Swaddle
Swaddling can help newborns settle by calming the startle reflex. But there is a clear point where it has to stop: when your baby shows signs of trying to roll over. That is the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and it is the single most important rule about swaddling.
Why rolling is the line
A swaddled baby who rolls onto their tummy cannot use their arms to push up, move their head or roll back. Sleeping on the stomach while swaddled is linked to a much higher risk of sudden infant death. Safe sleep experts are clear that a baby who might roll needs their arms free.
Signs it is time to stop
- Rocking side to side, or getting onto their side in the swaddle
- Kicking hard enough to twist their hips over
- Rolling during tummy time
- Breaking out of the swaddle night after night
- Reaching an age where rolling is likely (many babies start between 2 and 4 months)
If you see any rolling attempts, stop swaddling for all sleeps, starting that night.
How old are babies when you stop swaddling?
There is no exact age. Some babies start trying to roll as early as 2 months, and most are rolling somewhere around 4 to 6 months. Because the timing varies so much, watch your baby rather than the calendar. If you are unsure, err on the side of stopping.
Three ways to transition
1. Cold turkey. Switch straight to an arms-out sleep sack. Expect a few unsettled nights. Many babies adjust within 3 to 7 nights. This is the right choice if your baby is already showing signs of rolling.
2. One arm out. Swaddle with one arm out for 2 to 3 nights, then both arms out. This only works if your baby is not yet rolling.
3. Transition sleep sack. Some sleep sacks are designed to bridge the gap, such as ones with removable wings. They must leave the arms free once rolling starts, and should never be weighted. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against weighted sleep sacks and weighted swaddles.
Tips for the first nights
- Start at bedtime, when sleep pressure is highest.
- Keep the rest of the routine exactly the same.
- Use steady white noise at a safe volume to help with startles.
- Expect shorter naps for a few days. An earlier bedtime helps.
- Check the room temperature and layers: with arms out, your baby may need a different sleep sack TOG. See what to wear to sleep.
Safe swaddling until then
Always place a swaddled baby on their back, keep the swaddle snug around the chest but loose at the hips so the legs can bend and move, and make sure your baby does not overheat. See how to swaddle a baby.