How to Transition Out of a Swaddle: 3 Tips

Babies may not have strong opinions about most things, but when it comes to swaddling—they either love it or hate it. No matter where your little one stands on the argument, after weeks (or months) of wrapping them up like a burrito, you’re probably wondering how to transition from swaddling to a wearable blanket.

With a little know-how, you’ll recognize the signs that it’s time to start the transition, what to expect, and how to transition out of swaddle-wearing effectively.

As wonderful as it would be, no personalized parenting guide tells you exactly the right time to stop swaddling. Instead, it’s up to you to determine when they’re ready to transition away from swaddle. There are some signs to look out for when deciding to make this transition.

According to the AAP, most babies begin to show signs of being able to roll over around three to four months.¹ But if they’re not quite there yet, there are other signs you can watch for to know they're getting ready.

Keep an eye out for these tell-tale clues that your little one is about to check this major milestone off of their to-do list:

• Gaining more control of their head and shoulders during tummy time

• Completing partial rolls to their shoulders or side

• Scooting in a circle by kicking their legs when lying on their back

• Increasing leg strength by rolling their hips from side to side and lifting their legs with their hips

If your baby is showing a combination of these signs or has just started rolling over, it’s time for them to ditch the swaddle in favor of other safe sleep options.

When babies are startled or feel like they’re falling, their arms will automatically flail to the sides until the reflex subsides. This is called the Moro reflex, and it can happen at any time—even during sleep.

If the Moro reflex occurs while sleeping, a swaddle can be helpful by keeping their arms tucked in, preventing sleep disruption that may wake them.

Babies usually outgrow the startle reflex around three to four months.² If you notice they’re startling less or have stopped altogether, it may be a sign that they no longer need the swaddle and are ready to start transitioning out of it.

Once your little one begins to hint that they’re ready to transition from the swaddle, it’s time to put your brilliant plan into motion—but what is the plan, exactly?

The strategy that worked for your niece or nephew might not work for your little one. That’s why we outline two methods on how to stop swaddling below.

If you'd prefer to move away from the swaddle during a lower-stakes time of day, consider starting with gradual swaddle-free naps. Since naps are shorter than nighttime sleep, they provide a more manageable environment for your baby to adjust to sleeping without the swaddle.

• Step 1 – Leave one arm out of the swaddle when putting your baby down for sleep. For the first few days, start with just one arm out. This allows your baby to get used to the feeling of having one arm free while still maintaining the comfort of partial swaddling.

• Step 2 – Remove the second arm from the swaddle once the baby seems comfortable sleeping with one arm out. This could take anywhere from a few days to a week (and sometimes longer). This gradual approach allows your baby to continue feeling snug while adapting to the freedom of both arms.

You can also try this method during nighttime sleep instead of (or in addition to) naps. Follow your baby’s sleep cycle and your own comfort level to determine which sleep periods work best for easing out of the swaddle.

If your baby hasn’t started rolling over yet, you may have a bit more time to ease them out of the swaddle. One approach you can try is starting the night with their arms out of the swaddle and re-swaddling them later for the remainder of the night.

Here are the simple directions for incorporating this method:

• Step 1 – At bedtime, swaddle your little one with one or both arms out. They’ll stay hands-free until their first wake-up.

• Step 2 – When they wake up for their first feeding or diaper change, re-swaddle them with both arms tucked in for the rest of the night.

With this method, the goal is to gradually extend the time they sleep with their arms out, helping them adjust to the freedom of moving their hands and arms at their own pace.

If you prefer a little extra help during the swaddle transition, these products are known to make the sleep training process smoother for many caregivers and their babies:

• Swaddle transition sacks – For babies who still love the snug feeling of a swaddle, transition sacks can be a great option. These sacks mimic the coziness of traditional swaddles and often feature zipper arm openings, allowing you to gradually free their arms. Your baby can start by sleeping with their arms up, and when they’re ready, you can release both arms for full freedom. Plus, they keep baby warm all night long.

• Wearable blankets – Also known as sleep bags, these are safe alternatives to loose blankets. Wearable blankets provide warmth and comfort without the safety concerns of traditional blankets. They’re ideal for babies who are rolling over and ready to graduate to a swaddle-free lifestyle. See more on what a baby should wear under a sleep sack for a comfortable sleep.

Even if you’ve fully prepared for how to transition from swaddling, hiccups may still arise. Here’s how to tackle some of the most common challenges head-on:

Babies thrive on routine. If they’re resisting nap time without the comfort of their swaddle, it could be caused by the sudden change of being swaddle-less during sleepy time or the unexpected freedom of their arms and tiny fists.

To help your little one fall—and stay—asleep, consider these strategies:

• Put them to sleep at the same time each day – A regular schedule can help regulate their internal clock, making it easier for them to drift off at both nap time and bedtime.

• Create a series of calming activities before nap – Repeating a few soothing activities before sleep signals to your baby that it's time to wind down. You might try ideas like dimming the lights, reading a short story, singing a lullaby, and offering a feeding.

• Limit stimulation before bed – Keep the environment calm by avoiding stimulating activities like screen time, loud music, or playing with high-energy toys before sleep.

If your little one is feeling overtired due to disrupted sleep without the swaddle, focus on the signs that alert you to impending sleepiness. Recognizing these cues can help you put them down for sleep before they become overly tired, preventing a cranky baby who resists bedtime:⁴

• Pulling at their ears

• Clenching their fists

• Being clingier than usual

• Showing disinterest in their toys

• Sucking on their fingers

• Seeking more attention

Once your baby has comfortably transitioned out of swaddling, you don’t need to let your swaddle go to waste! Consider using the swaddle for the following:

• A burp cloth

• Mat for tummy time

• Shade for the stroller

• A lovey blanket for your little one

There are so many creative ways to repurpose your old swaddle to help with your daily baby needs.

As a parent or caregiver, you'll guide your precious little ones through numerous transitions throughout their lives. After the significant milestone of entering the world, one of the next big changes is moving away from the comfort of the swaddle. With a few helpful tips and carefully chosen safe sleepwear options for your growing baby, you’ll be well-equipped for this transition.

Posh Peanut offers a wide range of clothing options for children of all sizes, including sleep bags and stylish baby pajamas. Our baby clothes are crafted from viscose from bamboo, ensuring that every item is breathable, lightweight, and gentle on their sensitive skin.

When it's time to transition from swaddle to sleep bag or to move up a size, choose Posh Peanut.

Sources: 

¹ Healthy Children. How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx

² Mount Sinai. Moro Reflex.

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/moro-reflex

³ Sleep Foundation. What Is the Best Room Temperature for a Sleeping Baby?

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/best-room-temperature-for-sleeping-baby#references-80986

⁴ Raising Children. Tired signs in babies and toddlers.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/sleep/understanding-sleep/tired-signs

Medical News Today. When do babies roll over? Age and how to help them.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/when-do-babies-roll-over