Imagine that you're all curled up in your warm bed when a piercing alarm rouses you. That's what it's like for a newborn baby who has just left the comfort of your womb. Their happy, cozy world is full of overwhelming light, color, and sound, and most babies would choose to go back inside if they could!
That's why so many babies love swaddling. It's the closest thing to returning to their safe, quiet place in your tummy. Once your baby gets used to this VIP treatment, it's hard to know when to stop swaddling and help them self-soothe.
We've created this guide to teach new parents the ins and outs of swaddling, including when to stop. Read on to learn everything there is to know about the link between swaddling, safe sleep, and newborn development.
To Swaddle or Not to Swaddle? The Benefits of Swaddling
Babies love it when you swaddle them, but it can be time-consuming and involves a learning curve. Many parents wonder if it's worthwhile to start. There are several reasons why wrapping your baby is good for them, as long as you know the right time to stop.
The Startle Reflex
While the reflex is developmentally normal, it often wakes sleeping babies. Swaddled babies can't fling their arms outward. Babies that can't physically perform this reflexive motion are less likely to wake themselves up.
Thus, swaddling allows many babies to sleep longer and deeper during infancy.
Reduces Anxiety
Babies love when you hold them because it makes them feel safe and secure. Swaddling is the second best thing to do when you can't snuggle them in your arms. It imitates the feeling of being held, which is soothing to newborns.
In addition to feeling womblike, this sense of safety helps reduce anxiety in babies. They feel supported, allowing them to take the first steps toward learning to self-soothe.
SIDS Prevention
A swaddled baby doesn't need a pillow, blanket, or sheet. The swaddling wrap keeps them cozy and helps them to regulate their body temperature.
As a result, parents who swaddle their newborns are less likely to use bedding in cribs or bassinets. Loose bedding can lead to accidents. Thus, swaddled babies tend to be safer during sleep.
Swaddled babies also tend to stay on their backs. The CDC recommends babies remain on their backs during sleep to prevent choking and SIDS.
Other Safety Considerations
Babies have sharp fingernails, and keeping their arms wrapped in a swaddling wrap can help prevent accidental scratching during sleep.
Some researchers have observed that swaddling can also help soothe babies experiencing colic.
How to Safely Swaddle the Baby
When it comes to swaddling your baby, safety is paramount. To ensure your little one is snug and secure, here are key steps:
- Start with a lightweight, breathable blanket or specifically designed swaddle.
- Lay the blanket flat in a diamond shape and fold down the top corner.
- Place your baby on their back with their neck and head supported.
- Tuck one side of the blanket snugly around your baby's body, ensuring their arms are snug but not restricted.
- Fold the bottom of the blanket up over your baby's feet and tuck it in on the opposite side.
- Finally, bring the remaining corner of the blanket over your baby's body and tuck it securely underneath.
For a detailed guide on how to swaddle your baby correctly and safely, check out our blog post on the topic How to Swaddle Your Baby And Why They'll Love it.
Signs That Indicate When to Stop Swaddling
Swaddling may be safe for newborns, but at a certain point, babies outgrow it. It can be hard to stop, especially if it's effective at getting your sweet baby to sleep. Still, it's necessary to pay attention to your baby's development so you can spot the signs that swaddling may be becoming unsafe.
Rolling Over
When your baby starts to roll from back to tummy or vice versa, it's a strong indication that you should stop swaddling. Rolling over while swaddled can increase the risk of SIDS and unintentional suffocation.
If your baby shows signs of overheating such as flushed cheeks, a damp hairline, sweating, heat rash, or rapid breathing, it's also important to stop swaddling, even if they haven't started rolling over yet.
Increased Mobility
If your baby is showing increased arm and leg movements , attempting to break free from the swaddle, or showing signs of frustration or resistance while being swaddled, it may be a sign that they no longer enjoy from swaddling.
Active babies are capable of kicking off a blanket. Once loose, that blanket can become a suffocation risk. It's best to switch to a wearable blanket.
Age
As mentioned earlier, most babies can be gradually weaned off swaddling between 3 to 6 months of age. However, every child is different, so consider their individual development. If your baby is reaching other milestones like sitting up with support or showing increased strength and coordination, it might be time to transition away from swaddling.
Sleep Disruptions
If you notice that your baby's sleep patterns have changed, such as more frequent awakenings or difficulty settling down, it could be a sign that they are ready to transition out of swaddling. Some babies may prefer more freedom of movement during sleep.Comfort and Preference
Pay attention to your baby's reactions when you swaddle them. If they appear agitated, resist being swaddled, or seem more content and settled when their limbs are free, it's a clue that they may no longer need to be swaddled.
Remember, it's important to make the transition from swaddling gradually to help your baby adjust. Start by leaving one arm or both arms out of the swaddle while keeping the rest of their body snug. Gradually decrease the level of swaddling until your baby is comfortable sleeping without being swaddled at all.
If you have any concerns or questions about when to stop swaddling, consult with your pediatrician. They can provide guidance based on your baby's specific needs and development.
How to Transition from Swaddling
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Leave one arm or both out of the swaddle
Begin by leaving one arm out of the swaddle while keeping the rest of the body swaddled. After a few nights, allow both arms to be free, gradually moving to a sleep sack or wearable blanket.
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Use of transitional products
Special transition sleepwear, like sleeping bags or swaddle-transition wraps, can ease the shift while maintaining comfort and warmth for your baby.
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Observe baby's comfort
Every baby is different, so watch how your baby reacts and adjust the pace as needed. Some may adapt quickly, while others may need more time to get used to sleeping unswaddled.
Let the Baby Tell You When to Stop Swaddling
Your baby will sometimes tell you when they're ready to stop swaddling. Some little ones are naturally restless and like having access to their limbs while getting comfortable. If swaddling is no longer helpful, you can discontinue it without consequences.
Ultimately, active babies need to practice their new motor skills. If your baby is wiggly, it might be time to put the swaddling wraps away.
Other Ways to Soothe a Fussy Baby
Many parents worry that transitioning away from wraps involves going cold turkey and might lead to sleepless nights. Actually, transitioning can be gradual. Take it one step at a time—you might not lose any sleep after all!
Here are a few steps to take if your baby is becoming too active for swaddling:
- Swaddle with one or both arms out
- Switch to a wearable blanket or sleep sack
- Keep the routine consistent
- Try a white noise machine
- Ensure the room is dark
- Introduce a pacifier at night
- Try a pre-bedtime baby massage
Your baby's safety is your first priority. Just as swaddling keeps newborn babies safe, transitioning keeps older infants safe. Take the transition one step at a time, and you'll quickly fall into a new, safe routine.
FAQs about When to Stop Swaddling
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When should I stop swaddling my baby?
You should stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling over. This can happen as early as 2 months, though it varies from baby to baby.
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Why is it important to stop swaddling when my baby starts rolling?
Swaddling a baby who can roll over increases the risk of suffocation because the baby might not be able to roll back to a safe position on their own.
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How do I know it's time to stop swaddling?
Signs include your baby attempting to roll, showing discomfort when swaddled, or consistently breaking free from the swaddle.
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Can I still swaddle if my baby doesn't roll but seems fussy?
It's best to transition out of swaddling as your baby grows to promote healthy sleep habits and avoid risks related to rolling. You can try alternative methods like using sleep sacks.
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