A 7 day plan to transition your baby from a swaddle to a sleeping bag while protecting sleep as much as possible.
Swaddling during the first few months can really help with sleep. But from around 4-5 months it can start to become a strong sleep association, so even if your baby hasn’t begun rolling yet - we still recommend you start to wean the swaddle by 3-4 months.
Day 1. Unswaddle one arm out for their first nap of the day. Then swap back to both arms in for all other sleep times.
Day 2. Unswaddle one arm out for all naps. Then swap back to arms in for bedtime and overnight.
Day 3. Unswaddle one arm out for all naps AND bedtime. Then after the first night feed swap to both arms back in.
Day 4. Unswaddle one arm out for all naps, bedtime and overnight. If they go ok, you can move to Day 5. If not, give them a couple of days to get used to having one an arm out first for all sleep times.
Day 5. Unswaddle both arms out for all naps. Then swap back to one arm in for all other sleep times.
Day 6. Unswaddle both arms out for all naps AND bedtime. Then after the first night feed swap to one arm back in.
Day 7. Unswaddle both arms out for all sleep times. Even if they’re a little more unsettled than usual just stick with it now, it should only take a couple of days for them to get comfortable sleeping with both arms out.
Tip: Some babies prefer to keep their hands covered at first, so dress them in a sleep suit that has built-in mittens that can be pulled over their hands. Never dress them in mittens that are not a part of the sleep suit as loose mittens pose a choking risk.
As your baby gets used to having their arms out you can also start to uncover their hands as many babies start to like to use their fingers and hands as a soothing tool when sleeping.
Note: As soon as your baby shows signs of attempting to roll it’s important to unswaddle both arms immediately for all sleep times, as it’s unsafe if your baby rolls to their tummy while still swaddled.
When to stop swaddling baby: Transition out of swaddle
Need to say goodbye to the swaddle? The time comes when all babies have to transition to being swaddle free and having their arms available for safe sleep. This transition often goes well, but in this article, we’ll cover some strategies for when you want to prepare in advance for this move, or if your baby needs a little more help to adjust.
When to stop swaddling newborn
Most babies will transition out of the swaddle around 2 - 3 months of age [ ]. Some babies transition just fine, however, others need a bit more help moving away and being arms free.
As newborns get older, they may naturally start breaking free or resisting their swaddle. Some babies, albeit still , will start to show signs of rolling and will need their arms free for safety reasons.
How long do you swaddle a baby
From newborn age to about 2 - 3 months of age, swaddles can help newborns get to sleep and increase total sleep time as it helps to reduce wakings due to the Moro reflex [ ]. The Moro reflex is often quite dramatic, causing your baby to quickly extend their arms and legs out as if they’re falling. It can cause them to suddenly wake, and may even cause them to become upset. Swaddling helps to keep the arms and legs from extending and can reduce the startle. It can also help babies feel secure and replicate the safety and coziness they experienced in the womb.
However, once your little one starts to show signs of rolling over or starting to resist, it may be time to transition out of the swaddle.
Best way to transition your baby out of swaddle
Ideally, you’d work on practicing this new way of sleeping before your baby starts to show signs of rolling. That gives lots of time to play with and you can gradually move away from the full swaddle little by little over a couple of weeks. Taking your time may also help to reduce any anxiety you have about making changes to sleep routines!
First, we suggest starting with nights, then moving to naps. The transition could look like this:
Method 1: Cold turkey
Go cold turkey! This may be suitable for families who have calm, settled babies who don’t spend periods of time fussing or get overtired easily. You can always try this method and if your little one gets upset, settle them with your usual settling technique such as patting if required. If you’ve given it a go and found it too challenging, then try method 2 or 3 below.
Method 2: Remove one arm at first
Remove just one arm from the swaddle for a few days (word of caution: follow your manufacturers’ recommendations, some swaddles don’t allow for one arm out). Then you can remove both arms from the swaddle leaving just the legs swaddled. Finally, remove the entire swaddle. Then, work on naps.
Method 3: Remove the swaddle at bedtime first
If you’re still struggling with the Moro reflex waking your baby: remove the swaddle (or part of the swaddle) at bedtime only to start. Re-swaddle on their first night waking. If your baby gets upset, use your usual method such as patting, cuddling, or rocking to help calm them down. This can help make the process more manageable by limiting overtiredness, which is sometimes inevitable during a transition like this.
Moving to naps
When bedtime becomes a bit easier, you can stop swaddling when your baby wakes up during the night.
Now, move to naps. You can start with the first nap of the day to get them used to the new way of sleeping and then move on to the other naps, or if your baby has done well up to this point, transition them to being swaddle free straight away.
Signs to transition your baby out of the swaddle
Signs it's time to ditch the swaddle include:
Moro reflex lessens
Baby starts resisting the swaddle
Baby starts rolling
We'll explain more below:
Sign #1: Moro reflexes
You may notice your baby doesn’t startle in the same way, as the Moro reflex lessens over the first few months of life. If it’s not causing wakings, or they jerk but aren’t awoken fully, then you can start to transition to being swaddle free.
Sign #2: Baby starts resisting the swaddle
You may also notice that your child may start resisting their swaddle or breaking free. This is a good sign they’re ready for change.
Sign #3: Baby starts rolling
If your baby shows signs that they’re starting to roll then it’s time to transition straight away. They may be lifting their upper body more, or rolling onto their shoulders and reaching out. Your little one’s lower body may also show more signs of strength and their hips start to twist. If this is the case, we need to immediately remove the swaddle to help keep your kiddo safe.
8 Tips and tricks for transitioning baby out of swaddle
Here are some tips for transitioning away from the swaddle:
Plan ahead
Start with bedtime first
Try one arm out
Start with the first nap of the day
Prepare for a transition period
Consider a transitional product
Go cold turkey!
Avoid weighted swaddles and other items
Find more info below:
Tip #1: Plan ahead
Plan ahead for the swaddle transition so you have time to introduce gradual changes before your baby starts to show signs of rolling.
Tip #2: Start with bedtime first
Start with bedtime first, typically this is when there’s the most sleep pressure, and it will be easier for your baby to fall asleep with changes to their usual patterns or routines.
Tip #3: Try one arm out
If your swaddle allows, try for one arm out at first before transitioning to both arms out. Remember to check the manufacturers’ recommendations.
Tip #4: Start with the first nap of the day
For naps, start with the first nap of the day and then progress to others.
Tip #5: Prepare for a transition period
Prepare for a transition period. It may (or may not!) have an impact on sleep. Persevere through this time as your baby learns new settling methods.
Tip #6: Consider a transitional product
You may want to consider a transitional product such as the Magic Merlin Sleepsuit and Zipadee-Zip, for example. Many provide a similar sense of security and coziness. Think of it like a swaddle blanket!
Tip #7: Go cold turkey!
If your baby is generally calm and settled in their sleep you may want to consider going cold turkey and just stopping the swaddle. Many babies will adjust better than we think.
Tip #8: Avoid weighted swaddles and other items
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend [ ] weighted swaddles and other weighted items. If you use one of these products then transition to a non-weighted swaddle or to being swaddle-free.
How to get baby sleep without swaddling
There are many things to consider when trying to your little one to sleep without swaddling. Here is a list of things to try:
Solidify a for your baby.
Take a look at their .
Give a massage to your little one - it can be calming.
Consider a .
Make sure your baby is .
Takeaway
Most babies will transition out of the swaddle around 2 - 3 months, when they first show signs of rolling. They may also naturally start breaking free or resisting their swaddle.
Ideally, parents work on practicing sleeping without a swaddle before their baby shows signs of rolling. We suggest starting with nights then moving to naps. A full transition to sleep without the swaddle can happen all at once, with one arm out for a few days, or by using a gradual method and removing the swaddle at bedtime first.
Signs it's time to ditch the swaddle include: Moro reflex lessens, baby starts resisting the swaddle, or baby shows signs of rolling (or starts rolling).
Tips for transitioning out of the swaddle include prepare for a transition, consider a transitional product, go cold turkey, and avoid weighted swaddles and other items. Also consider using a sleep sack and try baby massage.
How to Transition Baby From Swaddle to Sleep Bag
Swaddling is a time-tested method to help babies sleep by calming their Moro Reflex, also known as the startle reflex. It works wonders in keeping your little one from waking themselves up. However, there comes a point where you'll need to think about transitioning from a swaddle to a sleep bag. When does this happen and how can you do it smoothly? Let's dive in.
Understanding the Moro Reflex
The Moro Reflex is a natural reaction that babies experience when exposed to a sudden sound or sensation. In this reflex, your baby might throw back their head, extend their arms and legs, cry, and then retract their limbs. This reflex can be disruptive to their sleep, which is why swaddling can be so effective in the early months.
Signs Your Baby is Ready for Transition
While every baby is different, around 3 months, your baby may show signs that it might be time to transition out of a swaddle! (The AAP recommends making this transition at 3 months, but if you have questions, always consult your doctor.)
The following signs can indicate your baby is ready to make the transition:
Increased activity or freeing arms mid-sleep
Growing strength or mobility that makes staying swaddled difficult
Resisting the swaddle by attempting to take out one or both arms
Starting to roll over due to stronger arms and neck
Waking up more frequently during the night
A noticeable decrease in the Moro Reflex
They’re physically too big for the swaddle
The Role of the Transitional Swaddle
Transitional swaddles are designed provide a better way to keep baby warm & comfortable during this phase. They offer the snugness your baby loves while allowing for increased mobility, and they serve as an excellent stepping stone before fully moving to a sleep bag.
gunamuna’s transitional swaddle is tailored for little ones aged around 3-6 months. It's perfect for babies who cherish that semi-snug feeling around their middle, similar to our original swaddle design. Designed for babies ready to snooze with their arms free, our ingenious transitional swaddle bridges the gap between the snug embrace of our classic swaddle and the comfier, looser fit of a future gunamuna sleep bag.
Steps to Move from Swaddle to Sleep Bag
Once you and baby are ready to stop swaddling, our transitional swaddle can help with making that transition before fully moving into a sleep bag. The following steps using our transitional swaddle bag during naps and nighttime sleep are an easy way to transition baby from swaddle to sleep bag – all without going cold turkey and risking an abrupt transition that could cause more hurt than help!
Swaddle with One Arm In, One Arm Out: Using our original swaddle, secure the velcro around your baby's body but unzip at one shoulder to leave one arm free.
Swaddle with Both Arms Out: Use our original swaddle and secure the velcro around your baby’s body, then unzip at both shoulders to leave both arms exposed.
Introduce the Transitional Swaddle: If your little one has outgrown their swaddle but isn’t quite ready for the sleep bag yet, use a transitional swaddle bag. The ¾ sleeves and soothing torso fit will help control the Moro startle reflex while still allowing some freedom of movement!
Introduce the Sleep Bag: Finally, transition your baby into a full sleep bag and enjoy the new stretch of peaceful slumber.
Additional Considerations for a Smooth Transition
Consider using our transitional swaddle during naps first before moving on to nighttime sleep. This allows your baby to get accustomed to the new sleep arrangement in a less disruptive manner.
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