Swaddling can help your newborn baby sleep more soundly in the first few weeks and months, but there comes a time when your little one will outgrow this comforting technique. Discover when to stop swaddling your baby, how to transition your baby away from being swaddled, and what signs to look for that indicate it’s time to stop swaddling.
Signs That It’s Time to Stop Swaddling
The major sign that it’s time to stop swaddling is when your little one starts trying to roll over. After this point, it’s unsafe to continue swaddling. This may happen as early as 2 months or a little later. It’s also time to stop swaddling if you see signs that your baby may be overheating, including:
- Sweating
- Damp hair
- Flushed cheeks
- Heat rash
- Rapid breathing.
How Long Do You Swaddle Your Baby For?
You should stop swaddling your baby when he starts attempting to roll over. Many babies start working on this move at about 2 months old. Swaddling once your baby can roll over may increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and suffocation.
The Purpose of Swaddling
Being swaddled imitates the feeling your baby had inside the womb, where it was nice and snug. Properly done, swaddling can help soothe your little one and may help your baby sleep. This is because babies can startle themselves awake when they reflexively jerk and flail their arms and legs while sleeping. When swaddled, your baby’s arms and legs can’t jerk her awake.
The Benefits of Swaddling
Here are some of the benefits of swaddling your infant:
- Gives a sense of security
- Offers comfort
- Provides warmth
- May help your baby sleep longer
- May keep your baby from waking from the jerky movements she reflexively makes during sleep.
The Risks of Swaddling
Experts caution that swaddling does have some risks, especially if it affects your baby’s arousal from sleep. If your baby isn’t able to wake herself from sleep, this may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Check with your baby’s healthcare provider if you’re concerned about swaddling your baby or have questions on its safety.
Transitioning Your Baby Out of a Swaddle
There isn’t necessarily a transitional period out of swaddling. Either you swaddle your newborn or you don’t. If you do swaddle, experts recommend stopping when your baby starts trying to roll over, which may happen at about 2 months of age. When you've stopped swaddling your baby, you can dress your baby for sleep in a nightgown, sleeper, or pyjamas, over an undershirt and diapers. It’s a good rule of thumb to dress your baby in just one more layer of clothing than what you’re wearing to ensure she’s comfortable. If the weather is hot, she won’t need more than a single layer. It’s also a good idea to keep the bedroom at a cool temperature for your baby’s optimal comfort.
How Do You Get Your Baby to Sleep Without Being Swaddled?
Instead of swaddling your infant, you may consider using sleep clothing such as a wearable blanket or a sleeping sack. Keep in mind, if the item you choose constricts your baby’s arms, chest, or body, stop using it when you see that your baby is attempting to roll over on her own. If you choose a garment that doesn’t constrict the arms, you can use it as long as you like. You may also consider trying some soothing techniques to help your baby get to sleep. For example, create a relaxing bedtime routine that may include a bath, a massage, a bedtime story, or a little quiet cuddle time. You may also find that playing soft music or creating white noise (such as by running a fan pointed at a wall, or using a baby sound machine) can help your baby fall asleep. Whether your baby is swaddled or not, make sure you place him in his crib on his back, as this is the safest sleeping position.
The Bottom Line
Swaddling can help your newborn relax and sleep better, but experts say to stop swaddling once your baby starts trying to roll over on her own. And, if you see your baby becoming overheated, it’s safest to stop swaddling, choose a lighter swaddling blanket, or adjust the room temperature. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to swaddle your baby. If you’re weighing the risks and benefits and are unsure which way to go, ask your baby’s healthcare provider for personalized advice. Your provider can also show you how to safely swaddle your baby. As a parent, you want your baby to sleep soundly, and swaddling is just one of the tools at your disposal in the early months. You can also play around with things like creating a soothing sleep routine and playing soft music to see what works best for your newborn. When the time comes to stop swaddling, you’ll be able to look back at how far your baby has already come since that first night in your home.
