I posted a thread in another name a couple months ago. I've forgotten password to that account now. Just a disclaimer incase this rings bells.
So since birth my 5 month old has only been able to sleep long stretches swaddled. I used swaddle sleeping bags from tommee tippee which worked a treat.
As he grew older I was a little worried that he would never sleep unswaddled. From around 3.5 months his long stretches of sleep shortened and was waking 2-3 times a night anyway, so I tried to go for it, taking out one arm first for naps etc and then tried a night unswaddled/ Horrible. Kept waking up all night (from about 9pm, usually the earliest we hear from him is 12am) and couldn't get to sleep like he could swaddled. I Was really tired and he wasn't rolling yet so I decided to just keep the swaddle. Someone on here also suggested it would help with the looming potential 4 month sleep regression to not make any major sleep environment changes before or during.
I had decided in my head we would unswaddle after Christmas and try baby in own room. Dad will be coming for Christmas and sleeping in what will be baby's room so didn't see point doing before (my awful relationship with him which has me a nervous wreck before and during a visit is another story) and was not wanting a non sleeping baby while he's here as dad can't handle the slightest inconvenience
Anyway, this Tuesday baby found his feet. Tuesday evening he rolled from back to tummy whilst exploring his new found feet discovery. Twice. Hasn't done it since. I know that once they've rolled though it's the end game for the swaddle immediately for safety so Tuesday he was in a sleeping bag and in the next to me crib beside me. Kept everything else same, crib, blanket over him (it's cold in our house hence why sleeping bag too). He fell asleep nicely and has done each night but, through the night it's awful. He is waking multiple times unable to self settle. He is constantly knocking dummy out or scratching/rubbing at face frantically and can't stay asleep. I'm taking him out and feeding to give comfort to try and get him through the change or I just gently rock him. I imagine he's feeling pretty weird having been like a cosy mummy wrapped up for 5 months. But I'm getting not enough sleep as the wake ups are multiple and getting him back down takes ages. I don't want husbands help as I can't bear him tired and he is the one working and earning money so feel better needs to be rested. I prefer him to sleep in spare room currently. Though when dads here he will have to bunk back with us. I've ordered a sleeping bag with sleeves to see does that help, in case he's cold on his arms. I place a comforter in to see does that help, doesn't seem to. White noise occasionally helps. What I'm wondering is... how long will this take to ride out? Anyone had similar experience. Will he ever sleep for 3-4 hours at a time again or have I broken my baby swaddling too long lol?? On the other thread I think people said it was difficult for them for a bit but I can't remember how long. Guess I was hoping night 3 would have some improvement. He managed to settle himself from a cry at 10pm but then woke again at 11 and couldn't settle. Now asleep on me which appears to now be the only place he will sleep soundly.
I don't plan to co sleep, it won't work for us. I just desperately want to teach him to self soothe. I have two other children and it's getting to me the months of restless sleep and now a few days of barely any.
Any advice/similar experiences? Sorry I've rambled on.