When to stop swaddling baby: Transition out of swaddle

Need to say goodbye to the swaddle? The time comes when all babies have to transition to being swaddle free and having their arms available for safe sleep. This transition often goes well, but in this article, we’ll cover some strategies for when you want to prepare in advance for this move, or if your baby needs a little more help to adjust.

IN THIS ARTICLE:

When to stop swaddling newborn

How long do you swaddle a baby

Best way to transition your baby out of swaddle

Signs to transition your baby out of the swaddle

8 Tips and tricks for transitioning baby out of swaddle

How to get baby sleep without swaddling

Swaddle FAQ

When to stop swaddling newborn

Some newborns love their swaddle! It helps get your baby to sleep. It can help increase total sleep time as it helps to reduce wakings due to the Moro reflex [1]. The Moro reflex is often quite dramatic, causing your baby to quickly extend their arms and legs out as if they’re falling. It can cause them to suddenly wake, and may even cause upset. Swaddling helps to keep the arms and legs from extending and can reduce the startle. Swaddling can also help babies feel secure and replicate the safety and coziness they experienced in the womb.

However, as newborns get older, they may naturally start breaking free or resisting their swaddle. Some babies, albeit still happily swaddled, will start to show signs of rolling and will need their arms free for safety reasons. 

At what age do babies stop swaddling? Most babies will transition out of the swaddle around 2 - 3 months of age [2]. Some babies transition just fine, however, others need a bit more help moving away and being arms free.

How long do you swaddle a baby

From newborn age to about 2 - 3 months of age. Once your little one starts to show signs of rolling over or starting to resist, it may be time to transition out of the swaddle.

Best way to transition your baby out of swaddle

Ideally, you’d work on practicing this new way of sleeping before your baby starts to show signs of rolling. That gives lots of time to play with and you can gradually move away from the full swaddle little by little over a couple of weeks. Taking your time may also help to reduce any anxiety you have about making changes to sleep routines! 

First, we suggest starting with nights, then moving to naps. The transition could look like this: 

Method 1: Cold turkey

Go cold turkey! This may be suitable for families who have calm, settled babies who don’t spend periods of time fussing or get overtired easily. You can always try this method and if your little one gets upset, settle them with your usual settling technique such as patting if required. If you’ve given it a go and found it too challenging, then try method 2 or 3 below.

Method 2: Remove one arm at first

Remove just one arm from the swaddle for a few days (word of caution: follow your manufacturers’ recommendations, some swaddles don’t allow for one arm out). Then you can remove both arms from the swaddle leaving just the legs swaddled. Finally, remove the entire swaddle. Then, work on naps.

Method 3: Remove the swaddle at bedtime first

If you’re still struggling with the Moro reflex waking your baby: remove the swaddle (or part of the swaddle) at bedtime only to start. Re-swaddle on their first night waking. If your baby gets upset, use your usual method such as patting, cuddling, or rocking to help calm them down. This can help make the process more manageable by limiting overtiredness, which is sometimes inevitable during a transition like this.

Moving to naps

When bedtime becomes a bit easier, you can stop swaddling when your baby wakes up during the night.

Now, move to naps. You can start with the first nap of the day to get them used to the new way of sleeping and then move on to the other naps, or if your baby has done well up to this point, transition them to being swaddle free straight away. 

Signs to transition your baby out of the swaddle

Sign #1: Moro reflexes

You may notice your baby doesn’t startle in the same way, as the Moro reflex lessens over the first few months of life. If it’s not causing wakings, or they jerk but aren’t awoken fully, then you can start to transition to being swaddle free.

Sign #2: Baby starts resisting the swaddle

You may also notice that your child may start resisting their swaddle or breaking free. This is a good sign they’re ready for change.

Sign #3: Baby starts rolling

If your baby shows signs that they’re starting to roll then it’s time to transition straight away. They may be lifting their upper body more, or rolling onto their shoulders and reaching out. Your little one’s lower body may also show more signs of strength and their hips start to twist. If this is the case, we need to immediately remove the swaddle to help keep your kiddo safe. 

8 Tips and tricks for transitioning baby out of swaddle

Tip #1

Plan ahead for the swaddle transition so you have time to introduce gradual changes before your baby starts to show signs of rolling. 

Tip #2

Start with bedtime first, typically this is when there’s the most sleep pressure, and it will be easier for your baby to fall asleep with changes to their usual patterns or routines.

Tip #3

If your swaddle allows, try for one arm out at first before transitioning to both arms out. Remember to check the manufacturers’ recommendations.

Tip #4

For naps, start with the first nap of the day and then progress to others.

Tip #5

Prepare for a transition period. It may (or may not!) have an impact on sleep. Persevere through this time as your baby learns new settling methods. 

Tip #6

You may want to consider a transitional product such as the Magic Merlin Sleepsuit and Zipadee-Zip, for example. Many sleep sacks provide a similar sense of security and coziness. Think of it like a swaddle blanket!

Tip #7

If your baby is generally calm and settled in their sleep you may want to consider going cold turkey and just stopping the swaddle. Many babies will adjust better than we think. 

Tip #8

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend [3] weighted swaddles and other weighted items. If you use one of these products then transition to a non-weighted swaddle or to being swaddle free.

How to get baby sleep without swaddling

There are many things to consider when trying to your little one to sleep without swaddling. Here is a list of things to try:

• Solidify a sleep routine for your baby.

• Take a look at their sleep hygiene.

• Give a massage to your little one - it can be calming.

• Consider a sleep sack.

• Make sure your baby is safely sleeping.