Ask Dr. Mona

Since your baby is starting to roll, it’s important to transition out of the swaddle now for safety. Once a baby can roll, being swaddled becomes a risk because they may not have their arms free to push up or adjust their position if they roll on their tummy.

This transition can take time, and every baby adapts differently. Some adjust in just a few days, while others need a little longer. If the Moro reflex is waking her up, a gradual transition may help. You don’t need a fancy purchase–if you have a swaddle that allows for arms out (like velcro or zipper style), start by leaving one arm out for a few nights, then both arms, before fully switching to a sleep sack or just pajamas, depending on your home’s temperature.

Another approach is going cold turkey, starting with nighttime sleep since sleep pressure is highest. It’s great that your baby is already sucking on her hands–this is a natural self-soothing method! While the Moro reflex can startle babies early on, they typically adjust over time as they get used to having their arms free.

For a step-by-step breakdown of when and how to transition, plus expert-backed tips to make the process smoother, check out this PedsDocTalk blog post. If you’re in the thick of this transition, you’ll want to read this!

You’re not alone– many toddlers go through this phase of rejecting vegetables! The good news is there are plenty of ways to encourage veggie intake without turning mealtimes into a battle. The key is to keep it low-pressure and avoid bribes, so eating stays a positive experience.

First, keep offering veggies consistently, without pressure. It can take multiple exposures before a child decides to try or enjoy food. Instead of making it a big deal, casually include veggies on the plate or alongside familiar favorites. Even if they don’t eat them right away, repeated exposure helps.

Second, get creative with how they’re served. Roasting can bring out some natural sweetness, dips like hummus or yogurt can make veggies more appealing, and cutting them into fun shapes can spark curiosity. Some kids prefer crunchy textures over soft ones, so experimenting with safe preparation can help.

Modeling matters, too. If your child sees you eating and enjoying vegetables, they may eventually become curious enough to try. If veggies are on your plate–they’re already more interesting! Narrating your enjoyment is another good strategy, “These roasted carrots are so sweet and yummy!” –or even a goofy comment like, “These carrots remind me of reindeer! I wonder if they would like our carrots?” Simply talking about veggies keeps the exposure positive and is a step in the right direction.

And if they still refuse? That’s okay. Nutrition isn’t about any single meal or food–it’s about balance over time. Keep serving a variety of foods, and let mealtimes stay positive.

If picky eating is making meals stressful, the PedsDocTalk Picky Eating Playbook can help. It’s a step-by-step guide designed to help you reduce stress around food, manage picky eating, and make mealtimes more enjoyable for everyone. Because the goal isn’t just getting your toddler to eat–it’s building a positive lifelong relationship with food.

Ask Dr. Mona

Ask Dr. Mona all your parenting questions!

Dr. Mona will answer these questions in a future Sunday Morning Q&A email. Chances are if you have a parenting concern or question, another parent can relate. So let's figure this out together!