High-Needs Infants and Toddlers

Hi,

My DS#2 is 5.5 mos old. He has been colicky since the beginning. The only way to get him to sleep is to swaddle him, very tightly and put him in a sleep wedge so that he can't roll over. However, last nite I went in to feed him (again) and he had somehow managed to roll over onto his belly, and was still partially swaddled. So dangerous! The other nite I went in and the swaddle blanket had come loose and the end was up around his neck. So now I'm desperate for some help!!!

How do I wean him from swaddling? I tried to let him CIO today for a nap, but it was a disaster. If he's not swaddled, then he's all crunched up into a ball with both hands in his mouth. He is absolutely frantic about chewing his hands. I have even tried to keep one arm out of the swaddle, but he just can't relax. I don't think traditional methods work with high needs infants. This is a whole new game.

If I didn't have a 24 mos old little boy as well, I would seriously question my ability as a mother. I had no idea this could be so hard. I'm so amazed and proud of myself that I have made it 5.5 mos without totally losing my sanity, but there is still time yet :)

Thanks for all and any advice :)

Mel

Hi, Mel

I also have a 5.5 month old son and we've struggled a bit with sleep issues.  He still isn't sleeping through the night and is up several times.  We don't swaddle him so I'm not sure I have the right answer for you but I did find this article on iVillage that may help.  Good luck!  I know that sleep issues are just so hard to figure out and even more so when you have a high-needs infant.  Please be sure to let us know if you find a technique that works for you.

Sleep Method Decoder-

Dr. William Sears’s technique: Swaddling might be good for a few minutes, but it’s too constricting for all night, and it's basically using a parental crutch when you should be focusing on teaching other bedtime routines. You'll be better off rocking, carrying your baby around in a sling, playing lullabies or other soothing methods. Same with the pacifier, but if you have to, use it for as little time as possible.

Read more of this article here: http://choosers.ivillage.com/parenting/sleep_decoder/result.php?id=7&app_id=sleep_decoder

And more on Sleep Method Decoder here: http://choosers.ivillage.com/parenting/sleep_decoder/

Hi Mel!

That is a great and tough question.  Can you get him to sleep and then unswadddle him?  My son's NICU nurses were experts at swaddling and he would still manage to wiggle out (even at 2 1/2 lbs!).  We did have a little luck with the miracle blanket type (it is shaped and has built in velcro) but my ds always like his arms out.  And he was so small that it didn't really work for him anyway. 

Please let us know if you find something that works!!! Wishing you all the best.