A swaddle blanket is a wonderful “best friend” for your baby during the first months of life. But there comes a time when they have to “graduate” from it. Knowing when to stop swaddling your baby doesn’t just mark a new developmental milestone; it’s also a non-negotiable safety rule.
But you can’t solely trust your parental instinct. Here’s an expert-backed guide on when your little one transitions to a new stage of independent sleep.
The Unmissable Safety Sign: The Rolling Milestone
Why is this the most important rule? (The link to SIDS)
Picture this: A baby is swaddled with both hands restricted. When they roll onto their tummy, they can’t use their hands to push their body up or turn their head.
Without hands to stay balanced, the baby’s face is likely pressed against the mattress, increasing the risk of suffocation—the main culprit behind the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to stop swaddling when babies start rolling over. This is a non-negotiable sign.
Signs that your baby is about to roll over
It’s time to transition out of swaddling if your baby can:
- Lift their chest and push up with their arms during tummy time.
- Rock from side to side while on their tummy.
- Roll from their tummy to their back (this is a big sign that rolling from back to tummy is coming soon).
This safety rule is a crucial part of safe swaddling for newborns.
Additional Signs That Your Baby is Ready
The baby constantly “breaks the cocoon” and escapes
Have you ever seen your baby try to wiggle one arm out or even break free from the cocoon? It’s probably because they’ve outgrown the swaddle blanket and now need more freedom to move.
This isn’t always the case, though. Many moms shared with us that their little ones only want to leave their arms free. But they are too little to move on to sleep sacks or other sleep-aid products.
If your baby is still under 3 months old, consider switching to an arms-up swaddle or sleep pods with zippers before quitting swaddling altogether.
The startle reflex (Moro reflex) has significantly decreased
After all, swaddling is to calm a baby down, alleviating their Moro reflex. So, when you notice that your little one doesn’t startle awake as much as before, their nervous system might have matured. They may not need that extra support anymore.
A Guide to a Smooth Transition
“My baby can’t sleep without swaddling!”
“My LO keeps startling if not swaddled…”
“My newborn wakes up every 40 minutes after I stop swaddling.”
These are the most common messages SwaddleAn has received from parents whose babies are moving on from swaddling. Calm down! Here are two tried-and-true methods you can consider:
The “Cold Turkey” Method
Simply put, this method is to quit swaddling cold turkey and immediately introduce a sleep sack. Why is it a safe next step? A baby sleeping bag offer the coziness of a blanket while allowing for free arm movement. It’s a win-win for your little one.
Note that your little one might resist this “unfamiliar cocoon” at first. Be prepared for fussiness, crying spells, and restless nights in the beginning. But your patience is well worth it, especially for adaptable babies.
If you still doubt why sleep sacks are the perfect next choice, read our comparison between swaddle blankets and sleep sacks to clear your confusion. Additionally, some types of swaddles are specially designed for this important transition period.
The “One Arm Out” Method
If you’re still go with a swaddle blanket, start by leaving one arm out of the wrap for a few nights. When your baby gets used to this, you can leave both arms out. This gradual and effective method helps your little one adapt more smoothly, especially if they are sensitive to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average age to stop swaddling?
The most common age to stop swaddling falls between 2-4 months old. However, it’s essential to rely on developmental signs (rolling over), not age. One baby can start rolling over sooner than another.
What to do if the baby has trouble sleeping for the first few nights?
Don’t worry; this is completely normal. Be patient and stick to other bedtime routines like lullabies, a dark room, and white noise, to help your baby adjust.
Ready for a New Stage!
All the crying, tantrums, and escapes are part of your baby’s development. So, don’t fret! Transitioning out of swaddling is a big step toward a new developmental stage. It’s a sign that your little one is growing up, safe and healthy.
To prepare for this cheerful milestone, keep in mind the signs that indicate when to stop swaddling and follow our tips for a smooth transition. If you need more advice, don’t hesitate to contact SwaddleAn!
Related Blog Post
References
- HealthyChildren.org Safe Sleep Articles: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/safe-sleep/healthy-children-safe-sleep-articles/