For many new parents, swaddling quickly becomes a necessity. Many little ones find the swaddle comfortable which helps them to sleep during the day and at night. Knowing how to swaddle and when to start are important, but it is equally important for parents and caregivers to know when to stop swaddling also. This makes the swaddle transition a smoother experience for everyone, including the child.
Reasons to Stop Swaddling Early
There are several reasons why you might want to stop swaddling your baby earlier than usual. Firstly, if your baby is showing signs of rolling over or has already started to do so, it's important to stop swaddling immediately. Swaddling restricts your baby's movement, and if they roll over onto their stomach while swaddled, it can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS.
Another reason to stop swaddling is if your baby is starting to outgrow the swaddle or is showing signs of wanting more freedom of movement. As your baby gets older, they will become more active and may start to feel frustrated by the swaddle's restrictions. They may also start to generate more body heat through their increased activity, which can make them feel too warm and uncomfortable.
If your baby is consistently breaking out of the swaddle or becoming fussy during swaddling, it may be a sign that they're ready to move on. Finally, if you're concerned about your baby's hip development, it's important to stop swaddling once they start to show signs of rolling over or kicking their legs vigorously. Swaddling can put pressure on your baby's hips and potentially lead to hip dysplasia.
In summary, it's important to stop swaddling your baby if they're showing signs of rolling over or outgrowing the swaddle, if they're consistently breaking free from the swaddle or becoming fussy during swaddling, or if you're concerned about their hip development. Always monitor your baby closely and talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions.
8 Signs Your Baby is Ready to Stop Swaddling
- Rolling Over: Once your baby can roll over onto their stomach, it's time to stop swaddling. Swaddling restricts their movement, which can increase the risk of SIDS.
- Breaking out of the swaddle: If your baby is able to break free from the swaddle consistently, it's a sign that they're ready to move on.
- Waking up frequently: If your baby was previously sleeping well but is suddenly waking up frequently, it could be a sign that they're feeling constrained by the swaddle.
- Increased mobility: As your baby becomes more mobile, they may feel frustrated by the swaddle's restrictions. They may also start to feel too warm, as their increased activity generates more body heat.
- Disinterest in swaddling: If your baby is becoming less cooperative during swaddling time or fusses when you try to swaddle them, it could be a sign that they're ready to move on.
- Arm and leg stretching: If your baby is stretching their arms and legs out when they're not swaddled, it's a sign that they want more freedom of movement.
- Age: Most babies are ready to stop swaddling between 3 and 6 months of age, but every baby is different.
- Weight: If your baby is gaining weight rapidly, they may outgrow their swaddle quickly and need more room to move around.
If you're unsure whether your baby is ready to stop swaddling, talk to your pediatrician for advice.
Featuring aden + anais cotton muslin swaddle blanket in dahlias
Dangers of Swaddling for Too Long
Swaddling can be a useful tool to help calm and soothe newborn babies, but it's important to stop swaddling at the appropriate time. Swaddling a baby for too long can be dangerous and increase the risk of several health issues.
One of the main risks of swaddling for too long is hip dysplasia. When a baby's legs are wrapped tightly together in a swaddle, it can put pressure on their hips and potentially lead to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop correctly. This can cause long-term problems with walking and mobility.
Another risk of swaddling for too long is the increased risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If a baby rolls over onto their stomach while swaddled, they may be unable to move and could potentially suffocate. This is why it's important to stop swaddling as soon as a baby starts to show signs of rolling over.
Swaddling for too long can also lead to overheating, which can cause dehydration, fever, and other health problems. Overheating is more likely to occur if a baby is swaddled with too many layers or if the room temperature is too warm.
How Long to Swaddle a Baby per Day?
Done correctly, swaddling can help calm a child and promote safe sleep. In fact, properly swaddling your little one can actually help reduce the risks of SIDS as it makes it more difficult for young babies to roll onto their stomach.
Throughout this stage though, many parents find themselves asking how long to swaddle a baby per day? The answer really depends on the child. Here are several options that might work for you and your little one:
- Swaddle for all sleep: This means naps and nighttime sleep, which for newborns can be up to 17 hours total in a 24-hour time period. When not sleeping, you’ll want to make sure to allow your baby to stretch, wiggle, move, and air out.
- Swaddle just for daytime naps: The time for this will vary, but if your baby finds comfort in swaddling, wrap them up for naps! It is critical to make sure an infant does not get overly tired from lack of sleep during the day as it can lead to poor sleep at night.
- Swaddle just for nighttime sleep: Again, the exact time for this will vary for every family! Swaddling up a little one as part of your bedtime routine is a great way to provide comfort and encourage longer stretches of sleep at night.
Featuring aden + anais cotton muslin swaddle in time to dream
5 Alternatives to Swaddling
If you're looking for alternatives to swaddling your baby, there are several options that can help soothe and calm your little one:
- Sleep Sacks: Sleep sacks or wearable baby blankets are a safe alternative to swaddling that allow for movement and proper hip development. They provide warmth and security without restricting your baby's movement.
- White Noise: Many babies find white noise soothing and comforting. You can use a white noise machine, a fan, or even a smartphone app to create a calming background noise for your baby.
- Babywearing: Carrying your baby in a baby carrier or wrap can provide the comfort and closeness that they crave. Babywearing has been shown to help regulate a baby's breathing and heart rate, and can even help reduce colic and reflux.
- Rocking or Swinging: Gentle rocking or swinging can help soothe a fussy baby and lull them to sleep. You can use a baby swing, rocker, or even a simple rocking chair to provide the motion that your baby needs.
- Gentle Touch: Many babies find gentle touch soothing and comforting. You can try giving your baby a gentle massage or simply holding them close and providing gentle, soothing touches.
You can experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your baby and your family.
aden + anais wearable baby blanket in animal kingdom
What do Babies Sleep in After Swaddle?
Wrapping your baby in a swaddle is such a special time for many parents, but it does come to an end. When that time comes, you have a few options to choose from when it comes to dressing your baby for sleep:
- Any type of pajamas. Footie, two piece, or one piece would work! Remember to dress appropriately for the temperature of your baby’s room. Infants overheat easily, which is a contributing factor of SIDS, so we recommend you err on the side of caution and dress baby cooler.
- Sleep bags. These are great options for parents looking to make sure that their little ones still feel comfy and comforted, and at the same time, not overheating! These should be sleeveless and are sometimes also called sleeping bags, wearable blankets or sleep sacks!
Safely swaddling is key, but knowing how to safely transition from swaddle is also essential. Deciding when to stop swaddling can be tough, but once you realize it is time, there’s no going back!
Featuring aden + anais wearable baby blanket in animal kingdom
Our Favorite Baby Sleep Sacks
6 Strategies for Easing the Transition from Swaddling
The transition from swaddling can be challenging for both babies and parents, but there are several strategies that can make the process easier:
- Gradual Transition: Try transitioning your baby out of swaddling gradually, starting by leaving one arm or leg out of the swaddle and gradually increasing the amount of freedom over several days or weeks.
- Comfort Objects: Introducing a comfort object, such as a soft blanket or stuffed animal, can help ease your baby's anxiety and provide a sense of security during the transition.
- Consistent Sleep Routine: Establishing a consistent sleep routine can help your baby feel more secure and ease the transition from swaddling. Stick to a regular bedtime and naptime routine, and try to provide a calm and soothing environment for sleep.
- White Noise: Using white noise can help soothe your baby during the transition from swaddling. Try using a white noise machine or app to create a calming background noise that can help your baby relax and fall asleep.
- Patience and Persistence: Remember that it may take some time for your baby to adjust to sleeping without a swaddle. Be patient and persistent, and provide lots of love and reassurance during the transition. With time and patience, your baby will learn to sleep without a swaddle and develop healthy sleep habits.
- Practice: Many parents begin the swaddling transition during the daytime. Unswaddling a baby for a nap allows them the opportunity to get used to sleeping without it. We suggest trying the transition first with naptime in order for your little one to be exposed in small increments.
Tips for Keeping Your Baby Comfortable When Transitioning from Swaddling
Stopping swaddling can be an uncomfortable transition for babies, but there are several tips that can help keep your baby comfortable during the process. Dressing your baby appropriately can help keep them comfortable. Take inconsideration time of year, room temperature and material of the clothing. Overdressing can cause your baby to become overheated and uncomfortable. We recommend using a sleep sack or baby wearable blanket. Sleep sacks help keep your baby warm and comfortable while allowing for healthy hip movement and positioning.
Finding ways to soothe your baby can help keep them comfortable during the transition. Extra cuddles, comfort items like security blankets or stuffed animals can help your baby feel calm. You can also try a gentle massage, warm bath or simply holding your baby close and providing a reassuring gentle touch.
Some new parents also like to utilize room darkening curtains and white noise machines to keep baby's room quiet and dark. It can also be helpful to remove screens, such as TVs or tablets.
How Long Does it Take for my Baby to Get Used to No Swaddle?
The length of time it takes for a baby to get used to sleeping without a swaddle can vary depending on the individual baby and their sleep habits. Some babies may adjust within a few days, while others may take several weeks.
The transition can be easier for babies who are used to being swaddled loosely, or for those who are already able to self-soothe.
However, it may take longer for babies who are used to being tightly swaddled or who rely heavily on swaddling for comfort. It's important to be patient and consistent during the transition, and to provide lots of love and reassurance to your baby.
Over time, your baby will learn to sleep without a swaddle and develop healthy sleep habits.
