magic merlin sleep suit. pros and cons
all about the magic merlin sleep suit
Don’t we wish there was a magic solution to help babies sleep?! Magic Merlin Sleep Suits are a transitional option to help reduce the Moro reflex in babies when they sleep by giving them additional comfort through a 3 layer suit.
This startling motion can continuously & prematurely wake a baby during sleep and those who use the marshmallow-looking suit often report a positive impact on their baby’s sleep!
why does a magic merlin sleep suit help with sleep?
The magic merlin sleep suit continues to give baby the continued sense of security they are looking for, mimicking the feel from the womb, while at the same time giving their arms a little more room to wiggle, but helping to dampen the Moro or startle reflex.
Many babies are breaking out of the swaddle or fighting the swaddle around 2-3 months old, but still have a strong Moro or startle reflex.
A little more movement can help during the progression as they learn to explore their bodies more and more.
For tips and step by step guidance for the swaddle transition in the 3 to 4 Month Sleep PDF Guide.
More about the moro reflex
The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, typically diminishes around 3-4 months of age.
A swaddle aids in managing this reflex, but it’s crucial to transition out of the swaddle when your baby starts showing signs of rolling.
Is the magic merlin sleep suit safety approved?
Yes! It is non-weighted. Remember anything that is weighted, is not safety approved and not recommended for any sleep purposes.
The Magic Merlin Sleep Suit also gives access to baby’s fingers, which previously were confined by the swaddle. Finding and exploring their hands and fingers can be a helpful milestone when learning to self-soothe.
when to use
- Baby is wriggling out of the swaddle consistently
- Stationary- not rolling
- Strong startle response waking baby
- Sleep is mostly great- then consider the transitional suit
- Baby must be weigh at least 12 lbs
when not to use
- Baby is rolling
- Baby is 5 months or older old- too late for Merlin, transition straight to sleep sack
- Successfully soothed & sleeping in the swaddle
- There is any concern for plagiocephaly (flat spot) on baby’s head
Tips for transitioning out to a sleep sack
- Unfortunately, there is no “transition” step when getting out of the Magic Merlin sleep suit. It is straight to a sleep sack or pajamas!
- Be patient with the transition as it will take a few days to a week for baby to adjust to the traditional sleep sack
- Remove from naps first to observe how your baby does in a sleep sack! If they do well, then remove from overnight sleep on the same night or the following night. If they need a few days to adjust then continue to use the Merlin suit for overnight sleep for another 3-4 nights before transitioning to a sleep sack overnight.
- Stick with it as soon as baby is rolling from back to belly
need more support
Rolling, transition out of the swaddle, crib sleep- You heard me, it’s a lot all at once! There is no better time than now to teach a baby how to sleep independently.
Our 1:1 sleep coaching plans and The Well Rested Sleep Course will help support you on this journey to falling asleep independently, weaning night feeds, sleeping through the night, and lengthening naps when your baby turns 3-4 months!
