How to transition from swaddling

Swaddling transition is a painful concern for most new moms. That’s because most newborns sleep like angels when swaddled but can turn into little devils when the swaddle is out of sight.

If not so long ago new parents kept asking why to swaddle the baby in the first place, today’s question is why, when, and how to stop swaddling. Find it out in the guide below.

Why Should You Swaddle Your Baby?

Swaddling has been a controversial practice for years. Used since the earliest times, this practice gained a negative reputation and modern parents thought it was just “barbarian” to wrap a newborn in a piece of muslin cloth.

However, time proved these parents wrong. Studies, research, and newborn behavior have shown that swaddling soothes newborns, making them feel relaxed and protected. This not only improves sleep but reduces colic and ultimately, it even reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome – at least up to a certain age.

If you don’t believe swaddling is beneficial, just try it on your baby. You’ll see how a simple piece of cloth can comfort a fussy infant in seconds.

Due to this benefits, swaddling transition raises fear. What will happen with your baby’s sleep? When should you stop swaddling? And how to do it?

We’ve answered all these questions below. So, keep reading to find out all the secrets to swaddle weaning.

When Should You Stop Swaddling

According to the American Association of Pediatricians, you should stop swaddling when the baby is about four months of age. But like anything that has to do with a baby, this age is only indicative. Some babies may benefit from swaddling up to 9 months. Others will “ask” you to stop swaddling earlier.

To make swaddling transition easier, you should look for signs that show you when the baby is ready to give up the protective wrap.

In broad lines, you should stop swaddling when the baby gets so active that you find her with one or both arms out after a session of sleep. Another sign a swaddle may be unnecessary is if the baby wakes up several times a night for no apparent reason.

You should also stop swaddling as soon as the baby is strong enough to turn on her tummy while sleeping. At this stage, a swaddle becomes unsafe and poses a higher risk of SIDS.

The baby can also help you understand whether it’s the time to stop wrapping her or not. To check for the signs, either wrap the baby looser or swaddle her leaving one arm out. If your bundle of joy copes well with this changes, it may be a sign that she’s ready to ditch the muslin cloth.

Yet, even if the baby is ready to wean from the swaddle, this process may be harsh for everyone involved. Therefore, let’s see how to stop swaddling the baby.

How To Wean The Baby From Swaddle?

There are essentially two ways to stop swaddling, either a sudden stop or a mild transition. The sudden stop of swaddling is the fastest way to wean your baby from being wrapped like a burrito. However, this approach is the harshest.

Expect up to a week of sleepless nights and dealing with a fussy baby. In fact, babies don’t like change and this will mess her routine a little bit.

Alternatively, you can opt for a smooth transitioning from swaddling to no swaddling. This process is lengthier but it is the most preferred by parents and recommended by pediatricians.

To wean the baby from swaddling, start by swaddling her with one arm out and check the reaction. If the baby likes the change, swaddle her with both arms out while wrapping the legs looser. Again, check the reaction of the baby.

Respect your newborn’s pace. If he doesn’t like the change, go back to swaddling for at least one more week. If he’s not too fussy about it, continue with the transition. Allow at least a couple of days to each stage, to give the baby enough time to get used to the new condition.

Once the baby is comfortable to sleep with both arms out, you can completely give up the swaddle.

Swaddling Transition: Tips To Make It Easier

Some babies are perfectly happy to give up the swaddle without fuss. Others may object to it with crying and fussiness. If this is the case, here are some tips to make the transition easier.

• Replace the swaddle with a sleep sack. These amazing products not only keep the baby contained, but they are also a great alternative to blankets. Sleep sacks reduce the risk of SIDS and some even come with “wings” that allow wrapping the baby in a swaddle-like style. Just make sure the sack is made of cotton and that it closes with a zip from top to bottom.
• Use toddler bumpers. Place them on the sides of the crib, under the sheets. The sheets will keep the bumpers in place while the bumpers will give your baby a sense of containment, soothing and comforting her throughout the night. Rolled blankets can replace the bumpers with the same effect.
• Give your baby a sleep buddy. This practice is controversial but there are some stuffed animals which are considered safe to sleep with. However, make sure to ask your pediatrician for advice and only choose a toy that is super-safe for the baby. Instead of a toy, you can also try soothing the baby with a pacifier – just make sure you remove it from the crib as soon as the baby is asleep.
• Invest in a white noise machine. A way to comfort a baby is with a white noise machine. Remember that your little one has lived in a contained and noisy environment inside the womb. Since you’re taking away the swaddle, at least give your baby the comfort of white noise.
• Try co-sleeping. Invest in a bassinet that allows you to keep the newborn close to you while making the swaddling transition. By feeling you close, the baby can soothe herself to sleep even without a swaddle.

Another thing to account for is that more often than not, swaddle weaning coincides with the four months sleep regression period. If you notice that the baby is fussy and can’t sleep even when swaddled then the source of his fussiness may be this harsh period that changes his sleeping routine. If this is the case, know that it’s probably safe to make the swaddling transition – at least your baby will get used to both changes at the same time.

Bottom Line

Sooner or later, all babies will have to go through the swaddling transition phase. And like on all other moments, you’re the one who knows best what your baby needs and how to address this need. Don’t be afraid to transition when you feel it’s the time – whether this is earlier or later than the recommended four months.

Also, don’t be afraid to listen to your baby’s signals. Swaddle weaning is different for every child but following your baby’s pace can translate into a smoother experience for everyone involved.

So, don’t be afraid. Just get ready for swaddling transition and take it easy. In the end, your baby will get used to the new routine and will get back to sleeping like an angel all night long.

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The first 3 months after birth, also known as “the fourth trimester,” is a period of major change for your little one — but in a good way.

For 40 weeks (give or take), your baby had a safe, warm home inside your womb — and now they must adjust to the outside world. It’s a jarring experience for a newborn, to say the least. And as the person they rely on for everything, you want to make this transition as peaceful as possible — which is why you might swaddle your baby.

Swaddling involves snuggly wrapping your baby’s body with a blanket or a swaddling product. The purpose is simple: to give your baby comfort and security as they ease into the world.

But while swaddling has a calming effect on newborns, it isn’t something you’ll do forever. You’ll eventually need to transition your baby out of a swaddle, when they’re about 3 to 5 months old. Let’s take a closer look at how to do this.

If your baby is comfortable, content, and sleeping well in their swaddle, why transition them at all?

This is a good question. But it’s important to remember that swaddling isn’t meant to be permanent — it’s a temporary method to help newborns adjust to life outside of womb. In fact, swaddling can become dangerous as a baby becomes older and more mobile.

One sign that it’s time to transition out of a swaddle is your baby starting to turn over on their side or stomach. A swaddled baby shouldn’t sleep facedown, as this is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

It’s also time to transition if there’s evidence that your baby no longer likes swaddling, in which case they fight the swaddle or wiggle themselves out of the blanket at night.

And you might stop swaddling once your baby’s startle reflex decreases. This is an involuntary movement response that babies have after birth, usually in response to loud sounds. Swaddling reduces this reflex, helping newborns feel more secure.

Although every baby eventually transitions — they won’t be wearing their swaddle when they go off to college, after all, though they might sport a Snuggie — getting them used to sleeping without the wrap can take a few days. Here are some methods and tips to make the transition a little easier.

Cold turkey

There’s no way to know how a baby will transition until the process begins. So some parents take a “cold turkey” approach. They remove the blanket or swaddle entirely, and then see how their baby responds to the change.

Some babies instantly adjust, whereas it takes other babies a few nights — so mentally prepare for a little crying. The cold turkey method might be better on babies who are good at self-soothing.

If your newborn is still learning how to calm themselves, abruptly getting rid of the swaddle could disrupt their sleep (and yours).

Partial night swaddling

Another method is a partial night swaddle. Your baby starts off sleeping without the swaddle, and sleeps this way for about half or a third of the night.

If your baby wakes up fussy, you can swaddle them for the remainder of the night. The ideal, though, is for your baby to sleep longer and longer without swaddling each night, until they’re able to go the entire night unswaddled.

It’s important that you start this method before your baby can roll over. Once you see them roll over, even if it seems to be a one-off done accidentally, a swaddle isn’t safe for any portion of the night.

Swaddle with one arm in, and one arm out

Another method for a gradual transition is to swaddle your baby with one arm in the swaddle and one arm out. This approach gives your baby the security and comfort they’re used to, while getting them used to sleeping without the blanket.

Start with one arm out for a couple of nights, and then both arms out for a couple of nights (or more) before completely removing the blanket.

You can use this method with a regular swaddle blanket. Or, purchase a swaddle that allows the arms to be in or out. Consider these two available online: Nested Bean Zen Swaddle or the embé 2-Way Transition Swaddle Sack.

Use a sleep suit

Putting your baby in a sleep suit, also known as a wearable blanket, is another effective method to transition out of a swaddle. There are different designs. Some suits have a slightly weighted pad in the center which mimics the soft touch of a hand resting on a newborn’s chest.

Sleep suits provide comfort and security and reduce a baby’s startle reflex. Some look like onesies but have slightly longer openings for the legs and arms. Others look like a quilted blanket.

They’re also thicker and warmer than a onesie or pajamas, so don’t use a sleep suit if your baby has a fever. A couple of options available online include the Baby Merlins Magic Cotton Sleep Suit or the Halo SleepSack.

Use a swaddle strap

This is also an effective product to gradually transition a baby from a full swaddle. You’ll open the strap, lay your baby in the middle between the soft supports, and then wrap each end of the strap around your baby’s chest.

It’s an arm-only swaddle, so your baby’s legs and feet are free, allowing them to adjust to sleeping without being snuggly wrapped. Some straps are designed to keep both arms in, whereas others allow for one or both arms out. Options available online include the SwaddleMe Love Sack Swaddle Wrap (which does have a sack area for the feet, so it’s not strictly a strap) and the Anna and Eve Baby Swaddle Strap.

As you go through the transition process, keep in mind that you don’t have to stop swaddling during nap time and bedtime simultaneously.

If your baby doesn’t have an issue sleeping at bedtime, the nighttime transition might be instant or only take a couple of days. But your baby may have some difficulty sleeping during the day without their swaddle. If so, you might continue swaddling during naps, if your baby isn’t rolling over yet.

Also, if you want to stop swaddling cold turkey, start during nap time (so that you don’t lose nighttime sleep). If your baby responds well, they might be able to stop cold turkey at night, too. But if your baby doesn’t respond well, they might need a gradual transition.

Consider other ways to soothe your baby during this change. Some babies transition easier when there’s soothing music in the background during nap time or bedtime. This can calm and help them sleep better.

Some parents rock their baby during this transition, too. However, if you haven’t previously rocked your baby to sleep, you probably don’t want to start now. The idea is to help your baby self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. If you start rocking, this is another habit that you’ll have to break.

Being firm as a parent may come out strong from your child’s point of view. But if we aren’t, it’s a never-ending struggle with your baby. Swaddling is a comfort zone for my baby. For her, it’s a sense of security, peace, and ease.

But when it’s time for a baby to move out from her cocoon, you would see signs of baby “breaking” out of swaddles. How to transition out of swaddle?

The strain of the transition could be difficult. It’s either you or your baby wins! So let’s find out ways on how to end up without much of a fuss.Is it time?

How to know when it’s the right time?

Before we start with the techniques, we must learn first the different signs that your baby is ready to give up swaddling. It’s important to know the timing for transitions. Although it would be different from one baby to another, the usual stage should be between 4-6 months.

• check When you notice that your baby can already wiggle her arms out from the swaddle, this means she’s ready to use a safer swaddling blanket.
• check When you sense resistance and discomfort every swaddling moment, you’ll know she wants to break free!
• check When she’s strong enough to roll-over, she’s in danger of SIDS.

Ways on how to transition out of the swaddle. A smooth plan!

When you’re sure that it’s time to let go of the swaddle, it is essential that you have a transition plan in your mind to make it stress-free. Here’s a guide on how to do it. The step-by-step instruction must be applied every day until you’re successful.

Step 1- Arms Free

This transition is just like introducing to your baby another sleeping routine. Expect that this will take time for the baby to adjust. Do the swaddling by leaving one arm free.

At least, if the startle reflex is still there, the other arm will do the job in resisting the disruption caused by the jerking of both arms without the swaddle. Try this out for a few nights.

If you observe that your baby is now comfortable with one arm out while sleeping, then it’s time to free the other arm as well. Let it be for a few nights again.

Keep in mind that babies are different. One may make it in just a few days while others may take longer.

Step 2- Is it too soon?

Did the “arms free” step work? Actually, your baby will show you signs that you are on the right track. Observe her when taking a nap.

Is the startle reflex (Moro Reflex) still there? If she oftentimes shows the reflex or cries in between her sleep, it’s too soon to let go of the swaddle.

Postpone the plan for a few weeks then you can try again. Remember to give your baby time to adjust. A few days will do.

Step 3- Time for a wearable blanket

This step on how to transition out of a swaddle will work when your baby is now comfortable with two arms out while being swaddled. Therefore, switching swaddle to a wearable blanket will not be a big change anymore.

A wearable blanket must be loose, enough to keep the baby comfy while wiggling around.

Letting your baby use a wearable blanket will reduce the worry of accidents that happen using an ordinary blanket. Keep an eye on your baby and evaluate if the phase is working or not.

Step 4- And now she’s starting to roll over!

It only takes a few days before your baby gets used to the sleeping sack. At this time, they may be strong enough to carry their weight and roll over on her tummy.

Swaddle Straps

Using the breathable swaddle/wearable blanket or sleeping sacks some call it, gives comfort to make them do the moves. But if you don’t have those, you can use a swaddle strap instead. The blanket enables to free the arms first while swaddle straps, free the feet first.

In fact, swaddle straps are designed for warm weather since you don’t need to wrap your baby in a blanket. On top of that, since the legs are free, it’s easy for us parents to change the diapers.

Now, if you’re wondering how swaddle strap works, here is a video showing you steps on how to put it on.

How to Soothe Baby during the transition?

It’s expected that during the transition period, your baby will be having trouble to adjust and may not sleep well. I have here some tips that I have tried and worked on my babies. This might help you on your struggle on how to transition out of a swaddle.

• check Pacifiers : I know there are advantages and disadvantages to using pacifiers. Yet, there are babies who get comfort out of it. It is safe, so you can try it. Make sleeping time easy for you and the baby.
• check White noise machine : Looking for ways to keep the startle reflex away? Try this machine. Choose a noise that you think will calm down your babies like the heartbeat, nature’s sound or a lullaby. Some baby mobiles have sound features too.
• check Her favorite toy : This toy should be soft, light, smells good, and safe. Easy to hold for her as a rescue to comfort.
• check The right room temp : Maintain the appropriate temp in the environment. A feel of neither too cold nor too hot. Just enough for the baby’s good sleep.
• check Regular Sleeping Schedule : Every family has a unique bedtime routine. Whatever is the schedule that you have implemented, keep it regular. Mine did wonders for my kids. A warm bath, warm milk, chit-chat (Stories), prayer and a good night kiss did the magic!

Final Thoughts

In no time, babies will grow and the next thing you’ll know, they already have their own lives. What we only need as parents are to be patient in guiding and watching them do so.

How to transition out of swaddle is just an early phase on how you can help your baby as she grows up. Transitioning our child from comfort zone is usually difficult to do.

We need to be firm and confident that we can stand by it.

So, how’s my transition techniques? Did it work out for you? Babies are unique in so many ways. If it happens it didn’t, can you share with us how you made your transition a success?

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Article originally appeared in Gentle Baby Solutions, Week 16
So you’ve reached that wonderful — and often dreaded milestone: your baby is ready to give up the swaddle. But are you?
Many parents of newborns worry that they will have to actively “wean” their baby from swaddling. Luckily, babies often send clear signals that they don’t like being swaddled anymore as they get more mobile.
On average, babies are ready to be weaned off swaddling between 3 and 4 months of age. However, many babies continue to enjoy being swaddled for naps while not be swaddled for night sleep. That’s ok! It’s more difficult to go to sleep during the day so swaddling can help.

When to Stop Swaddling

It’s time to stop swaddling when your baby:

• Wiggles out of their swaddling blanket frequently.
• Rolls over
• Fights the swaddle more than usual
• No longer quiets easily when swaddled.

Swaddle weaning options to try

• Try swaddling her with one arm out. If she fusses and hits herself, she is not ready. Try again in a couple of weeks.
• If she is happy, leave her arm out. In a couple of days or weeks you can try putting her down with both arms out. It’s ok to keep the torso swaddled if your baby likes it!
• Some babies even like having their legs unswaddled first before trying the arms. It’s worth a try!
• If your newly unswaddled baby is fussing when you put him down, you can stay by his crib and put your hands on his chest to calm him. Then slowly reduce the pressure, and finally lift your hands off completely. Be careful, you don’t want to form a new sleep crutch during this process.
• You can begin weaning at night first and work on naps later if you have been swaddling for naps in addition to nights, and your baby is not yet rolling but you sense it’s around the corner, .
• If your baby is rolling, it’s time to start weaning him off the swaddle, one arm at a time, right away. If your baby is not rolling yet but busting out of her swaddle despite your expert swaddling techniques, try transitioning with a blanket sleeper, or a Sleep Sack. That will let them move around, but still give them that cuddly contained feeling. You can even try a Sleep Sack with “wings” that you can gradually loosen.

Products that help you wean from swaddling

Swaddle Up 50/50 by Love To Dream

Designed with safety in mind, the Swaddle Up line of baby sleep sacks can be used from the newborn stage on. The Swaddle Up 50/50 is specifically designed for the baby who is weaning from the swaddle. Hana-Lia Krawchuk, founder and owner of the LoveToDream three-stage swaddle and sleeping system, identifies the transition period as whenever the baby first rolls.

SwaddleUP (right) offers an arms-up position. SwaddleUP 50/50 (left) helps transition from the swaddle.

Baby Merlin Magic Sleepsuit

Another product clients raved about is called the Baby Merlin Magic Sleepsuit. Developed by a pediatric physical therapist, it is a sleep suit that is made of a soft material that provides “input” to the baby to calm the startle reflex while still providing baby the freedom to move arms and legs. Perfect for babies who are not rolling yet, still have their startle reflex, and are busting out of their more traditional swaddle blanket. The Magic Sleepsuit keeps baby warm all night long, with easy access zippers and no loose blankets or material. You can read more about the Merlin Sleepsuit here here.

Be mindful of wakeful windows and tummy time

During waking hours, babies need to have time to move and practice rolling both directions. Make sure your baby has plenty of tummy time during the day so that they can master their new skills. Don’t forget to watch for your baby’s sleep windows so he is not over tired.
Remember that your child’s naps are changing in the next few months, so take a few minutes to look at the appropriate nap and wakeful window schedule for your baby:

Now that you know when to stop swaddling, you can plan ahead to make an easier transition. It is always easier with a well-rested baby. Try to keep naps within your baby’s “wakeful window” of 1-1.5 hours to avoid an overtired baby. Be consistent with your pre-sleep routine as you begin swaddle weaning.
Chances are, within a few nights, your baby will enjoy being able to move around freely, and the swaddle will be a distant memory!

Author: The Sleep Lady

My name is Kim West, and I’m the mother of two beautiful girls, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been a practicing child and family therapist for more than 21 years, and the creator of the original gentle, proven method to get a good night’s sleep for you and your child. My sleep journey began when I started experimenting with gently shaping my daughter’s sleep by not following the conventional wisdom at the time. After having success (and then more success with my second daughter!), I began helping family and friends and my step-by-step method spread like wildfire, exactly like an excellent night of sleep for a tired parent should!

by Emily DeJeu in giveaways, Sleep Training —
Last Updated: February 8, 2020

You may know, first-hand, the benefits of swaddling your newborn baby. Swaddling, the practice of wrapping your infant tightly* in a blanket to limit his arm and leg movements, is known to help soothe babies. It’s also known to help babies sleep better (something we’re all very interested in doing, right?) Swaddling prevents your baby from flailing or “startling” awake, which can mean better, longer naps and more sleep at night. But, when should you stop swaddling?

When to Wean Your Baby From Swaddling

There comes a time, though (around 4-6 months, on average) when swaddling stops being the magical cure-all it once was. You may find that your baby starts “busting out” of her swaddle, getting an arm or a leg free. That can be sign that you need to get a better swaddling blanket or to learn a better swaddling technique; it can also be a sign that it’s time to stop swaddling.

Or, you may find that your baby starts fighting the swaddle — she may cry after being swaddled or strain to get an arm or a leg out. If she truly hates the swaddle (and isn’t crying from overtiredness), then swaddling isn’t likely to improve her sleep.

Finally, some parents reach a point at which they have to wean their baby from the swaddle simply because the baby’s getting so big; those swaddle blankets only go up to a certain size, after all! And, if your baby is rolling, it can become a safety hazard.

How to Wean Your Baby From Swaddling

You don’t necessarily need any specialty products to wean your baby from his swaddle. You can use the old tried-and-true method of swaddling him with his legs out (leaving his arms wrapped). Once your baby’s comfortable with that, you can swaddle him with legs free and one arm free. Some parents also start with one arm, but keep the legs wrapped, which can work, too. Either way, eventually, you’ll be able to take away the swaddling blanket altogether.

Doesn’t that sound easy? So straightforward! So simple! At least, it is for some babies; for others, the process of weaning away from the swaddle is nothing but hard. If that’s the case for your baby, it may be worth investing in a specialty product, one that’s designed to help your baby transition away from swaddling. We have come across two products (no affiliation) that may help in your upcoming adventure and you have a chance to win one (see below)!

The Swaddle Strap

One swaddle weaning product we love is the Swaddle Strap by Anna & Eve. This is an “arms only” swaddling product, making it perfect for transitioning your baby from a full swaddle to no swaddle, when you want to start with allowing the legs to be free, first.

The Swaddle Strap’s unique two-strap design ensures baby’s safety, while the little “arm pillows” fit snugly over baby’s arms, making it virtually impossible for baby to break free of the swaddle. As Anna and Robert (creators of the product) put it, even their own daughter, a “baby Houdini”, couldn’t worm her way free from the Swaddle Strap!

The Swaddle Strap’s design makes it ideal for warm weather (something those of us in the U.S. are experiencing right about now) since it doesn’t require you to wrap baby in a heavy blanket. And, since your baby’s legs are free, it’s easy to keep him swaddled during diaper changes (something swaddle blankets don’t allow for).

The Zipadee-Zip

Another product we think is completely cool: the Zipadee-Zip! Innovative product? Super cute name? Yes to both! The Zipadee-Zip is specially designed to wean your baby away from her snug swaddle blanket. It’s sweet star-shape design allows a baby freedom of movement, while still keeping baby feeling snug and safe.

Zipadee-Zip comes in two materials: lightweight, breathable cotton (to ensure baby stays cool) or heavier fleece (perfect for colder weather!) Even better? Zipadee-Zip blankets are available in a variety of cute patterns, so it’ll be easy to find one your baby loves. And when we say “your baby”, we, of course, mean “you.” 😉

If you’re planning to use a Zipadee-Zip to wean your baby from his swaddle, note this tip from the Zipadee-Zip site:

“SIZING TIP: A smaller fit often aids in the transition from swaddle-time to sleep-time. Many parents will get a size Small and a size Medium so that once the transition is made off of the swaddle, the baby can be moved to a size Medium for full arm extension and freedom of movement.”

Whether you use a product to wean your baby from her swaddle or not, keep in mind that weaning itself, of any kind, can be challenging. Be prepared to be patient, and stay in tune with your baby. If the first few nights (or naps) of weaning from the swaddle are just terrible, there’s no shame in putting off the weaning by a week or two and then trying again! You’ll guide the process, obviously, but your baby’s a part of things, too. 🙂

Nicole’s Note:
“As with many new things, it will take your baby time to adjust. The first few days may be the most difficult, but if you slept with a pillow for a long time and then your doctor told you you couldn’t, wouldn’t you take a few days/weeks to adjust, too? :)”

*Babies who are regularly swaddled very tightly can develop a condition called developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This serious condition can lead to limping, pain, and arthritis. Check out this article for more information.

Please be sure to pick up your FREE copy of 5 (tear-free) Ways to Help Your Child Sleep Through the Night, our e-Book with tear-free tips to help your baby sleep better. For those persistent nighttime struggles, check out The 3-Step System to Help Your Baby Sleep (babies) or The 5-Step System to Better Toddler Sleep (toddlers). Using a unique approach and practical tools for success, our e-books help you and your baby sleep through the night and nap better. For those looking for a more customized solution for your unique situation with support along the way, please consider one-on-one baby and toddler sleep consultations, where you will receive a Personalized Sleep Plan™ you can feel good about! Sometimes it’s not that you can’t make a plan. Sometimes you’re just too tired to.

Disclosure: The Baby Sleep Site received a complimentary Swaddle Strap and Zipadee-zip for review purposes but has not been otherwise compensated for its reviews of these products.

It is recommended that you stop swaddling your baby at around three to four months old, or when they start rolling.

Swaddling can inhibit movement and your baby’s sleepwear and bedding should be adjusted to support their development phases. Often your baby will tell you when they are ready to move out of the swaddle because you’ll find one arm out of the swaddle, or the swaddle has come completely undone.

You can expect some disruption during the transitioning phase, but no more than a few nights. Your baby will learn to adjust to a sleeping bag quite quickly, but there are ways you can help them. If you notice they are moving around the cot more, wriggling free of the wrap or wriggling one arm out, you can adjust your swaddle to accommodate this change.

How to Transition Baby from Swaddling

• Start with day sleeps as these are generally shorter.
• Over a few days, start by swaddling your baby with their arms out.
• Try one arm out first, and then when they are comfortable with that try releasing the second arm, only swaddling from the chest down.
• At the same time, you should gradually loosen the tension of the swaddle/wrap.
• If you feel that your baby misses the feeling of pressure from the swaddle, place your arm gently across their upper body. As they start to settle, you can then take your arm away.

You may need to assist your baby between sleep cycles with shushing and patting while they get used to having one arm free. This may take a few days. Once they are comfortable with this for day naps, start the process for the night sleep.

When you have both arms out you can give up the swaddle/wrap all together and tuck them in tightly under a sheet or use a baby sleep bag, as per the SIDs & Kids Guidelines.

When using a sleeping bag or wrap it is important to use the right fabric weight as per the temperature in your baby’s room. This will help to reduce the chance of your baby getting too hot. Elevated temperature has been associated with higher risk of SIDs.

Recent research has found an association between swaddling and SIDs. If the baby is swaddled and rolls onto their tummy, the swaddle may prevent them from rolling back because it can restrict their range of movement.

The authors of the study did not suggest not swaddling your baby, but rather, suggested when your baby showed signs of wanting to move or roll they should be put to bed without the swaddle.

While it may seem counter-intuitive to move away from swaddling, it is part of moving with your baby’s development phase and the extra movement that not swaddling affords them is an important part of their development.

How To Transition Your Baby Out Of A Swaddle

You finally feel like you and your swaddled little babe have an understanding. She’s sleeping through the night (sleeping better, anyway) and you’re starting to feel like a person again. And then…you discover that you can’t swaddle your little one forever and realize eventually you’ll both have to face a big transition. Not to worry! We’re here to save you from those anxiety-filled internet searches and late night blog-holes. Below, we’ve tapped Ingrid Prueher, a.k.a. “the baby whisperer,” to tell us exactly what you need to know when transitioning your bundle of joy out of her cocoon.

1. First of all, every baby is different. “There is not a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Prueher. It’s important for parents to trust their instincts—since they know their child best—when making the decision to wean their baby from the swaddle. Some children are ready to be weaned at 4 months, while others, typically babies who startle easily, can remain swaddled up to 10 months of age, as long as they don’t tend to roll over while sleeping.

2. Signs it’s time to stop swaddling. There comes a time (typically around 4-6 months) when the swaddle stops being the little miracle it once was. Your baby starts busting out of her swaddle like a little Houdini, getting her arms or legs free in the middle of the night (goodbye, rest!), and you feel like you’re back to square one.

This may be a sign your little one is ready to move on from the swaddle, especially is she’s straining to free herself from the moment you wrap her. Not simply cranky due to overtiredness, but if she’s consistently rejecting the swaddle. This could mean she’s no longer soothed by being tightly wrapped and is ready for more mobility at night.

However, busting out of a swaddle could also simply mean you need to employ a better swaddling technique, or get a better swaddling blanket. A swaddle with a few extra bells and whistles, something that keeps your little one safely and snuggly wrapped, like the Miracle Blanket, can be helpful in getting your little bundle wrapped soundly.

One of the most important signs, however, is when your little one starts rolling over consistently. Prueher says this is the time when she typically recommends parents begin to wean their child from the swaddle. However, she does note once again, every baby is different, and as a Dr. Harvey Karp Happiest Baby on the Block educator, she does recommend in very specific cases that even a baby who is rolling remain swaddled. We recommend reaching out to your doctor or a pediatric sleep consultant to help you make that decision, however.

3. How to make the transition. Okay, you’ve made the decision that it’s time to wean your baby from the swaddle, and you’re ready to make the leap, but you don’t know where to start. Rest assured! We’ve got you.

You may not need any specialty products to successfully transition your little one from a swaddle. You can try swaddling her, using your good ‘ol swaddle blanket, with her legs out at first. By wrapping only her arms (which is typically what our little babes find so soothing about the swaddle) for a period, you can gently ease her into the feeling of not being completely wrapped. When ready to move on from there, you can swaddle her with her legs free, and then one arm free—eventually freeing her completely from the swaddle.

Why, that’s so easy! We’re all good now, right? For some it’s a relatively seamless transition (our hats are off to you!), but for others it’s a struggle. And the struggle is real. If that’s the case for you, as it is for most of us, there are a variety of products that can be worth investing in.

Ingrid recommends using a transitional swaddle, like Zipadee-Zip, which is specifically designed for weaning babies from their swaddles. The Zipadee-Zip allows a full range of movement, allowing the baby to roll over safely, while still offering a comforting womb-like environment so your little one can sleep well. We also like the Woombie and Love To Dream Swaddle, which have a similar effect.

However, if you want to try weaning step-by-step, the Swaddle Strap by Anna & Eve can be an effective tool. The Swaddle Strap allows you to swaddle just your baby’s arms, leaving her legs free. This can trigger the calming reflex, allowing your little one to relax into a good night’s sleep while also introducing the feeling of not being completely cocooned.

4. Remember, safety first. Swaddled babies should never sleep facedown. If your little one is consistently rolling over, it’s probably time to stop swaddling. We know this can be a daunting prospect, but safety must always come first when it comes to sleep. If you feel you need extra guidance, consult your pediatrician or find a sleep consultant in your area.

If you’re like most parents, you used a swaddle during the first months of your baby’s new life. Not only does the swaddle help put baby to sleep (and give you a break!), it also sets your baby up for a lifetime of healthy sleep habits and strong development.

When do you stop swaddling?

Swaddling actually becomes unsafe once your child learns to roll over. If your child rolls while wearing the swaddle, he or she might end up in an unsafe position and not be able to right themselves.

Children typically begin rolling around four or five months old. Even if you think your child would prefer to sleep in the swaddle longer, you need to put it aside for safety.

You should also stop swaddling once your child is regularly bursting out of the swaddle. At this point the swaddle becomes another piece of fabric in the crib, which isn’t safe. If they refuse to stay inside, they either don’t like it or prefer to have the freedom.

How do you stop swaddling?

Even if your baby wants out of the swaddle, the transition can still be jarring. After all, that enclosed type of sleeping is all they know. They might have trouble falling asleep without it.

Some parents opt for a measured approach. They leave one arm free for a few nights, then both arms free for a few nights with a wrapped lower half. This works for some babies, but others use the new leverage to escape entirely.

Other parents do it cold turkey: it’s tough on some babies for a couple nights until they learn to relax without it. Others adjust right away. How you go about it depends on your child’s temperament.

Still, many babies don’t like the freedom one bit. The exposure makes them anxious and fussy. This usually happens when you’re forced to stop swaddling (due to rolling), but your baby doesn’t want out. Some babies are still in the face-scratching phase, which can wake them up.

I created the Zipadee-Zip to make babies feel safe and calm, even when swaddling has to stop. It’s a fantastic way to help them make the transition from swaddling. The Zipadee-Zip is a wearable blanket affords baby plenty of room to move around, roll over, play, and even walk, but still lets them feel their edges. The cozy resistance reminds them of life back in the womb. Check here to know how it works.

Plus, with an item like the Zipadee-Zip, you can offer that swaddle-like feeling when you’re out-and-about, like in an airplane, in the car, in the stroller, visiting the doctor, or just hanging out at home. It’s the best sleep sack for babies because it was specifically designed for this troubling period of your child’s life.

I’d love to hear about your experiences weaning your baby from the swaddle? Was it tough? Click here to share your story.

Written by Stephanie Parker from Sleepingbaby.com, inventors of the Zipadee-Zip

The motto for Sleeping Baby, makers of the Zipadee-Zip, is: “Inspiring Dreams One Night at A time,” and that, in a nutshell, is how it all started…with one little dream that has since become the Parker family’s reality. When Brett and Stephanie Parker’s daughter, Charlotte, was born, the feeling that welled up inside of them was indescribable; they never realized until first looking into those baby blues of hers that they were even capable of that kind of love.

When it was time to transition baby from swaddling, the Parkers tried every sleep sack on the market and every swaddle weaning trick they could find for nearly two weeks and nothing worked to get baby Charlotte to fall and stay asleep.

Stephanie became determined to restore sleep and sanity to their household and set out to find a solution that would soothe Charlotte’s startle reflex and provide her the cozy womb-like environment she loved so much but still give her the freedom to roll over and wiggle around in her crib safely. Out of sheer desperation and exhaustion, the Zipadee-Zip was born. The first Zipadee-Zip(R) Stephanie put together on her little sewing machine worked like magic!

To date tens of thousands of Zipadee-Zips have been sold and all from word-of-mouth marketing. It is so rewarding for the Parkers to see other parents and babies getting the sleep they both need and deserve!

Interested in writing a guest blog for Sleeping Baby? Send your topic idea to [email protected]

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Sleeping Baby makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, current-ness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

“How do I Transition or Wean My Baby from a Snug Swaddle?” is a question we often hear.

We offer a new EASY way to transition baby from a snug swaddle.

Our Transitional Swaddle Sack® has a snug body and uniquely shaped ¾ length, arms up, sleeves with fold over mitten cuffs that may be worn open or closed.

When the cuffs are closed the sleeves provide partial suppression of the Moro (Startle) reflex, and very importantly, if baby were to roll over, baby can use their arms to push up and get access to air.

Our Transitional Swaddle Sack may be used from Day One under a Swaddle blanket or by itself.

Cuffs may be worn open so baby can self soothe or closed if concerned about facial scratches.

It’s great for babies who prefer to sleep with their arms up, and it is recognized by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as Hip Healthy.

The Transitional Swaddle Sack is a very important, patent pending innovation for babies who can roll over, but are not ready for a loose sleeping sack or who do not sleep well in a roomier wearable blanket.

The Transitional Swaddle Sack is the ideal Stage 2 Safe Sleepwear solution.

The Transitional Swaddle Sack bridges the gap between a snug classic swaddle and a loose sleeping sack.

It has a 2 way zipper and is easy to use:

The Transitional Swaddle Sack with Arms Up design supports multiple natural sleep positions and partially suppresses the Moro (Startle) Reflex while providing swaddle comfort and support.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents to stop restraining baby’s arms in a snug swaddle around two to three months or when baby shows signs of starting to roll over. However, many babies are not ready and are unable to sleep well in a loose wearable blanket at this stage. If parents continue to swaddle their baby with arms restrained at this stage, the risk of suffocation increases if baby was to roll over.

To address this issue, our founder, an experienced nurse, created The Transitional Swaddle Sack® with Arms Up and Mitten Cuffs. It is a very important innovation in Safe Sleepwear – especially for babies who can roll over.

Lynette, our founder, has made it her life mission, and the mission of SwaddleDesigns, to help new parents prevent sleep deprivation and exhaustion by providing educational content based on the AAP safe sleep recommendations and to provide safer sleepwear for babies.

To further help new parents, our founder created a 3 Stage Guide to help parents better understand the 3 stages of safe sleepwear when dressing baby for sleep.

Please consider the following solutions for a good night’s sleep from Birth to 18mo:

Our products are designed with baby’s best interest in mind and your style at heart®

Infant care has changed a lot since even we were children.

Instead of the tummy, we’re encouraged ‘back-to-sleep’. Instead of pretty crib blankets and bumpers, the crib should be basically a mattress and fitted sheet. To keep our children warm in this environment, many baby experts encourage ‘swaddling’, which is, essentially, wrapping them up in blankets like a burrito like so:

Swaddling serves a number of purposes, the primary being warmth and preventing the baby from startling him or herself awake. As you can imagine, after a while, the baby 1) gains enough strength to unswaddle and 2) begins to dislike being so constricted while sleeping. As I’ve mentioned, Parker has been sleeping through the night for some time now, and we had decided we would continue to swaddle him until that no longer worked.

In the past week or so, he’s been waking up 4-5 times a night (at minimum, 2) and breaking the swaddle. So yesterday, we decided it was time. Cold turkey rarely works with a baby (especially sleeping habits), so we came up with a plan to transition Parker from swaddling to unswaddling. The first step was to swaddle him, but leave his right arm out of the swaddle (as that’s the one he usually breaks from the swaddle first). We’ll try this for a couple weeks and then move to the second arm, before finally completely unswaddling him.

So last night, we laid Parker down to bed with one arm out (he’s a pro at putting himself to sleep), and after about 10 minutes, he was asleep. After about an hour or so, Parker woke up crying. At that point, we were pretty sure we were in for a long night. We got him back to sleep and waited.

Amazingly, he didn’t wake up until 2 am! After letting him cry, a quick reswaddle and he was back to sleep, and slept the rest of the night. I woke up very impressed by my little guy and definitely think this was a step in the right direction. There may definitely be some sleepless nights in our future, but that he was ABLE to do it was definitely a positive for us.

I will, of course, continue to update on our transition.

My daughter has liked her swaddle wrap since birth. She is now getting pretty active, & has learned how to kick out of her swaddle wrap. Today with naps & bedtime, we have tried the sleep sack, and she hates it! Any suggestions on how to make this transition a little easier, & not go crazy in the process?? –>

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Our daughter loved being swaddled as well. From a friend, we learned the trick of an old flannel or jersey knit sheet – cut in quarters and used in place of a baby or swaddle blanket. The sheet is larger and has more give, which means you can experiement on ways to stretch it and make it tighter. So as the baby gets bigger, you can still swaddle – and experiment with keeping one arm out, then both arms out, then sleep sack. Good luck!

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I can be a rough transition. We had to continue swaddling my son until he was 9 months. We had to buy bigger blankets, use two blankets, use velcro. Ahhh! then at 10 months I had enough and decided he had to quit – the only way he would sleep unswaddled was on his stomach. Not PC but it worked for us. Because he was at 10 months I wasn’t as scared about SIDS as I would have been if we has still little. Anyway, that worked like a charm even the first time we tried it.

I did a lot of web surfing on this topic while trying to break my son of his habit – everyone seemed to suggest swaddling with one arm out for a few days, then two arms, then remove the swaddle all together. This never worked for us, but maybe it will for you.

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These are great because they can still move insde but are still swaddled. It is like sewing the arms in a sleep sack like already mentioned. –>

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My 2nd child did that too. What worked for us was both. We put him in the sleep sack and used the swaddle wrap blanket (ours was one that velcroed from walmart) just around his arms and torso. He still felt snug and it allowed him to get used to the sleep sack, as we gradually wrapped his arms looser and looser until he didn’t need it anymore.

In this Article

Many mothers continue swaddling their babies for a few weeks or even for months after birth. This is because it helps in soothing and comforting the baby and even gives him the feeling of a mother’s womb. However, the question here is when and how you should stop swaddling your baby? In the following article, we shall discuss all the aspects of swaddling.

Why is Swaddling Important?

Swaddling is a technique of wrapping up your baby with a soft cloth or a blanket in such a way that his arms and legs are securely tucked inside the blanket, and only his head stays out of the blanket. Many mothers prefer swaddling for comforting and soothing their babies. Some other reasons why it is important are:

• It is very beneficial for inducing longer and peaceful sleep in babies.
• It is helpful in reducing the anxiety in babies by giving them the comforting feeling.
• Many babies get startled in their sleep, which may result in waking up. Swaddling makes them feel secure and thus lesser waking up in between their sleep.
• Swaddling makes a baby settle back to sleep.
• It is also a great way of self-soothing for babies and the best position for this is “hands over heart”.
• It is an effective way of mimicking touch to the babies.
• It will keep your baby from scratching his own face while sleeping.
• It is also helpful for the parents as they also get to sleep for long hours.
• It may be beneficial in preventing colic in babies.

Though swaddling may have many benefits for your baby, you cannot continue to practise it forever. You should stop swaddling your baby after a while. In the following paragraphs, we shall discuss when and how to do it.

When Should You Stop Swaddling Your Baby?

Here are some guidelines to stop swaddling your baby which may help you:

• You can stop swaddling when your baby is around 3 or 4-months-old.
• Sometimes you may notice that your baby will try to break free from the swaddle. This does not mean you should stop swaddling. This could be due to two reasons, loose swaddling or wrong size of the blanket. However, if your baby still breaks free, then it may be the time to stop swaddling.
• If your baby suffers from Moro reflex, a condition where your baby may startle in his sleep, then do not stop swaddling. A baby does not outgrow this reflex till four to five months of age. It is recommended that you do not wean off your baby from swaddling earlier than this, as he may wake up at nights.
• Make sure your baby is not swaddled all day long, which is even when he is awake. Swaddling a newborn baby for longer durations is still fine as he spends most of the time sleeping. It is also very important for the baby to move his limbs to develop his gross motor skills. Therefore, it will be a good idea to not swaddle your baby when he is not sleeping.
• You should never put your baby in a face-down swaddling position. However, if your baby is able to roll on his own, then it is a good indication to stop swaddling.
• Before you begin sleep-training your baby, you should stop swaddling because sleep training involves self-soothing. And if you practise swaddling along with sleep training, then it may confuse your baby.

How Can You Stop Swaddling Your Infant?

If your baby is not too dependent on swaddling for going off to sleep or for comfort, then the swaddle transition may not be difficult for you to manage and your baby will gradually adapt to it. However, if your baby is greatly dependent on swaddling, then you may find it a bit of a task. Here we shall discuss how you can stop swaddling your infant:

• The first and foremost thing to remember is; never stop swaddling abruptly and suddenly. Any sudden change may not be accepted by your baby. The best approach to stop swaddling is to bring it gradually.
• You can begin by keeping one arm of your baby out of the blanket. After a few days, you can keep both the arms outside the blanket.
• Later, you can start by keeping one and then both the legs out of the blanket.
• You can also replace the covering blanket with a wearable blanket. There are many options available in the market to choose from.
• It is also a good idea to stop swaddling as soon as you get the hints from your baby like if he starts rolling or feels cranky in a swaddled state.
• It is also recommended that you start swaddling early because once your baby gets used to it; you will find it difficult to wean off your baby from swaddling.

It is important to remember that whenever you plan to make changes related to swaddling or other sleep-related issues, you may have to deal with your baby’s fussiness and crankiness. You may even have to go a few nights without sleep in order to establish a new sleep-routine for your baby. It is recommended that you do not let go of your efforts. Usually, it may a take a week or two at max for your baby to make the transition from swaddling to normal sleeping. This is normal, and your baby may feel settled into his new routine very soon. However, if your baby is not able to sleep through the night or if there are some other sleep-related problems that concern you, you should get in touch with your baby’s doctor for the same.

• Why is Swaddling Important?
• When Should You Stop Swaddling Your Baby?
• How Can You Stop Swaddling Your Infant?

Many mothers continue swaddling their babies for a few weeks or even for months after birth. This is because it helps in soothing and comforting the baby and even gives him the feeling of a mother’s womb. However, the question here is when and how you should stop swaddling your baby? In the following article, we shall discuss all the aspects of swaddling.

Why is Swaddling Important?

Swaddling is a technique of wrapping up your baby with a soft cloth or a blanket in such a way that his arms and legs are securely tucked inside the blanket, and only his head stays out of the blanket. Many mothers prefer swaddling for comforting and soothing their babies. Some other reasons why it is important are:

• It is very beneficial for inducing longer and peaceful sleep in babies.
• It is helpful in reducing the anxiety in babies by giving them the comforting feeling.
• Many babies get startled in their sleep, which may result in waking up. Swaddling makes them feel secure and thus lesser waking up in between their sleep.
• Swaddling makes a baby settle back to sleep.
• It is also a great way of self-soothing for babies and the best position for this is “hands over heart”.
• It is an effective way of mimicking touch to the babies.
• It will keep your baby from scratching his own face while sleeping.
• It is also helpful for the parents as they also get to sleep for long hours.
• It may be beneficial in preventing colic in babies.

Though swaddling may have many benefits for your baby, you cannot continue to practise it forever. You should stop swaddling your baby after a while. In the following paragraphs, we shall discuss when and how to do it.

When Should You Stop Swaddling Your Baby?

Here are some guidelines to stop swaddling your baby which may help you:

• You can stop swaddling when your baby is around 3 or 4-months-old.
• Sometimes you may notice that your baby will try to break free from the swaddle. This does not mean you should stop swaddling. This could be due to two reasons, loose swaddling or wrong size of the blanket. However, if your baby still breaks free, then it may be the time to stop swaddling.
• If your baby suffers from Moro reflex, a condition where your baby may startle in his sleep, then do not stop swaddling. A baby does not outgrow this reflex till four to five months of age. It is recommended that you do not wean off your baby from swaddling earlier than this, as he may wake up at nights.
• Make sure your baby is not swaddled all day long, which is even when he is awake. Swaddling a newborn baby for longer durations is still fine as he spends most of the time sleeping. It is also very important for the baby to move his limbs to develop his gross motor skills. Therefore, it will be a good idea to not swaddle your baby when he is not sleeping.
• You should never put your baby in a face-down swaddling position. However, if your baby is able to roll on his own, then it is a good indication to stop swaddling.
• Before you begin sleep-training your baby, you should stop swaddling because sleep training involves self-soothing. And if you practise swaddling along with sleep training, then it may confuse your baby.

How Can You Stop Swaddling Your Infant?

If your baby is not too dependent on swaddling for going off to sleep or for comfort, then the swaddle transition may not be difficult for you to manage and your baby will gradually adapt to it. However, if your baby is greatly dependent on swaddling, then you may find it a bit of a task. Here we shall discuss how you can stop swaddling your infant:

• The first and foremost thing to remember is; never stop swaddling abruptly and suddenly. Any sudden change may not be accepted by your baby. The best approach to stop swaddling is to bring it gradually.
• You can begin by keeping one arm of your baby out of the blanket. After a few days, you can keep both the arms outside the blanket.
• Later, you can start by keeping one and then both the legs out of the blanket.
• You can also replace the covering blanket with a wearable blanket. There are many options available in the market to choose from.
• It is also a good idea to stop swaddling as soon as you get the hints from your baby like if he starts rolling or feels cranky in a swaddled state.
• It is also recommended that you start swaddling early because once your baby gets used to it; you will find it difficult to wean off your baby from swaddling.

It is important to remember that whenever you plan to make changes related to swaddling or other sleep-related issues, you may have to deal with your baby’s fussiness and crankiness. You may even have to go a few nights without sleep in order to establish a new sleep-routine for your baby. It is recommended that you do not let go of your efforts. Usually, it may a take a week or two at max for your baby to make the transition from swaddling to normal sleeping. This is normal, and your baby may feel settled into his new routine very soon. However, if your baby is not able to sleep through the night or if there are some other sleep-related problems that concern you, you should get in touch with your baby’s doctor for the same.

Posted by Ergo Pouch / on Dec 16, 2019

How to safely transition baby from swaddling to arms-out sleeping

Congratulations, mama. You’ve survived the first few months of a newborn, have them wrapped snuggly in a swaddle, and baby (may have) finally settled into a predictable sleep routine. And then comes baby’s first major milestone, rolling, to undo all that hard work!

Many parents are apprehensive to unswaddle their baby once they reach the rolling milestone, for fear of what it will do for settling and sleep. What those parents may not know is that once a baby shows signs of rolling it is no longer safe to swaddle them, and the transition to arms-out sleeping must begin.

Why is it unsafe to swaddle a baby who is attempting to roll?

A baby who is ready to roll is transitioning out of the ‘fencing reflex’, an innate newborn mechanism designed to keep the body anchored on their back and prevent SIDS. Once this reflex starts to disappear, your baby would have built the necessary strength and muscle tone to hold their head up and roll their body over. A baby that is learning to roll from back-to-front needs their arms free to help roll back, and/or lift their neck and head sideways for clear and unobstructed breathing whilst face down.

What are the signs of attempting to roll?

Indicators that your baby is showing signs of rolling, and no longer requires a swaddle for sleeping include:

• Attempting to roll body when unswaddled
• Pushing up on hands during tummy time, lifting one hand off the ground
• Fussiness when swaddled/fighting the swaddle when going on
• Disrupted sleep
• The disappearance of the startle (moro) reflex
• Attempting to have hands free/up around their face when the swaddle is on

At what age will this happen?

While there is no set rule for the exact time to move through the transition from swaddle to arms-out sleeping, it typically starts between 3-6 months old. However, some babies may start earlier, some may take longer. You may be unsure of when exactly to make the transition, however, you know your baby best. Follow the signs above and your baby’s cues as the best way to get through this stage.

Between 4-6 months babies outgrow the startle (moro) reflex. If your baby is not yet rolling and still swaddled but is no longer startling this may also indicate it is time to transition from swaddling.

How to safely transition your baby to arms-out sleeping

Some babies may struggle with this change in their sleeping environment. As such we recommend a two-step approach to transitioning:

Step One: Releasing one arm out of your babies swaddle for all sleeps, to allow your baby time to become used to this new way of sleeping.

Step Two: After a week or so of one-arm-out sleeping, remove both arms from the swaddle. Expect some difficult sleeps during this phase, but stick with it and don’t be tempted to re-swaddle them – they will adjust to the new sleep position.

Once your baby is rolling on their own, if they independently roll on to their tummy in their sleep with their arms out of a swaddle, you do not need to roll them back.

Pssst. If you anticipate that the transition to arms-out sleeping will be a challenge or are going through some resistance to the transition, we have a solution for you. We have designed the Butterfly Cardi to help in the transition from a swaddled sleeper to an arms-out dreamer, easier! Find out more.

What should baby wear once unswaddled?

Your baby should be sleeping in a sleeping bag appropriate for the room temperature of the nursery, with no blankets, pillows or other sleep aids in the cot. For babies that are coming out of our Cocoon Swaddle Bag, parents need to simply open the press-stud poppers in the armholes to convert this baby swaddle into your baby’s first sleeping bag when they start to show signs of rolling.

For babies that are coming out of another type of swaddle, our size 3-12 month Cocoon Swaddle Bag is still the best option as a first sleeping bag for them, being TOG-rated for warmth, snug-fitting around the body for security, age-appropriate, and bell-shaped for hip health.

Taking the guesswork out of dressing a little one for sleep, our TOG rated layers are designed to be worn underneath a swaddle, sleeping bag or sleep suit bag to add warmth and comfort as needed.

Use our What to Wear Guide to help you choose what to layer underneath your baby’s sleeping bag, and choosing which TOGs to put together based on the room temperature. It’s genius and simple.

Many mothers continue swaddling their babies for a few weeks or even for months after birth. This is because it helps in soothing and comforting the baby and even gives him the feeling of a mother’s womb. However, the question here is when and how you should stop swaddling your baby? In the following article, we shall discuss all the aspects of swaddling.

Why is Swaddling Important?

Swaddling is a technique of wrapping up your baby with a soft cloth or a blanket in such a way that his arms and legs are securely tucked inside the blanket, and only his head stays out of the blanket. Many mothers prefer swaddling for comforting and soothing their babies. Some other reasons why it is important are:

• It is very beneficial for inducing longer and peaceful sleep in babies.
• It is helpful in reducing the anxiety in babies by giving them the comforting feeling.
• Many babies get startled in their sleep, which may result in waking up. Swaddling makes them feel secure and thus lesser waking up in between their sleep.
• Swaddling makes a baby settle back to sleep.
• It is also a great way of self-soothing for babies and the best position for this is “hands over heart”.
• It is an effective way of mimicking touch to the babies.
• It will keep your baby from scratching his own face while sleeping.
• It is also helpful for the parents as they also get to sleep for long hours.
• It may be beneficial in preventing colic in babies.

Though swaddling may have many benefits for your baby, you cannot continue to practise it forever. You should stop swaddling your baby after a while. In the following paragraphs, we shall discuss when and how to do it.

When Should You Stop Swaddling Your Baby?

Here are some guidelines to stop swaddling your baby which may help you:

• You can stop swaddling when your baby is around 3 or 4-months-old.
• Sometimes you may notice that your baby will try to break free from the swaddle. This does not mean you should stop swaddling. This could be due to two reasons, loose swaddling or wrong size of the blanket. However, if your baby still breaks free, then it may be the time to stop swaddling.
• If your baby suffers from Moro reflex, a condition where your baby may startle in his sleep, then do not stop swaddling. A baby does not outgrow this reflex till four to five months of age. It is recommended that you do not wean off your baby from swaddling earlier than this, as he may wake up at nights.
• Make sure your baby is not swaddled all day long, which is even when he is awake. Swaddling a newborn baby for longer durations is still fine as he spends most of the time sleeping. It is also very important for the baby to move his limbs to develop his gross motor skills. Therefore, it will be a good idea to not swaddle your baby when he is not sleeping.
• You should never put your baby in a face-down swaddling position. However, if your baby is able to roll on his own, then it is a good indication to stop swaddling.
• Before you begin sleep-training your baby, you should stop swaddling because sleep training involves self-soothing. And if you practise swaddling along with sleep training, then it may confuse your baby.

How Can You Stop Swaddling Your Infant?

If your baby is not too dependent on swaddling for going off to sleep or for comfort, then the swaddle transition may not be difficult for you to manage and your baby will gradually adapt to it. However, if your baby is greatly dependent on swaddling, then you may find it a bit of a task. Here we shall discuss how you can stop swaddling your infant:

• The first and foremost thing to remember is; never stop swaddling abruptly and suddenly. Any sudden change may not be accepted by your baby. The best approach to stop swaddling is to bring it gradually.
• You can begin by keeping one arm of your baby out of the blanket. After a few days, you can keep both the arms outside the blanket.
• Later, you can start by keeping one and then both the legs out of the blanket.
• You can also replace the covering blanket with a wearable blanket. There are many options available in the market to choose from.
• It is also a good idea to stop swaddling as soon as you get the hints from your baby like if he starts rolling or feels cranky in a swaddled state.
• It is also recommended that you start swaddling early because once your baby gets used to it; you will find it difficult to wean off your baby from swaddling.

It is important to remember that whenever you plan to make changes related to swaddling or other sleep-related issues, you may have to deal with your baby’s fussiness and crankiness. You may even have to go a few nights without sleep in order to establish a new sleep-routine for your baby. It is recommended that you do not let go of your efforts. Usually, it may a take a week or two at max for your baby to make the transition from swaddling to normal sleeping. This is normal, and your baby may feel settled into his new routine very soon. However, if your baby is not able to sleep through the night or if there are some other sleep-related problems that concern you, you should get in touch with your baby’s doctor for the same.

Also Read: How to Make Baby Sleep at Night

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• by Nicky Barker
• 04 April, 2019
• 4 min read

Written by: Nicky Barker, Founder of Little Ones & Paediatric Sleep Specialist

Usually, between 4-6 months, babies are ready to transition out of the swaddle for sleep. This can be a tricky period for your little one, as they have come to associate the swaddle with sleep and it will all be very new for them. Having your baby in a predictable nap pattern for their day will make this transition a lot easier, as you can guarantee they’ll be perfectly ready for their naps, which will mean a lot less overtired or undertired fussing once the swaddle is gone.

Firstly, we would also recommend setting up some positive sleep associations and ensuring their sleep environment is spot-on before attempting to ditch the swaddle. Our recommendations are:

1. Introduce white noise and play it as loud as a shower for all naps and overnight. You can find our white noise album here.
2. Make the room nice and dark with no stimulating toys or nightlights.
3. Give your baby an age-appropriate lovey or comforter they can hold once free of the swaddle.
4. Encourage your baby to fall asleep independently, or self-settle, without active settling from you, which is much easier to achieve while they’re still swaddled!

From there, we have two methods to transition out of the swaddle:

Gradual Method

During this transition, keep everything else the same in your baby’s sleep environment: dark room, white noise etc. If you feel it is appropriate, you can add a cuddly for them to hold to help control their newfound freedom with their arms.

This method works by doing the unswaddling bit by bit, nap by nap.

Day 1

Remove one arm out of the swaddle at the morning nap first, as this is the easiest for your baby to go to sleep. Give them the chance to go to sleep themselves, but if they are struggling you can try actively settling them for a few minutes to help them get to sleep while they get used to not having a swaddle (this might be patting or side settling). For the rest of their naps and overnight, keep both arms in the swaddle for now.

Day 2-3

Overnight – once your baby is used to their arm out for the morning nap, take one arm out of the swaddle for their overnight sleep. Keep both arms in for their other daytimes naps for now.

Day 4-5

Lunchtime nap – once your baby is used to their arm out for the morning nap and overnight, take one arm out of the swaddle for their lunchtime nap. They may wake after one sleep cycle, in which case you can go and resettle them if you’d like them to sleep longer. Keep both arms in for their late afternoon nap for now; as this is the hardest nap to achieve, try doing this nap in the car or stroller during this transition.

Day 6-7 & Beyond

Once your baby is doing all naps (except the late afternoon nap) with one arm out, take the other arm out, starting with the morning nap and in the same way you did the first arm. Begin with 2 arms out for the morning nap only, then overnight, then lastly the lunchtime nap. They may wake after one sleep cycle for their naps in which case you can go and resettle them back to sleep. Once both arms are out, you can also implement this for the late afternoon nap, but you might find your baby resists settling for this nap so you’re best to try and do it in a stroller or front pack.

Once free of the swaddle you can put your baby in a baby sleeping bag for all naps and overnight.

It is very normal for your baby to be a bit unsettled during this transition – they just have a new “normal” to adapt to that is very different from what they’ve known. It will get better!

Quick Method

With this method, you go cold turkey on the swaddle for all naps from day 1. You can actively settle your baby to sleep if they’re not settling well, being mindful of reducing the settling after a couple of days so as not to create a new sleep association.

Day 1 might be a bit tricky, but day 2 and 3 will be much easier! For the late afternoon nap, as this is usually a hard nap to get your baby to sleep, we recommend doing this nap in a stroller or in the car during the removal of the swaddle.

Once unswaddled, your baby may also wake one sleep cycle after bedtime. You can resettle them back to sleep if that happens. Do the same with any overnight wakes (allowing for feeds if your baby normally has them).

By day 3 your baby should be getting used to having no swaddle, so ensure you give your baby the chance to settle themselves to sleep if they were previously self-settling.

Any change for your baby is going to be hard, and unswaddling is no exception. What will make this transition much easier is having your baby in a good nap routineso they already have clear sleep associations and expectations.

If you need a hand getting better naps happening with your little one, or troubleshooting tricky patches like losing the swaddle, with our Sleep Programsyou can access not only our world-leading information, but also our exclusive customer support group! Just click here to get started.