How to Stop Swaddling Your Baby
Some of you may recall that Darah has always been a big fan of her swaddle. She simply will not sleep without being swaddled! It has such a calming effect on her that she will sometimes start to fall asleep while we are in the process of swaddling her. She’s been rolling over for a month, though, and this makes having her arms tucked in a blanket too dangerous. So we’ve been on the (bumpy) journey of figuring out how to stop swaddling (well, actually, we’ve just been getting her used to having her arms out…her legs still get swaddled!). I have to tell you, this was REALLY HARD in the very beginning. Darah’s arms would move wildly about, even though she was exhausted. She simply didn’t know what to do with them. They often made their way up to her face, and she’d pull out her pacifier again and again. This, of course, would keep her awake.
One of my amazing readers, Lisa, sent me a product from her new Etsy store, Leyton Smiles, that really helped us out. She sent Darah a CuddleBug lovey. Darah has been loving her lovey since the day it came in the mail. I often hand it over to her when it is time for bed, and it gives her something very interesting to play with. Her hands stay occupied, but away from her face. She usually falls asleep within just a few minutes after getting her lovey. In my eyes, this makes it a miracle blanket!
Lisa has really put a lot of thought into the design of her CuddleBug loveys. The square shape (12 x 12) makes it just the right size for a little one to tote around. I’ve even it been able to stick it in my coat pocket from time to time! We’ve found that in addition to it being useful at bed time, Darah also likes to have it on hand when she’s in her car seat.
Lisa points out its usefulness, stating, “This lovey is meant to not only serve as a security and comfort item for little ones, but also to stimulate their senses with numerous ways to learn and explore!” We have found that to be the case, for sure. It keeps Darah’s hands busy whether she’s drifting off to sleep or sitting in her car seat. She also likes to rub the minky side of the blanket against her face. All of the ribbons on the blanket (which are VERY securely sewn in) really delight Darah. She love to pull on them, run her fingers through them, and scratch them to hear the different noises that they make. Notice in the picture that the ribbons are different sizes, colors and materials. This makes it more interesting for the baby!
There are a few other features of this lovey that I’d like to highlight. First, I really like is the loop that is attached to the lovey. We can use this and a toy clip to connect this to her stroller, car seat or even her activity mat. Second, we have washed this lovey a few times, and I’ll admit that I was nervous that the ribbons would fray or that some of the stitching might not hold up. This has NOT been the case. Lisa does an outstanding job of preparing these blankies to be washed again and again! Finally, I just have to say that the overall look of this lovey is sooooo cute. The bright colors are so much fun, and everything coordinates together. I have had a few other parents ask me where they can find something this cute for their little ones.
Buy It!: Leyton Smiles is a shop where you can find these beautiful and unique loveys as well as burp cloths, blankets and other fun items. You can even place a custom order to match your desired color scheme! If you need something special for your little cuddlebug to hold so you can stop swaddling, I highly recommend the CuddleBug Lovey. It is a huge hit at our house. Purchase one today for $16.00.
EDIT: This giveaway is now closed.
Win It!: Lisa wants to give you the chance to win a CuddleBug Lovey right now! Awesome! This contest will run until Wednesday, February 24th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected via random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before a new winner will be selected. Open to residents of the United States. Make sure your email address is either in your comment or in your profile or else I can’t let you know that you won!
How to Enter:
Mandatory Entry: Head over to Leyton Smiles and tell me your favorite item in the shop OR tell me something that you’d like to see sold there!
Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS or email
2. Follow me through Google connect (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
3. Put my button on my blog and leave a url where I can find it (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
4. Subscribe to Leyton Smile’s Blog
5. Become a fan of Leyton Smiles on Facebook
6. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your TwitterID)
8. Enter any other currently open giveaway on my site (one extra entry per giveaway that you enter)
Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own.
Other current giveaways: awesome children’s cds (ends 2/18) and flower arranging dvd (ends 2/19)
mframe says
Leyton Smiles facebook fan
mframe00@yahoo.com
mframe says
GFC blog follower
mframe00@yahoo.com
mframe says
I love the Chenille Baby Burp Cloth Set in Butterflies and Dots.
mframe00@yahoo.com
momtoem says
entered the ecostore USA giveaway
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
entered the pearl earings giveaway
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
entered the preparing for childbirth giveaway
lejn05@yahoo.com
Nicole-Lynn says
I entered the Pearl Earrings giveaway!
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
J.E. says
I follow by google!
J.E. says
I folow by google!
jmeelle@gmail.com
J.E. says
Oh my goodness I love all the fabric that is used- it makes everything the cutest! My favorite thing is the polka dot bib… So so cute!
jmeelle@gmail.com
EllieB says
email subscriber
EllieB says
I like the Baby Burp Cloth Set of 2 in Chocolate Brown and Blue Polka Dots
Hannah says
My favorite item is the reversible baby bib in Polka dots!
Donna says
2.Button on my blog.
http://greatblogsonline.blogspot.com/
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
Button on my blog.
http://greatblogsonline.blogspot.com/
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
I follow on twitter.(donnak4)
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
2.follower
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
follower
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
subscriber
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
I like the Baby Burp Cloth in Bloom and Grow Bloom Daisy.
donna444444@yahoo.com
Gianna says
Super Soft Minky Dot Stroller Blanket and Matching Burp Cloth in Pink Bubble Fabric (GIFT SET)
liliesrnice says
I follow you via email.
liliesrnice says
I really like the Chenille Baby Burp Cloth in Bloom and Grow Paisley Flowers.
Mrs. Knapp says
now a blog follower
Mrs. Knapp says
facebook fan-Jaime Knapp
Mrs. Knapp says
I really liked the Minky Dot Stroller Blanket in Chocolate Brown and Pink Floral!!
jn_knapp(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Tylerpants says
I subscribe to Leyton Smiles' blog via Bloglines feed. tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
I'm a follower. tylerpants(at)gmail.com #2
Tylerpants says
I'm a follower. tylerpants(at)gmail.com #1
Tylerpants says
I'm an email subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
Entered your Bare Escentuals giveaway! tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
The Minky Dot Stroller Blanket in a Fun Floral Print is just gorgeous! tylerpants(at)gmail.com
lilyk says
I became a fan of Leyton Smiles on Facebook.
lilyk says
I subscribed by email.
lilyk says
I love the Baby Swaddle Blanket, Burp Cloth (2), Bib Gift Set-Pink and Green!
mel says
I love the Baby Swaddling Blanket in Chocolate Brown and Blue Polka Dot. Cute stuff!
mdhohn(at)msn(dot)com
kathy pease says
following you on twitter klp1965
kathy pease says
ls fan on facebook kathylpease
kathy pease says
2 Google Friend klp1965
kathy pease says
1 Google Friend klp1965
kathy pease says
i love the Minky Dot Stroller Blanket in Chocolate Brown and Pink Floral
by: LeytonSmiles
Nicole-Lynn says
I entered the Laugh & Learn Giveaway:
http://stuffparentsneed.blogspot.com/2010/02/preparing-for-childbirth-giveaway.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+StuffParentsNeed+%28Stuff+Parents+Need%29
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Karen says
Minky Dot Stroller Blanket in Chocolate Brown and Pink Floral
kdimaina(at)hotmail(dot)com
mom2anutball says
I follow your blog as mom2anutball.
#2
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
mom2anutball says
I follow your blog as mom2anutball.
#1
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
mom2anutball says
I subscribe by email.
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
mom2anutball says
I like the Chenille Baby Burp Cloth in Bloom and Grow Brown Paisley!
Thanks!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
naynays1 says
I love the ribbon cuddlebug lovey!
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
Stephanie says
Following Stuff Parents Need on twitter @my13ducks
Stephanie says
I like the Reversible Chenille Baby Bib in Mod Gray and Turquoise. Very pretty bib.
Sarah Z says
Really like the Baby Swaddle Blanket in Black, Pink, and Green Circles!
Thanks – Sarah Z
believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com
Lizzie says
I'm following via Google Friend Connect – 2.
smrtmouse at yahoo dot com
Lizzie says
I'm following via Google Friend Connect – 1.
smrtmouse at yahoo dot com
Lizzie says
Love the Baby Swaddle Blanket, Burp Cloth (2), Bib Gift Set – Pink and Green.
smrtmouse at yahoo dot com
jnmacdonald says
I like the Baby Burp Cloth Set of 2 in Chocolate Brown and Blue Polka Dots.
texaslady22 says
I love the Chenille baby blankets!
brandi.westmoreland(at)gmail(dot)com
Carla says
I love the baby swaddle blanket!
Kimberly says
I follow on twitter @Aerated
kirbycolby at gmail dot com
Kimberly says
I follow with google friends connect #2.
kirbycolby at gmail dot com
Kimberly says
I follow with google friends connect #1
kirbycolby at gmail dot com
Kimberly says
I like the Baby Swaddle Blanket in Blue, Pink, Orange Floral.
kirbycolby at gmail dot com
taylor says
subscribed
taylor says
Minky Lovey in Bright Paisley and Stripes
erma says
I like the Baby Swaddling Blanket in Chocolate Brown and Blue Polka Dot.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
momtoem says
entered the bare escentuals giveaway
lejn05@yahoo.com
Aisling says
One of my favorite items is the Baby Swaddle Blanket in Black, Pink, and Green Circles.
Michelle says
I follow with google friend connect #2
mandm_2002 at hotmail dot com
Michelle says
I follow with google friend connect #1
mandm_2002 at hotmail dot com
Michelle says
I LOVE these!! My favorite is… http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39858481
mandm_2002 at hotmail dot com
Ware Family says
My favorie is the ribbon cuddle bug in fabulous black.
the.blue.turtle at hotmail dot com
Jessica says
Love your blog – now I'm a follower!
Henria O. says
Subscribed to Leyton Smile's Blog
via Google Friend Connect!
sazzyfrazz(at)gmail.com
Henria O. says
Entered the DIY flowers giveaway!
sazzyfrazz(at)gmail.com
Henria O. says
Following Stuff Parents Need on Twitter! (@sazzyfrazzy)
sazzyfrazz(at)gmail.com
Henria O. says
Facebook fan of Leyton Smiles!
sazzyfrazz(at)gmail.com
Henria O. says
Google Friend Connect follower! #2
sazzyfrazz(at)gmail.com
Henria O. says
Google Friend Connect follower! #1
sazzyfrazz(at)gmail.com
Henria O. says
Email subscriber!
sazzyfrazz(at)gmail.com
Henria O. says
I really love the Ribbon CuddleBug Lovey in Polka Dots and Stripes! The reversable bib and stroller blankets are neat accessories as well!
sazzyfrazz(at)gmail.com
Anonymous says
I entered the DIY FLower Arranging giveaway.
skiandboard at verizon.net
Anonymous says
I like the minky dot stroller blanket in chocolate.
skiandboard at verizon.net
Jaime says
button on my blog! #2
Jaime says
Your button is on my blog!
aronsen40 at aol dot com
Talia's travel blog says
I love the Minky Lovey in Bright Paisley and Stripes.
taliastravelblog (at) gmail
Stacy says
I really like the Chenille Baby Burp Cloth in Bloom and Grow Brown Paisley one.
Jenndiggy says
I follow google friend connect 2
jenndiggy at gmail dot com
Jenndiggy says
I follow google friend connect 1
jenndiggy at gmail dot com
Jenndiggy says
I like the Baby Swaddling Blanket in Chocolate Brown and Blue Polka Dot
jenndiggy at gmail dot com
melanie says
I think the Ribbon CuddleBug Lovey in Fabulous Black and White is cute but i wish the ribbon was blue instead of pink.
Renee says
entered your childrens cd giveaway
Renee says
email subscriber
Renee says
Beautiful stuff! I like the Ribbon CuddleBug Lovey in Chocolate Brown and Blue Polka Dot.
momtoem says
I entered the miravos giveaway
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
I entered the bummas giveaway
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
Follow you through Google connect #2
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
Follow you through Google connect #1
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
I like the Pink Minky Lovey in Fun Butterfly Print
lejn05@yahoo.com
Linda Kish says
I like the Baby Swaddle Blanket in Blue, Red Circles and Diamonds
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
mogrill says
I really like the Minky Dot Stroller Blanket in Chocolate Brown and Pink Floral. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
jakiesmom says
i love the minky dot stroller blanket in chocolate and floral pattern
nannypanpan@sbcglobal.net
Alisha L. says
Following Stuff Parents Need via Twitter @Xizelle
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
Alisha L. says
Fanned Leyton Smiles on Facebook Name=Alisha Lesage
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
Alisha L. says
Following Leyton Smiles blog via Google Friends Name=Alisha L.
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
Alisha L. says
#2 Following via Google Friend Connect Name=Alisha L.
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
Alisha L. says
#1 Following via Google Friend Connect Name=Alisha L.
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
Alisha L. says
Amazing shop! I really like the Baby Burp Cloth Set of 2 in Chocolate Brown and Blue Polka Dots 🙂
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
The Dreamer says
love the chocolate brown lovey
addeviant006 at gmail dot com
bison61 says
e-mail subscriber
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
bison61 says
I like the Chenille Baby Burp Cloth in Bloom and Grow Bloom Vine
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
Anonymous says
I also entered the flower dvd giveaway.
BETH
bethnaf at hotmail dot com
Anonymous says
I love the "soft minky dot stroller blanket." The floral print is very nice!
BETH
bethnaf at hotmail dot com
Nicole-Lynn says
I entered the UPrinting giveaway!
http://stuffparentsneed.blogspot.com/2010/02/create-your-own-stickers-uprinting.html
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Nicole-Lynn says
I follow leyton smiles blog!
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Nicole-Lynn says
I subscribe via email 🙂
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Nicole-Lynn says
I follow your blog!
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Nicole-Lynn says
Great giveaway! My favorite item is the Ribbon CuddleBug Lovey in Chocolate Brown and Blue Polka Dot! My friend who is expecting a little boy would love it 🙂
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Marci says
I entered flower arranging dvd.
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
Marci says
I entered awesome kids' cds giveaway.
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
Marci says
I love the "Chenille Baby Bib and 2 Burp Cloth Set in Pink, Orange, Chocolate Brown Dots"
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
jennifer57 says
entered the UPrinting.com giveaway
jennifer57 says
Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter
my twitter id: jennifer57
jennifer57 says
fan of Leyton Smiles on Facebook
jennifer57 says
follow Leyton Smile's Blog via google friend connect
jennifer57 says
follow via google friend (2)
jennifer57 says
follow via google friend
jennifer57 says
subscribed via email
jennifer57 says
I like the Ribbon CuddleBug Lovey in Fabulous Black and White
Bella's Bowtique says
I also entered your awesome children's cd giveaway too. 🙂
Thanks for the extra entry!
Blessings,
kristie
bellasbow-tique(at)live(dot)com
Bella's Bowtique says
I am also following on twitter too!
My twitter name is bellasbowtique
Blessings,
kristie
bellasbow-tique(at)live(dot)com
Bella's Bowtique says
I am a facebook fan! 🙂
My name is Kristie Stuckel!
Blessings,
kristie
bellasbow-tique(at)live(dot)com
Bella's Bowtique says
I am following thru google connect!
Yay! Entry #2 for it!
Blessings,
kristie
bellasbow-tique(at)live(dot)com
Bella's Bowtique says
I am following thru google connect! :0)
yay entry #1 for it.
Blessings,
kristie
bellasbow-tique(at)live(dot)com
Bella's Bowtique says
What a beautiful shop!Thank you for sharing. Okay my favorite item (but it's hard to choose) is the Minky Dot Stroller Blanket in Chocolate Brown and Pink Floral.
I know my baby would LOOOOVE it!
Blessings,
kristie
bellasbow-tique(at)live(dot)com
Wehaf says
I love the Baby Burp Cloth Set of 3 in Contemporary Red, Blue, Black, and White!
urchiken at gmail dot com
cstironkat says
I like the Super Soft Minky Dot Stroller Blanket and Matching Burp Cloth in Pink Bubble Fabric (GIFT SET)
Sara says
I like the Chenille baby burp cloth in grow and vine.
RR says
I like the Diaper Tote Bag in a Modern Polka Dot Print.
Crissy says
I LOVE this site- Leyton Smiles ROCKS!
The Chenille Baby Bibs are my favorites!
Jaime says
I entered the uprinting sticker giveaway
Jaime says
I entered the flower dvd giveaway
Jaime says
I entered the children's cd giveaway!
Jaime says
I'm a fan of LS on FB!
Jaime says
Following Leyton Smiles blog!
aronsen40 at aol dot com
Tabathia says
I entered the rock out with baby cd giveaway
Tabathia says
I entered the DIY flower arranging giveaway
Tabathia says
twitter follower (chelleb36)
Tabathia says
leyton smiles facebook fan (michelle barrett)….I was unable to subscribe to her post there is some type of feed error that keeps popping up.
Tabathia says
follow via google entry #2
Tabathia says
follow via google entry #1
Tabathia says
email subscriber
Tabathia says
I love the soft minky dot stroller blanket in floral print
Charity says
Also became a follower on Twitter-kingsdaughter24
Charity says
I also became an email subscriber:D
Charity says
Blog follower #2
Charity says
Blog follower #1
Charity says
I like the Swaddle Blanket in Blue, Pink and Orange Floral!! They are very cute:) Please enter me. Thanks!!
esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com
Nature Manipulated says
I follow you on twitter (@NMGiveaway)
naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com
Nature Manipulated says
I follow your blog through Friend Connect #2
naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com
Nature Manipulated says
I follow your blog through Friend Connect #1
naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com
Nature Manipulated says
My favorite item is the Chenille Baby Burp Cloth in Bloom and Grow Bloom Vine.
naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com
jenniferbell says
just entered the cd giveaway
jenniferbelltn@hotmail.com
jenniferbell says
Just became a fan of Leyton Smiles on FB
jenniferbelltn@hotmail.com
jenniferbell says
Just subscribed to your blog via email.
jenniferbelltn@hotmail.com
jenniferbell says
My favorite item is:
Chenille Baby Bib and 2 Burp Cloth Set in Pink, Orange, Chocolate Brown Dots
jenniferbelltn@hotmail.com
Amy says
I like the baby burp cloth set, brady has reflux, and is a puker 🙂 Adorable lovey!
Theresa says
Entered the awesome children's cd's giveaway =]
sixpack7678@embarqmail.com
Theresa says
I entered the flower arranging dvd giveaway =]
sixpack7678@embarqmail.com
Theresa says
I'm a fan on facebook!
sixpack7678@embarqmail.com
Theresa says
following you on twitter
sixpack7678@embarqmail.com
twitter: Reatie
Theresa says
subscribed to your blog
sixpack7678@embarqmail.com
Theresa says
My fav is Super Soft Minky Dot Stroller Blanket and Matching Burp Cloth in Pink Bubble Fabric! Adorable =]
sixpack7678@embarqmail.com
Jaime says
following you on twitter (Jaimelar)
Jaime says
follow you through google (#2)
Jaime says
I follow you through google!
Jaime says
I love the ribbon cuddlebug lovey! Too cute! I love that fabric and would love to see bibs and burp cloths in that pattern!
aronsen40 at aol dot com
Rachel says
Everything is beautiful! I like the burp clothes but love the Ribbon CuddleBug Lovey in Chocolate Brown and Blue Polka Dot!!
Tiff says
I just LOVE everything in the shop.. but this is my favorite!!! The
Minky Dot Stroller Blanket in Chocolate Brown and Pink Floral– looks so soft and love the pattern!