When to Stop Swaddling and Exactly How to do it
Swaddling can be very soothing for your newborn baby and even help them sleep for longer stretches independently! Swaddling can help baby feel calm and relaxed as it mimics the womb-like environment, helping them settle when it’s time for sleep and also helps to decrease wakings from baby’s “startle reflex.”
As amazing as a swaddle can be for many families, it is important to know when it’s time to STOP using the swaddle to keep baby safe. In today’s blog, we’ll go over the signs that your baby is ready to stop swaddling and the exact steps to take to transition out of the swaddle.
In this post:
When it is not safe to swaddle
You should ALWAYS place baby on their back for sleep, but this is especially important when swaddling. You should never swaddle your baby if/when:
You are bedsharing. Baby should be able to move their arms if anything comes in contact with their head or face
Your baby is premature, has health issues or special needs unless your doctor says it is safe
Your baby is ill or feverish
The room is above 72°
Your baby is feeding
Your baby is in the carseat, stroller or baby swing/seat
Your baby is awake, alert, and happy
You are trying to delay a feeding
You have never swaddled baby before 10 weeks (swaddling after this can decrease baby’s arousability, increasing SIDS risk)
When is it time to stop swaddling?
Baby can’t be swaddled forever. Your baby is ready to stop swaddling when:
They show the first signs of getting ready to roll:
Lifting head and shoulders during tummy time
Rolling hips from side to side
Rolling onto their side or shoulder
Using legs to raise their hips
Kicking and scooting in a circle when on their back
They are already rolling (from back to belly or belly to back)
Baby is between 8-12 weeks (this is typically the time when baby starts working on rolling, so it is best to gradually move out of the swaddle around this time)
How to transition out of the swaddle gradually:
First of all, if baby is already showing signs of rolling, it is time to stop using the swaddle entirely. If your swaddle has an arms free option like the Swaddle Up, you can continue to use this swaddle (with both arms out) until you are ready to switch to a sleep sack. If baby has yet to show signs of rolling, we can gradually work on transitioning out of the swaddle like this:
Begin before baby shows signs of getting ready to roll (usually around 8-12 weeks).
Start by practicing with naps first.
Practice by taking one arm out of the swaddle for nap or bedtime. When baby wakes after a sleep cycle, pop their arm back in and take the opposite arm out for the next stretch of sleep.
After 3-5 days of practicing “one arm in, one arm out,” try both arms out. If they are startling awake more easily, practice this for one sleep stretch at a time. If they are transitioning well, keep going with it!
Offer a transitionary item. Transitioning into a sleep sack can be both a physical comfort that is somewhat familiar and cozy, as well as a sleep association that cues time for sleep.
What to Use After the Swaddle:
Whether you have gradually transitioned away from the swaddle or cut cold turkey, having a transitionary item like a sleep sack or wearable blanket is a wonderful option to keep baby cozy and offers some familiarity when it’s time for sleep. When you are done with the swaddle, offer a sleep sack that is breathable, arms free, and allows for proper hip movement. Here are my 4 favorite sleep sacks that I have tried, tested and trust along with some additional considerations to think about before you invest in a sleep sack for your baby.
Conclusion
Swaddles can be a wonderful tool for helping settle a fussy baby and practicing longer stretches of independent sleep. However, it is crucial that you understand when and where it is unsafe to swaddle, how to gradually transition out of the swaddle ahead of time, and when it is time to stop swaddling all together. When you are ready to make the switch, be sure to check out my 4 favorite sleep sacks to help your baby make the transition!
Safety Reminder:
ANY sign of getting ready to roll means it’s time to say “bye bye” to the swaddle!
Sweet dreams,
♡Rhaine
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