For many parents, a swaddle can be a life-saver. Swaddling is an age-old practice that involves wrapping an infant snuggly in a blanket. Part of the reason it’s been used for years is that there are a variety of benefits to swaddling!
Intended to mimic the closeness of the womb, many parents notice that swaddling calms and soothes little ones to help them sleep. Following safe-sleep guidelines, swaddling also ensures that parents are not leaving any loose blankets in the crib with sleeping newborns. Plus, the swaddle is also known for limiting wake-ups from the moro reflex.
However, like with everything–all babies are different! If your baby doesn’t like swaddle blankets, don’t worry. Here we dive into the process of deciding whether or not to swaddle and offer some alternatives if you are a parent frantically asking, “My newborn doesn’t like to be swaddled–what do I do?”
if your deciding to swaddle or not
Choosing whether or not to swaddle is a decision that each parent needs to make on their own. Every child is different, and you know your child best! These are a few things to keep in mind as you decide whether or not swaddling is the right fit for your baby.
First, consider your baby’s age. For newborns, swaddling is often recommended to help them sleep or settle down. When done properly, it is known to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS. First-time parents will often learn about the swaddle for the first time in the hospital as a nurse swaddles their little one. If you want to learn how to swaddle like a pro, check out our blog “How to Swaddle.”
However, as babies grow, the swaddle is not always the best option. Swaddling is not recommended for little ones who are able to roll over on their own. For most infants, this starts to happen around four months, but it can also happen as early as two months old.

Featuring aden+anais cotton muslin swaddle blanket in mickey mouse + minnie mouse
Parents also need to consider your baby’s reaction to swaddling. Parents who think “my baby hates being swaddled” typically struggle with getting their little ones to get comfortable. They might fight the swaddle from the beginning or refuse to settle once wrapped up tight. If this is the case, you can try swaddling with a different technique such as one arm out or both arms out.
When it comes to swaddling, make sure you are choosing the right material. Cotton muslin blankets often work best because they are soft, stretchy, and breathable.
do I have to swaddle my newborn to sleep
The short answer: absolutely! It’s completely fine if your baby hates the swaddle, and you decide to not go that route.
If your baby hates the swaddle, it is okay to never force them to use it. Since babies who hate being swaddled tend to fight and fuss, it can actually pose a safety risk. If the fabric becomes loose due to your little one’s fighting, it can increase the risk of suffocation. If this sounds like your baby, it might be safer to just skip the swaddle wraps entirely.
what happens if you don't swaddle your baby
Despite what many people say–swaddling isn’t for everyone. Some babies never take to it, and if that’s the case, there is no use trying to force it. If you’re thinking, “my infant doesn’t like to be swaddled” then you’re probably right! Babies make it very clear by:
- Trying (and sometimes succeeding) in pulling their hands free
- Constantly stretching out arms and becoming upset when unable to
- Trying to kick the blanket loose
- Crying/fussing while in the swaddle
When you see these signs, don’t fear. There are other things to comfort your little one besides swaddling!
alternatives to swaddling
For the parent saying, “my baby doesn’t like to be swaddled”, here are some alternatives to swaddling to try to help comfort your little one for naps and nighttime sleep.
wearable blankets and sleepsacks
For newborns who want to feel comfy and warm but need just a little more wiggle room than a swaddle provides, wearable blankets – also known as sleep sacks – are perfect! These are bodysuits with blanket-like material. With a hole for your baby’s head and two holes for their arms, it creates a loose fitting “sack.” Most come with a zipper, hook and loop closure, or snaps to keep it secure and in place throughout sleep.
While wearable blankets give babies more room to move their arms and legs freely, it still somewhat restricts mobility and provides a secure feeling.
Parents whose baby enjoys being swaddled eventually transition to a wearable blanket or sleep sack once their little one starts to roll over or become more mobile.
featuring organic cotton wearable blanket in earthly
pajamas
Some babies don’t ever enjoy any type of additional layers–swaddle or sleep sack–while they sleep. For these little ones, putting them to bed in just pajamas is a perfectly fine alternative to swaddling. There are a variety of pajama options out there for parents to choose from, but they should keep in mind their baby’s age and the temperature.
Some newborns, who do not like the swaddle, enjoy a knit newborn gown. Super soft and cozy, it provides comfort without making them feel too constricted like a swaddle might.
For older babies, you want to keep the temperature of the room in mind when selecting pajamas. Since loose blankets in the crib are considered a suffocation risk before the age of 1, it’s recommended parents dress their little ones in cotton pajamas. Cotton is a breathable fabric while still providing warmth. Depending on your baby’s preference and room temperature, you have the option between two-piece or footie pajamas.
featuring comfort knit footie pajama in blue moon
Our Favorite Wearable Blankets
calming techniques
One of the biggest swaddling alternatives parents don’t consider isn’t a type of blanket or clothing–it’s simply using known calming techniques to help your baby wind down, go to sleep easily, and stay asleep.
Start by making sure your baby’s room (wherever that might be) is a quality sleep environment. Many parents underestimate the impact environmental factors have on their little one’s sleep quality. To create a good sleeping space, we recommend:
- Maintaining an ideal room temperature for comfort and safety. Typically between 68 and 72°F is a good place to start.
- Using blackout curtains to block out bright sunlight.
- Playing soft, white noise or calming music. Babies are used to sounds from the womb, so this can be comforting to them.
If your baby is still fussing after a good sleep environment has been established, it’s time to use your best calming techniques. Try a gentle rocking motion, softly rubbing their back, or swaddling with a different technique if needed (arms out, or arms in but with a looser fit).