WHEN TO STOP SWADDLING: TIPS FOR SAFE TRANSITION OUT OF SWADDLING

ORIGINALLY POSTED: 13 September 2020

For many new parents, swaddling quickly becomes a necessity. Many little ones find the swaddle comfortable which helps them to sleep during the day and at night. Knowing how to swaddle and when to start are important, but it is equally important for parents and caregivers to know when to stop swaddling also. This makes the swaddle transition a smoother experience for everyone, including the child.

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How long to swaddle a baby per day?

Done correctly, swaddling can help calm a child and promote safe sleep. In fact, properly swaddling your little one can actually help reduce the risks of SIDS as it makes it more difficult for young babies to roll onto their stomach.

Throughout this stage though, many parents find themselves asking how long to swaddle a baby per day? The answer really depends on the child. Here are several options that might work for you and your little one:

  • Swaddle for all sleep. This means naps and nighttime sleep, which for newborns can be up to 17 hours total in a 24 hour time period. When not sleeping, you’ll want to make sure to allow your baby to stretch, wiggle, move and air out.
  • Swaddle just for daytime naps. The time for this will vary, but if your baby finds comfort in swaddling, wrap them up for naps! It is critical to make sure an infant does not get overly tired from lack of sleep during the day as it can lead to poor sleep at night.
  • Swaddle just for nighttime sleep. Again, the exact time for this will vary for every family! Swaddling up a little one as part of your bedtime routine is a great way to provide comfort and encourage longer stretches of sleep at night.

Signs it’s time to stop swaddling

Like most everything with babies, the swaddling era will come to an end. Knowing if it’s time to transition from swaddling is the first step in the swaddle transition process! There are several key behaviors and indicators parents and guardians should look for. Typically, you’ll start to notice a change in your baby’s normal patterns that causes you ask the following questions:

What if my baby fights swaddle?

This is extremely frustrating, especially when your baby fights swaddle but NEEDS to sleep.

There is a chance your baby does like to be swaddled but just isn’t a fan of how you do it or what you’re using.

First, make sure your swaddle technique is solid and secure. Then, look to see if you are using a high quality blanket or velcro swaddle. If neither of these helps, when a baby starts to consistently fight it, it might be time to consider a transition from swaddling.

What if my baby is breaking out of the swaddle?

Having a little Houdini can be tricky! If your little one likes the swaddle but then breaks out during the night (even worse if breaking out wakes them up!), you need to consider why they are breaking out in the first place. Is it because the swaddle is not properly done or too small? Remember, swaddles help to prevent babies from waking up as a result of their startle reflex.

Or are they breaking out for comfort? You might consider that your little one wants a little more freedom when sleeping. Try swaddling with just one arm out. You can also try swaddling with both arms out.

If neither of these helps to comfort your baby, it might be time to consider a swaddle transition.

Can I still swaddle if my baby rolls over?

Rolling over is a major milestone! It’s an important developmental checkpoint, and it is also critical when it comes to determining when to stop swaddling. As soon as your baby starts to roll over, no matter their age, it is time to stop swaddling immediately!

When to stop swaddling baby

Like most everything with babies, the swaddling era will come to an end. Knowing if it’s time to transition from swaddling is the first step in the swaddle transition process! There are several key behaviors and indicators parents and guardians should look for. Typically, you’ll start to notice a change in your baby’s normal patterns that causes you ask the following questions:

Is it safe to stop swaddling at 1 month?

The major indicitorar that it’s time to stop swaddling is a baby becoming more active and successfully rolling over. This does typically happen in babies 1 month or younger. But if your little one seems to be fighting the swaddle and unable to sleep, it is safe to try other safe sleep products such as sleep sacks. But with infants this young, it is critical to continue practicing safe sleep habits:

  • Always place the baby on their back on a firm mattress
  • Keep crib/bassinet free of loose blankets, sheets, or toys
  • Layer appropriately to avoid overheating.

How to stop swaddling at 2 months

At two months old, it is very possible your little one could start successfully rolling over. If that is the case, it is time to begin the transition from swaddling. Here are some tips to make the transition easier:

  • Swaddle with arms out for a few nights to get them used to it.
  • Add a white noise or other sound machine. This mimics what the world sounded like for babies within the womb and can be calming during this transition.
  • Consider using a sleeping bag in place of a swaddle.

How to stop swaddling at 3 months

At 3 months old, a lot of babies have started to attempt rolling over. If this is your little one, this might be the time to start the swaddle transition in preparation for when they can successfully roll. Here are some tips to make the transition easier:

  • Swaddle with one or two arms out for a few nights.
  • If you haven’t already done so, start to establish a bedtime and nap routine to prepare your baby for sleep. For example, a bedtime routine could be: bath, pajamas/sleep bag, books, feed, rock, and sleep. Find what works for you and your family!
  • Pajamas on their own might not be warm enough or comforting enough which is why a sleep bag can help ease the swaddle transition.

How to stop swaddling at 4 months

Typically, this is the age most parents can begin the swaddling transition as little ones have become more active and started to roll. Here are some tips to make the transition easier:

  • Be consistent during transition. Switching every other night between a swaddle and a sleep bag can be confusing.
  • Be patient with your little one (and yourself!). For them, this might be a big change.
  • Swaddle with two arms out at first to prepare them.

When to stop swaddling baby at night

Many parents begin the swaddling transition during the daytime. Unswaddling a baby for a nap allows them the opportunity to get used to sleeping without it. We suggest trying the transition first with naptime in order for your little one to be exposed in small increments.

However, if your little boy or girl is rolling over from back-to-front, it is critical to stop swaddling right away. If a baby rolls over while swaddled, this increases the risk of SIDS as they are unable to use their arms to roll back over.

How long does it take for baby to get used to no swaddle?

Like most things when it comes to little ones, the amount of time it takes for a baby to get used to sleeping without a swaddle varies. Some babies are ready the first night! Others, despite showing developmental signs of being ready to be done with the swaddle, might take a little longer to get used to it. Remember, be consistent! Once you start the transition, do not go back.

What do babies sleep in after swaddle?

Wrapping your baby in a swaddle is such a special time for many parents, but it does come to an end. When that time comes, you have a few options to choose from when it comes to dressing your baby for sleep:

  • Any type of pajamas, Footie, two piece, or one piece would work! Remember to dress appropriately for the temperature of your baby’s room. Infants overheat easily, which is a contributing factor of SIDS, so we recommend you err on the side of caution and dress baby cooler.
  • Sleep bags. These are great options for parents looking to make sure that their little ones still feel comfy and comforted, and at the same time, not overheating! These should be sleeveless

Safely swaddling is key, but knowing how to safely transition from swaddle is also essential. Deciding when to stop swaddling can be tough, but once you realize it is time, there’s no going back!