Key Points
- You must stop swaddling immediately when babies start rolling by themselves, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- You should use transitional products to help your baby learn to sleep without a swaddle but still feel comfortable while sleeping.
Swaddling is a lifesaver regarding newborn sleep routines, but when should you stop swaddling your baby? When should we transition our babies to other forms of comfort to soothe them or help them fall asleep? In this article, we plan to deal with that very question.
In This Article
- When Should You Stop Swaddling?
- Why Should You Stop Swaddling Your Baby?
- At What Age Should You Stop Swaddling?
- How Do You Transition From Swaddling?
- How Can You Help With The Transition From A Swaddle?
Parents should avoid swaddling their baby when the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) increases. This happens when your baby can roll over onto their stomach. Babies cannot hold their faces up if they roll onto their stomachs while swaddled, increasing the chances of asphyxiation. Some babies attempt to move while swaddled as early as two months, while others begin to do it between four and six months.
To get a head start on everything you need to know about when to stop swaddling your baby, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to discover when to stop swaddling your baby and how to transition them out of the swaddling phase.
When Should You Stop Swaddling?
The best sign to stop swaddling your baby is when your little one starts to look like they’ll start rolling, and this can be anytime between four to six months old or, in some rare cases, even two months old. When they can roll over onto their tummies, swaddling increases the risk of SIDS as they have no free arms to keep them up. Babies will start displaying these signs when it’s time to stop swaddling:
- They lose their jerking reflexes
- They can sit up
- They can roll during playtime
- They can lift themselves with their hands when on their stomach
- They can pull their swaddle off
- They show muscular control
When your baby demonstrates that their muscles have developed to the point where they can lift their legs, roll over, sit up, or resist being put in a swaddle, then that is your cue that they have grown out of the swaddle phase.
With that said, your baby probably still finds comfort in the swaddle, especially if you have used it nightly to put them to sleep; they will associate that position and method with bedtime. So, you will have to transition them off the swaddle to something else.
Why Should You Stop Swaddling Your Baby?
The biggest reason to stop swaddling your baby when they demonstrate the ability to roll over is the increased risk of SIDS. Keeping your baby’s sleep environment safe should be on your priority list. Overheating and asphyxiation are increased risks if you swaddle babies too late into their development.
When your baby can roll over onto their stomach while their arms and legs are bound in a swaddle, there is a chance that their face will be pressed to the mattress or surface of where they are lying. Loose blankets might also obstruct their breathing and lead to suffocation.
At What Age Should You Stop Swaddling?
Babies generally start gaining more control over their movements between seven and twelve months old. Infants develop at different rates, so you must watch your baby closely to see when they show signs of being able to roll over. Most babies begin to roll between ages four and six months, but some two-month-olds may be able to roll over while swaddled. You may pick up subtle signs of them getting stronger and being able to roll over.
For example, let’s say you see your four-month-old happen to roll onto their side more than once. Consider starting to transition them to other methods sooner. Swaddling involves risks, and exercising caution with our little ones is always best.
How Do You Transition From Swaddling?
When your baby has reached the end of the swaddling phase, you might find it difficult to stop cold turkey. Babies get used to specific cues or conditions when falling asleep. Your baby will be used to it as a sleep crutch if you’ve used swaddling in their sleep routine. Suddenly, changing the practice will be difficult, so you must ease your little one in.
The goal is to get your babies to sleep in their cots without restricting their movements. We have to jump through a few hoops before this can happen. Here are some steps to help transition your baby from sleeping in a swaddle to sleeping without one.
Step 1: One Arm Free
The first transition step is designed to give your baby a small taste of freedom and not overwhelm them. When you see signs that your baby is ready to leave the swaddle, the first step is to give them a little taste of freedom. Intentionally leave one arm out of the swaddle by placing that arm straight up when wrapping it. This will give them space to move while still giving a “cosy” feeling.
Step 2: Both Arms Free
Once you have given your baby a little taste of freedom, you can wrap them in a swaddle blanket with both arms out. Keeping them in the swaddle will still allow them to feel the comfort and familiarity they have felt for months but will give them that little extra control over their movements. Try this during nap time so you can keep an eye on them.
Step 3: Wearable Blanket Or Sleep Sack
Once you see your baby attempting to roll over while swaddling, it is time for the next step: a wearable blanket or sleep sack. It will fit well but leave space open for the baby’s arms and legs, mimicking the feeling of being swaddled while allowing your baby to move freely. There are several designs, so you must choose one that suits your baby best. To continue getting your baby used to sleeping without being swaddled, look for a sleep sack or wearable blanket with sleeves or holes open to let the arms out, as well as a wide bottom to allow sufficient movement of the legs.
How Can You Help With The Transition From A Swaddle?
When we are trying to transition babies out of the swaddle, it can be challenging. But there are things we can do to make the process a little easier.
Tummy Time
When your baby has started to roll over, we need to help them develop arm muscles to lift themselves. You can help them strengthen their arm muscles by giving them short periods on their tummies throughout the day. Younger infants may only tolerate a minute or two at a time, so tummy time should be divided throughout the day. It may be helpful to coordinate tummy periods with diaper changes. As their strength and skill improve, they should tolerate more extended periods. Doing this will also help them learn to crawl in the long run.
Use White Noise
Pairing a transition method like the sleep sack with another proven soothing method will help your baby avoid relying solely on the swaddle blanket. For example, playing white noise from a music machine is known to soothe babies and help them sleep through the night.
Use A Pacifier
Pacifiers act as a self-soother for babies. They simulate the same feeling of being at their mother’s breast and are a great way of helping your baby transition from the swaddle. Try to use a pacifier with one of the transition methods above, and your baby will learn to sleep without the swaddle in no time.
Final Thoughts On When To Stop Swaddling A Baby
Swaddling is an excellent method to soothe your baby. It keeps them cosy and provides them with a feeling of safety. Swaddling, on the other hand, has an expiration date. To avoid the increased risk of SIDS, it is best to stop swaddling your baby as soon as it shows signs of being able to roll over. Use the methods we’ve looked at today to transition your baby from dependence on swaddling and no longer needing the swaddle to fall asleep. Pair your transition method with soothing techniques to help your baby sleep soundly.