Swaddling has been used by parents for centuries as a technique to soothe babies and help them sleep. The practice involves wrapping a thin fabric or light blanket around a baby’s body to keep them warm, calm, and secure, mimicking the womb environment. Many parents find swaddling to be effective in soothing their newborns and helping them sleep better, especially during the early weeks and months of their lives.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), swaddling is generally considered to be low risk. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind, including when to stop swaddling your baby, which may be sooner than you think.
When Can You Start Swaddling?
Swaddling can be started as early as the hospital days, according to Karla Pippa, a birth and postpartum doula and co-founder of NYC Birth Village. Parents have an instinct for finding ways to comfort their baby, and swaddling is one of many tools that can be used to soothe newborns. It’s important to follow safety guidelines when swaddling, such as using a thin blanket and swaddling up to the arms and shoulders, ensuring there are no loose flaps that can cover the baby’s face, and leaving enough room for the baby’s legs to bend up and out at the hips to prevent hip dysplasia. Additionally, always remember to place your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Signs You Should Stop Swaddling Your Baby
One key sign that it’s time to stop swaddling your baby is when they begin to attempt to roll. Most babies will start showing signs of rolling at around 3 to 4 months of age, although some may start as early as 2 months old. Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a pediatrician and official AAP spokesperson, explains that babies may demonstrate readiness to roll over by rolling onto their shoulders or side, kicking their legs and scooting in a circle when on their back, using their arms to lift their chest and arch their back, rocking on their stomach or from side to side, kicking or twisting their legs, or twisting one leg over the other when on their back. Once a baby demonstrates these signs, swaddling is no longer appropriate because the risk of suffocation and SIDS increases when an infant becomes more mobile and able to roll onto their tummy but find themselves restricted by the swaddle.
It’s important to note that weight doesn’t necessarily matter when it comes to swaddling; the critical factor is the baby’s ability to roll, regardless of their size or weight. However, parents can also choose to stop swaddling before their baby starts rolling if they feel the need to do so. Dr. Dolgoff reassures parents that babies do not have to be swaddled, and if a baby sleeps well unswaddled, there is no need to continue swaddling them.
How To Transition Your Baby Out of a Swaddle
Transitioning your baby out of a swaddle can be challenging, as some babies may have become accustomed to the comfort and security of being swaddled. However, there are ways to help ease the transition. Dr. Dolgoff advises that parents can choose to go “cold turkey” and stop swaddling altogether, or they can gradually wean the baby off the swaddle by leaving one arm out for a few nights, then both arms out for a few nights, and eventually stopping swaddling altogether. This gradual approach can help the baby adjust to sleeping without the swaddle gradually.
- Cold Turkey: One approach to transitioning out of a swaddle is to stop swaddling altogether, also known as going “cold turkey.” This method involves simply stopping swaddling your baby and allowing them to sleep without any type of swaddle. This can be a bit abrupt for some babies, as they may have become used to the comfort and security of being swaddled. However, for some babies, this method may work well, especially if they have already shown signs of being ready to roll over and are not too attached to the swaddle.
- Gradual Unswaddling: Another approach is to gradually unswaddle your baby. You can start by swaddling your baby with one arm out of the swaddle for a few nights, and then swaddling them with both arms out of the swaddle for a few nights, before finally stopping swaddling altogether. This gradual approach allows your baby to adjust to sleeping without the swaddle slowly, and can be a gentler way to help them transition.
- Sleep Sack: A sleep sack is a wearable blanket that can provide a sense of security for babies who are used to being swaddled. Sleep sacks come in various sizes and designs, and they allow your baby to move their arms and legs while still providing some warmth and comfort. You can use a sleep sack as an alternative to swaddling, or as a transitional step after gradually unswaddling your baby. When using a sleep sack, it’s important to choose the right size for your baby and ensure that it fits snugly around their body without any loose fabric that could pose a suffocation risk. It’s also important to follow safe sleep guidelines, such as placing your baby on their back to sleep and avoiding loose bedding or soft toys in their sleep environment.
- White Noise and Other Sleep Aids: If your baby is having difficulty adjusting to sleeping without being swaddled, you can try using other sleep aids to help soothe them. White noise machines, for example, can create a calming environment that mimics the sounds of the womb and can help drown out any outside noises that may disturb your baby’s sleep. You can also try using a pacifier, a favorite blanket or toy, or gentle rocking or swaying to help your baby feel secure and comfortable as they transition out of the swaddle.
- Patience and Consistency: It’s important to remember that every baby is different, and the process of transitioning out of a swaddle may take time. It’s normal for your baby to experience some resistance or discomfort initially, as they are getting used to a new sleep routine. Be patient and consistent in your approach, and try to create a calm and consistent bedtime routine to help your baby feel secure and relaxed as they adjust to sleeping without the swaddle.
