When to Stop Swaddling Your Baby: Signs to Look Out For

Swaddling can help your newborn baby sleep more soundly in the first few weeks and months, but there comes a time when your little one will outgrow this comforting technique. Discover when to stop swaddling your baby, how to transition your baby out of swaddling, and what signs to look for that indicate it’s time to stop swaddling.

At What Age to Stop Swaddling?

There’s no exact age to stop swaddling your baby; however, once they start attempting to roll over you should stop swaddling them. Rolling over commonly occurs when babies are around 3 or 4 months old, but some babies may start working on this move at about 2 months old. 

Swaddling once your baby can roll over may increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and suffocation.

Why Stop Swaddling?

As we mentioned above, it’s best to stop swaddling your baby once they start to roll over. This is because there’s a risk of suffocation and SIDS if your baby rolls over onto their stomach while swaddled.

Of course, it’s up to you whether you choose to swaddle your newborn for the first couple of months after birth. It’s important to follow safe sleep measures, correct swaddling techniques, and understand the benefits and disadvantages of swaddling a baby before making your decision. Your healthcare provider can also provide you with information and advice. Here are the pros and cons of swaddling:

If your baby is struggling with the transition out of a swaddle, or maybe sleep has become a distant memory since your newborn arrived—get your customized sleep plan from the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™ app. Loved by parents and backed by experts, it’s got everything you need to get your newborn sleeping like a pro!

Signs That It’s Time to Stop Swaddling

The major sign that it’s time to stop swaddling is when your little one starts trying to roll over. After this point, it’s unsafe to continue swaddling. This may happen as early as 2 months or a little later on.

It’s also time to stop swaddling if you see signs that your baby may be overheating, such as sweating in their swaddle. Other signs of overheating include:

• Damp hair

• Flushed cheeks

• Heat rash

• Rapid breathing.

How to Transition out of the Swaddle?

There isn’t necessarily a transitional period out of swaddling. Either you swaddle your newborn or you don’t. If you do swaddle, experts recommend stopping when your baby starts trying to roll over, which may happen at about 2 months of age.

When you've stopped swaddling your baby, you can dress them for sleep in a nightgown, sleeper, or pajamas, over an undershirt and diapers. It’s a good rule of thumb to dress your baby in just one more layer of clothing than what you’re wearing to ensure they’re comfortable.

If the weather is hot, they won’t need more than a single layer.

It’s also a good idea to keep the bedroom at a cool temperature for your baby’s optimal comfort.

Swaddle with Arms Out

When transitioning your baby out of swaddling, you may be wondering if you can swaddle your baby with one arm out or with both arms out. If your little one enjoys the security of being bundled up, you could try using a sleep sack with arms out or swaddling with arms out from around 2 months of age or when you notice signs that your baby is starting to roll over. 

Use a Transitional Item

If your baby won’t sleep or is having difficulty sleeping without a swaddle, but can roll over, you could try transitioning from swaddle to sleep sack. Find a sleep sack that allows your baby to move freely without compressing their arms once they can roll over.

How to Get Your Baby to Sleep Without a Swaddle?

As we mentioned above, instead of swaddling your infant, you may consider using sleep clothing such as a wearable blanket or a sleeping sack.

Keep in mind, if the item you choose constricts your baby’s arms, chest, or body, stop using it when you see that your baby is attempting to roll over on their own.

If you choose a garment that doesn’t constrict the arms, you can use it as long as you like.

You may also consider trying some soothing techniques to help your baby get to sleep. For example, create a relaxing bedtime routine that may include a bath, a massage, a bedtime story, or a little quiet cuddle time.

You may also find that playing soft music or creating white noise (such as by running a fan pointed at a wall, or using a baby sound machine can help your baby fall asleep.

Whether your baby is swaddled or not, make sure you place them in their crib on their back, as this is the safest sleeping position.

For top tips on getting sleep on track, check out this video from Mandy Treeby, Chief Pediatric Sleep Consultant and co-founder of the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers app.

The Bottom Line

Swaddling can help your newborn relax and sleep better, but experts say to stop swaddling once your baby starts trying to roll over on their own.

And, if you see your baby becoming overheated, it’s safest to stop swaddling, choose a lighter swaddling blanket, or adjust the room temperature.

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to swaddle your baby. If you’re weighing the risks and benefits and are unsure which way to go, ask your baby’s healthcare provider for personalized advice. Your provider can also show you how to safely swaddle your baby.

As a parent, you want your baby to sleep soundly, and swaddling is just one of the tools at your disposal in the early months. You can also play around with things like creating a soothing sleep routine and playing soft music to see what works best for your newborn.

When the time comes to stop swaddling, you’ll be able to look back at how far your baby has already come since that first night in your home.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}