By now you have grown used to the knowledge that your baby is changing every day. As your newborn grows he will need to learn how to sleep without a swaddle. How do you know when it is time? The biggest predictor is following his cues and milestones.
When does your baby transition out of a swaddle and why?
The American Academy of Pediatrics states, “When an infant exhibits signs of attempting to roll (which usually occurs at 3 to 4 months but may occur earlier), swaddling is no longer appropriate, as it could increase the risk of suffocation if the swaddled infant rolls to the prone position.”
The Startle or Moro Reflex
One of the original reasons for swaddling your baby in the first place is to help mimic the womb like safe feeling that a swaddle could provide. Another aspect is to help curb the Moro reflex. The Moro reflex is your infant’s natural alarm system to help against sudden movements, sounds, or stimulations. This is normal, however, it can cause a baby to wake up.
You have probably seen this with your own baby. After a loud sound or quick movement his arms flail out, palms up, with his fingers extended and his head tilts back slightly before bringing his arms back to his body in a reset. For some babies, the reflex is very strong and others not so much. It naturally goes away between 4-6 months of age.
The Transition
When it comes to transitioning your baby out of their swaddle, it may take a bit of time for him to get used to the change. He will need to master the control of his arms if he exhibits a strong Moro reflex.
For some babies, those that almost always break out of their swaddle, the transition may just be something they easily adapt to. By following your baby’s cues, you can gage what you think might be the best approach for the smoothest transition. However, know that it may take a trial and error approach to what works best for your baby. Here are some options below.
Transitioning into a Sleep Sack
If your baby has been breaking out of his swaddle or you think your baby can go cold turkey, then try a sleep sack and see how he does. If your baby depends on the swaddle, you can gradually eliminate it with the step-down swaddle method, described below. When baby has successfully learned to sleep without a swaddle, but still needs a safe wearable blanket, try Halo’s Sleepsack.
Step-Down Swaddle Approach
1. Take one arm out. Begin to swaddle, but simply leave one arm out. This is a step-down method giving baby a chance to get used to having one arm free for a couple days.
2. Take two arms out. If you feel like baby has gotten used to his one arm out, then he’s ready for the next step. Simply swaddle baby’s trunk, below the armpits, leaving both arms out. Make sure to leave his legs and hips free to move. Do this for a few nights until he is comfortable.
3. It’s sleep sack time! Finally, transition to an AAP approved wearable blanket, also known as a sleep sack. The Halo Three-Way Adjustable Swaddle helps you walk through the step-down swaddle approach, keeping baby feeling secure.
A Hands-Up Swaddle Approach
How many times have you seen a sleeping baby on their back with their hands laying up on either side of their head? This is a very natural way for a baby to sleep and some studies have shown they can sleep longer in that position. When you look at a baby in the womb, they often do have their hands up by their face. There have been a few swaddles designed to offer this feature, but still keep a snug torso to allow the baby to feel snug, like in the womb. Check out the Love to Dream Swaddle Up Transition Bag that has zip off ‘wings’ so that your baby can later have his arms out when he reaches the rolling milestone. This sleep sack will allow you to go through the step-down approach, but baby has already been able to practice having his arms up.
As always, your patience and understanding of your baby’s cues will help in making the transition easier. Trial and error goes a long way while your baby learns a new way of sleeping. Keeping bedtime routines consistent, and baby’s room at the optimal settings will help as well. With practice your baby will be sleeping swaddle free in no time. Reach out to Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny to work with an overnight Newborn Care Expert or Sleep Coach.
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About The Author
Nancy M. has worked with children for over 25 years, with all ages and stages. She has been a Nursery/Pre-school teacher, an international and domestic travel as well as live-in Nanny, and House Manager. Nancy is an Advanced Newborn Care Expert, Certified Lactation Counselor, Postpartum Doula, and Certified Infant Massage Instructor. She is Mom to one daughter and volunteer foster Mom at her local animal shelter.
