Swaddling your baby is a good thing for the first few weeks and months. It calms them, helps them sleep, and mimics the comfort of the womb. But how long do you swaddle a baby?
This is important to know, as swaddling can become unsafe if you don’t transition your baby out of it in time. In this article you will learn when to stop swaddling a newborn and how to help the baby sleep well without being swaddled.
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Why do we swaddle babies?
People have been swaddling their babies for many centuries, as it is one of the most effective strategies for helping a newborn sleep more soundly. It’s truly an ancient practice! Swaddling is beneficial for mimicking the womb environment, which allows a newborn to adjust to life in the outside world.
Swaddling is used by around 80-90% of moms during the baby’s first several months of life, thanks to its various benefits. The main advantages of this technique include but are not limited to:
- It may improve the quality of sleep
- It may soothe a crying baby
- It may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
At the same time, improper swaddling can lead to many complications, such as:
- Increased risk of hip dysplasia (an issue with the way the hip joint forms)
- Overheating
- Loose bedding (a baby can wiggle out, thereby blocking their airway with the cloth left in the crib)
Be sure that your swaddle is relatively tight over baby’s body and still allows for movement of baby’s legs. A loose swaddle can come undone easily and then becomes a hazard in baby’s crib. I recommend using a velcro swaddle over a traditional swaddle blanket since they are easier to adjust and use safely.
Additionally, babies should not sleep in a bed with loose blankets. This can increase their risk for accidental suffocation at bed time. Many new parents transition to a sleep sack or wearable blanket when their baby is done being swaddled. This is a great way to keep your baby warm without the added risk of extra stuff in their bed. Even older babies can find comfort in a sleep sack or wearable blanket.
When should you stop swaddling your baby
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parents wean swaddling when infants start to roll (which can happen as early as 2-3 months). However, considering that each baby is unique, there is no straightforward answer to how long to swaddle a newborn baby. Most babies are ready to be done being swaddled by 3 months of age. You should follow safe sleep guidelines to keep your little one safe when sleeping.
Related: 6 Quick Tips for a Better Sleeping Baby
5 Signs You Should Stop Swaddling Your Baby
To help you better understand when to stop swaddling an infant, we recommend considering the five signs listed below. As a result, you won’t need to lose sleep over this question ever again.
1. Baby starts waking up more often during the night after a history of sleeping well
There are many reasons newborns wake up at night; for example, they might be hungry, tired, sleepy, or feel hot. But if you notice that your baby is waking up more than usual for no particular reason, they might be getting uncomfortable in the swaddle. It is one of the first signs you should consider if you wonder how long to swaddle a baby.
2. There is a decrease or no startle reflex (Moro reflex)
It is no secret that all babies are born with this reflex (a response in your newborn to something unexpected). Consequently, when not swaddled, an infant can accidentally hurt themselves in response to loud noise, sudden movement, etc.
Once your baby outgrows the startle reflex (it usually fades anywhere between 2 and 4 months old), you should start thinking about how to transition away from swaddling.
3. The baby is getting too strong or too mobile to stay swaddled through the night
No matter how long you use swaddle blankets, one day, you will notice that it’s no longer safe to be swaddling. If your baby manages to wiggle an arm out or completely unwrap the swaddle, there is a risk of having loose swaddles in the crib, contributing to a possible strangulation or suffocation hazard.
In this case, you can move through the transition from swaddle to arms-out sleeping.
4. Baby fights when being swaddled and wants to get one or both arms out
It’s not uncommon for a baby to resist being swaddled. If you’ve just started using this technique, this reaction is completely normal and is no cause for concern.
But if an infant starts kicking, punching, and crying when you try to swaddle them (after a history of successfully using this practice), it may indicate that they need more space to sleep in comfort. So, instead of wondering how to swaddle a 3-month-old baby that suddenly resists being swaddled, think about how to step away from this practice. Otherwise, if a baby is constantly acting up, it can lead to health issues for them and can put a strain your relationship or marriage.
5. Baby rolls onto their tummy during sleep
If you are a parent wondering, “Should I stop swaddling when baby rolls to the side or onto their tummy?” you definitely should. In fact, it’s safest to stop cold turkey once your baby starts rolling over.
Once the baby shows signs of rolling over, having them in a swaddle can be unsafe. In fact, an infant might not be able to roll back over with their arms and legs confined and may not be able to life their head up without the support of their arms. Notice how your baby props themselves up on their elbows during tummy time!
When facing these changes, there is no more need to wonder when to stop swaddling the baby at night. It should be done immediately.
The good news is, once babies are able to roll onto their tummy to sleep, they may find comfort in sleeping that way. There may be some sleep disruption at first as they get used to the new routine, but you likely won’t have a fussy baby for long.
Best Tips on How to Transition Out of a Swaddle
If you find that a swaddled baby is a happy baby in your house, it can be tough to wean. There is definitely a transition period, and lots of parents know, baby’s sleep is crucial!
Here are some tips for getting your baby to not need a swaddle:
- Swaddle baby with one arm out during sleep time. This helps them get used to having their arms free, since baby’s arms are often a reason for your baby’s startle reflex.
- Use sleep sacks or wearable blankets
- Introduce a transitional item, such as a pacifier.
- Start with nap time and then switch to nighttime sleep. This gradual transition may be helpful for some babies.
- Use a white noise machine to improve their comfort
- Use the “partial night” option (baby sleeps without the swaddle for about half or a third of the night). Gradually increase this length of time as your baby gets comfortable as a more gentle sleep training technique. This can be an effective technique if your baby is close to rolling over, but not quite there yet.
Using comfort practices to help your baby sleep through the night is very beneficial as well! Things like a bedtime routine, white noise machine, and a dark room can help your little one sleep better at night.
If you don’t know what age to stop swaddling a baby, most doctors recommend stepping away from this practice as early as 2-3 months old. However, each case is unique and requires considering the factors listed above to know when its time to quit swaddling for good. Always follow safe sleep recommendations and keep loose items out of the crib for at least the first year. If there is no success in transitioning from swaddling, make sure to contact your pediatrician. Good luck and happy sleeping!
About The Author
Natalie Maximets is a certified life transformation coach at OnlineDivorce.com. She has expertise in mindfulness and sustainability. She is a published author focused on the most progressive solutions in the field of psychology. Natalie helps people go through fundamental life challenges, such as divorce, and build an entirely new life by reframing their personal narrative.
This article provided valuable insights and practical advice for parents navigating the swaddling stage. I appreciate it.