When to Stop Swaddling: What You Need to Know

Since you brought your newborn home from the hospital, she has long enjoyed being swaddled. And you’ve always loved the feeling it has given her. But in the back of your mind, you wonder when you should put an end to swaddling.

Research shows that swaddling is effective for helping Baby to sleep by mimicking the womb’s coziness. It is also known to soothe babies and even support breastfeeding. But it shouldn’t go on forever.

Here’s a rundown on how long to swaddle and when to stop swaddling your child.

Let’s get started!

When to Stop Swaddling

Given the many benefits of swaddling your baby, you may naturally want to use a baby swaddle on your child for as long as possible. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is best to put an end to swaddling when your child begins rolling over.

That typically happens from two to four months old.

Keep in mind that during this age range, your child may be capable of rolling over onto her stomach, but rolling back over might not be possible for her. Thus, if you keep swaddling her during this timeframe, you might increase her risk of experiencing sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.

How to Foster the Transition from Swaddling

When it is time to put an end to using a newborn swaddle, you should simply take her wrap away. Then, replace the swaddle with a new wrap — one that will meet her developmental stage.

During this transition period, make sure that your child’s arms remain free while she sleeps.

Note that you could use a sleep sack instead of a wrap. The benefit of a sleep sack is that it will allow your child to move around some, thus building her strength. However, if she rolls over during the night, you should place her back on her back.

Sleep sacks also offer the benefit of getting your child ready for sleeping with blankets when it is safe to do so.

Once your baby is ready to move on from a sleep sack, you could transition her to a wearable child blanket. This type of blanket will allow her to move her legs and arms freely without any hazards.

The wearable blanket will give your child an idea of what it feels like to use a blanket as she gets older.

Navigate the Swaddling and Post-Swaddling Stages with Confidence Today

Swaddling a newborn baby is generally an excellent way to calm your child down and thus improve her sleep. However, your child will eventually outgrow the swaddling stage, so it is critical that you know when to stop swaddling.

Fortunately, it is indeed possible to smoothly transition your child to life after swaddling. Follow the above-listed tips for moving your child away from swaddle blankets with confidence in the years ahead.

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