informed on how to swaddle can put their babies at risk. Clinical studies have proven that tight blanket swaddling can lead to decreased and labored respirations, hip dysplasia, poor circulation, and stunted motor development. All of these factors were kept in mind when designing the Woombie. The stretch fabric prevents all of the above dangers. Also there is research that shows that over-wrapping with blankets can lead to overheating, which is a risk factor in S.I.D.S. Loose unraveled blankets are also a potential cause of suffocation.

What if my baby rolls on his belly?

Rolling is a sign that it is time to stop swaddling. It is important to always position baby per Pediatrician guidelines using the recommended sleep positioners, but there does comes a time when baby is just strong enough to roll over on his own. Rolling babies should not be traditionally swaddled because of limited upper body mobility when they are belly down. The Woombie does allow for more freedom of upper body, unlike traditional swaddling where ares are "pinned" to the sides, increasing mobility in the torso area. If your baby does begin to roll, ask your Pediatrician for advice on whether or not swaddling with the Woombie should be continued.

How can i wean my baby from swaddling?

Weaning may be difficult for many parents and babies, at least for a few nights. To wean, you may try first to stop swaddling at nap time. This will introduce more freedom at a more "controlled" time of day. Night time is more difficult, as everyone is tired and expecting a quiet night. You may have your baby wear a "wearable blanket", to provide warmth and prevent blankets from covering babys face. You can also leave your baby in their Woombie and unzip it a few inches daily to gradually allow baby to understand upper body mobility and freedom. Then you may allow baby to sleep with arms out, keeping lower body zipped from breast level downward, and finally graduating from the Woombie to a arms free wearable blanket! We also make a thinner stretchier version (USA) in Mega baby size to allow for more movement. More movement and arm freedom allows for re-training so that when baby is ready to sleep arms free there will be an easy transition.

I have been using a different swaddler, but it seems too tight for the baby. Can i switch to the Woombie, since he is already used to a tight swaddle?

Yes! You can switch at any time, but please remember that babies get used to certain patterns and comforts. Remember, it is best to start using The Woombie from birth, however, in certain circumstances you may need to switch at a later time. Switching from a tight swaddle to our concept may take baby time to adjust, but give it time. Babies who have been used to being tight swaddled for many months and then switch over to a new type of swaddler will be confused at first by the change, possibly even upset. Try the Woombie during Nap time first to introduce it! The benefits are wonderful!

Can I use the Woombie when breastfeeding?

Yes, the Woombie helps "busy hands" stay contained during breastfeeding, even making the Football Hold easier for new moms! We have Lactation nurses, Doulas and Physician moms who use and love the Woombie!

When is the best time to swaddle?

The best time to swaddle is when baby is already calm and relaxed.

Is the fabric breathable?

Yes, the Woombie is made of 94% Cotton, which is very lightweight, like a soft Jersey tee shirt. A basic Onesie is recommended to use under the Woombie for sleep. On cold nights, fleece like PJs and socks can be worn under the Woombie and the Woombie will act as the blanket.

Can I get the larger size Woombie for my newborn and let her grow into it?

No. The Big Baby is not meant for newborns. If you put a newborn into a Big Baby Woombie, it will be much too loose for the baby, and swaddling will not be effective.

Can a baby roll over in the Woombie?

Babies over 2 months can unexpectedly roll over. With any and all swaddlers, it is always good to position your baby safely on his/her back using preventative measures to prevent rolling. Consult with your Pediatrician for advice on which sleep positioners are recommended. Unlike traditional blanket swaddles that "pin" arms at the side, the Woombie is made with a stretch fabric and full inner garment arm freedom. If baby does accidentally roll onto his/her belly, the Woombie will allow baby full arm and upper body mobility.

It looks so small! How will my baby fit into it?

The Woombies are made smaller than the average size of the baby because of its stretch fabric. It mimics the womb, snuggling and compressing baby gently. Once you apply the Woombie, baby will have plenty of stretch room to position themselves comfortably.

Here are some tips on swaddling and how to use the Woombie! Tip #1: The best time to swaddle a baby is when he/she is calm.... Waiting until baby is over-tired and already fussy may make him feel worse and unable to "settle". Tip #2: In the Winter, Put baby into warm PJ's first and then into the Woombie. An extra light blanket may be used on top of the Woombie if cold... use your judgment while remembering that overheating may be linked to SIDS. In Summertime, just a Onesie or diaper alone is needed. Tip #3: Please give baby a chance to get used to a new swaddling method! If baby has been in a tight restraint swaddle from birth, he/she may be confused by the change! Give baby time to adapt. The Woombie allows for stretch, which is a good thing, and will assist in baby's important Motor Development! Tip #4: The Woombie may appear smaller than baby, but that is part of the Woombie concept. The stretch fabric does in fact stretch to mold to your baby's unique physique! Tip #5: Always position baby safely per Pediatrician recommendations to prevent rolling when using all swaddlers. Tip #6: If there are a few extra inches at the foot end, you may tie the toe area with a small sash to decrease the overall length.