Swaddled infants sleep longer and wake less during the night. And longer sleeps equals a big parenting win!
There will come a time to say goodbye to your baby’s sweet cocoon, to ensure her safety and comfort. So how do you know when to stop swaddling baby? There’s no one right answer, but there are some signs that can help you spot when the time is right.
The Moro Reflex & When to Stop Swaddling Baby
The Moro reflex causes babies to startle themselves awake at night when they move. The Moro reflex starts to disappear around 12 weeks, and is typically gone by the 6 month mark. As the reflex goes away, it is likely your baby will be less reliant on being swaddled.
Extra tip: pay attention to your baby’s range of motion. If she is escaping from her swaddle at night, this may show she's ready to move on.
Is it Safe to Swaddle a Baby That Can Roll Over?
No. Once your baby is rolling over, you should not swaddle her at all. Swaddled babies must sleep on their backs. If they were to master rolling onto their tummies, this could be very dangerous as it increases the risk of SIDS. Babies can start rolling over as early as 4 months old, while others may master it around the 6 month mark.
Simple Steps to Transition from Swaddling
It takes some time to get used to life outside the swaddle! Before your baby has outgrown her swaddle, have an action plan ready for a smooth transition. Here are some easy steps from healthline.com to follow when transitioning out of a swaddle. Try each step for 2-3 nights before moving to the next step.
- Start with letting one arm be free while baby is sleeping.
- Move on to letting both arms free of the swaddle.
- Consider whether baby is liking the freedom, or if she needs to go back to full swaddling. Your baby may not be as ready as you thought to give up her swaddle. If she is having trouble sleeping without her swaddle, you might need to go back to it for a few more weeks.
Sweet dreams, little one!
