How to Transition From Swaddling

Being swaddled helps many newborn babies feel safe and secure. At around age 2 months, babies begin to move around a lot more, and it is around this time that swaddling usually should stop, although the ideal time to stop swaddling is subject to debate. The best way to gauge for yourself is to think about how your baby reacts to swaddling. If your baby often wriggles out of the swaddle, can roll over or even fights to get out of the swaddle, it is definitely time to stop. Swaddling an older baby can cause problems, as the baby can get uncomfortable and be more likely to wake in the night.

Instructions

  1. Change the Sleep Cue

    • 1

      Change the nighttime routine so you can initiate an alternative cue for sleep. Babies accustomed to swaddling may associate it with bedtime or napping.

    • 2

      Settle the baby down with a bottle and all the other routines you usually do before putting her down to sleep.

    • 3

      Offer the baby a soft toy or baby blanket that is safe for him to hold (something he won't get tangled up in). Instead of swaddling, place the toy or blanket close to him so he realizes that this is the new cue for sleep. This adjustment will take a little time to take hold, so keep trying.

    Transition Slowly and Gently

    • 4

      Leave one arm unswaddled on the first night, but swaddle the rest of your baby as usual. In this approach, every night you will unswaddle a little more.

    • 5

      Leave the other arm unswaddled so both arms are free on the second night. Keep everything else about your routine the same.

    • 6

      Take out one foot from the swaddling on the third night. Make sure the blankets are positioned so the baby doesn't get tangled up. She now has more freedom of movement, so take this into account when arranging the blanket.

    • 7

      Take both feet out on the fourth night, leaving the blanket just around the baby's tummy. Make sure the room is warm enough (but not too warm), around 70 degrees F. If you are worried that the baby will get cold, just place a small lightweight blanket over him up to around chest height, and tuck in the edges around the mattress to prevent entanglement or suffocation.

    • 8

      Do not swaddle at all on night five. Place a blanket over the baby as described in Step 4 if you're worried about the baby being chilly.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Why Is Sleeping On Back Considered Best For Babies?
      Knowing about safe sleeping positions for babies is important in ensuring a safe sleep environment and preventing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS falls under the category of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) and is major
    • How Many Hours Does a 17 Month Old Sleep?
      It may seem like young children never want to sleep, but they actually need more sleep than adults do. Sleep will encourage your 17 month olds healthy physical and mental development, and it will help him to be happy and cooperative throughout the da
    • Getting Baby to Sleep By Any Means
      01 of 12 As with anything new, putting a baby down to sleep often requires a lot of experimentation. And sometimes, when we're sleep deprived, we don't always come up with the best ideas. The world is a fascinating place,