How to Transition From a Swaddle to a Sleeping Bag
Once your baby starts rolling over during sleep, it is time to wean them off of a swaddle and into safe sleeping positions. This is an essential step in the transition towards safe sleeping as it helps prevent SIDS ( Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
When transitioning your baby from a swaddle to a sleep sack, there are two methods: either do it all at once or gradually over time.
1. Swaddle for naps
Swaddling is one of the safest ways to keep your baby secure and content during sleep, but it may not be suitable once they start rolling over. At this stage, it is time for her to transition from swaddling into a sleep bag which is safer and more comfortable for everyone.
Swaddling your baby with two arms out is an effective way to ease them into this new routine. While it may be challenging for some babies, and may require patience on your part, eventually your little one will learn that letting their arms go free is part of their nightly ritual!
If your baby is refusing to be swaddled at naptime, consider investing in a swaddle strap. These are available online and can be an invaluable tool as your little one transitions away from needing their arms in the swaddle toward sleeping with one or both arms out.
Another option is a swaddle with a zipper. This makes it simpler for naps and diaper changes since there's no risk of the swaddle coming undone or getting stuck in the diaper!
If you're worried about the temperature of a swaddle, it's essential to look into its thermal overall grade (TOG) rating. This will tell how warm a swaddle is and whether or not it's suitable for cool fall and winter nights.
2. Swaddle for bedtime
Swaddling is an enjoyable way to give your baby the womb-like comfort they need and help them fall asleep more easily. Additionally, swaddling gives babies the capacity to self-soothe if they wake up during the night.
Around two months, it is best to transition your baby out of a swaddle as they begin showing signs that they are ready to roll over on their own. This is usually when babies begin dropping swaddling and should be made a priority as rolling over increases an infant's risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Once you decide your baby is ready to transition, there are a few steps you can take. One option is a cold turkey transition - stopping swaddling all at once - which may help adjust them to their new sleeping environment but may not work for everyone. Another option is an incremental approach whereby you remove the swaddle gradually over several nights.
To ease your baby into this transition, use a swaddle that allows you to either put in or take out their arms. Swaddle with arms out several nights before completely taking them off so your infant gets used to being without their blanket.
Swaddle blankets can be found both in stores and online that enable this. A good one should have a soft, stretchy material that isn't too tight but snugly wraps around your baby's body to provide security and comfort.
You can also transition your baby to a sleep sack, which provides some similarity to swaddling but lacks the snugness of a blanket. A sleep sack will protect your child from suffocation but won't provide the same level of coziness and comfort.
3. Swaddle for daytime
Swaddling can be an excellent way to help your baby feel secure while they sleep. However, it's important to remember that keeping them in a swaddle once they start rolling over (see our blog post here) increases their risk for SIDS and should be discontinued at this stage.
Swaddling is one of the primary reasons parents use swaddles: to reduce the Moro reflex, an automatic movement response caused by loud sounds which may cause babies to wake up at night from startling. Swaddling helps avoid this issue.
As your baby gets older, they may no longer exhibit this reflex. Therefore, it's best to gradually transition away from swaddling them on their back for naps but leave their arms out at bedtime; this helps avoid overtiredness which could result in poor quality night's sleep.
Depending on your baby, they may be able to successfully transition out of the swaddle on their own or with some assistance from you. It may take some patience and some helpful hints for some babies but eventually your little one will become comfortable sleeping without their blanket.
As you transition out of the swaddle, start by taking one arm off for a few days. Continue taking one arm out at a time during each nap and night waking until both arms are free.
After a few days, you can gradually begin to take both arms off for some nights. While this transition may be challenging at first, once your baby begins sleeping through the night with both arms out, you'll know it was worth it!
4. Put baby in a sleep suit
Transitioning your baby out of a swaddle is an important milestone in their development. We recommend starting to wean them off the swaddle around 3 to 5 months old for optimal safety and comfort during nighttime.
But for some babies, that transition can be challenging. They may have developed the capacity to roll over on their own, meaning they cannot safely be swaddled anymore, leading to excessive movement that disrupts sleep and increases suffocation risk; thus, it's essential that you remove your child from the swaddle as soon as possible.
HALO's easy transition sleep sack is designed with this transition in mind, and it's gentle enough for your baby to roll over without the risk of suffocation. Plus, its lightweight construction won't keep them too warm in warmer weather.
Other alternatives for making the transition from swaddle to sleeping bag include onesies, wraps and wearable blankets. These types of sleep suits allow your baby more movement than a swaddle while still muffled their reflexive startle response which helps reduce wakefulness and promote better sleep quality.
Another option is a transitional swaddle like Love to Dream's Swaddle UP Transition Swaddle or Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit (see below). These swaddles are ideal for babies who have outgrown the swaddle but don't yet show signs of rolling over. These products feature multiple configurations so your arms remain correctly swaddled, plus they come with velcro closures so you can quickly switch it out for a sleep sack when your little one starts rolling over.
Sleep suits are an effective and popular way to wean your baby off the swaddle. Different designs exist, but most provide extra-thick layers that give your infant a feeling of being snug and secure. Some even feature a weighted pad in the center which replicates the soft touch of a hand resting on a newborn's chest to further increase comfort levels.
5. Put baby in a sleeping bag
Once your baby has shown they can roll over on their own (as early as two months), you will need to transition them out of the swaddle and into a sleeping bag. This may take some practice for your little one to adjust to this new sleep pattern; try not to overwhelm them with too many new sounds while they sleep.
Good news is that there are plenty of options on the market to assist with this transition. These include swaddle sleep bags, transition sleep bags and bags with legs and arms.
Swaddle sleep bags are an excellent option to help regulate your baby's body temperature at night. These sleep bags come in various sizes and tog ratings to suit different needs.
They come in an array of super cute designs, so you can pick something that reflects your child's individual style and personality. Furthermore, these bibs are very easy to clean and can be used both for naps and bedtime.
Swaddle transition sleep bags are a popular choice as they can be worn over your child's wrap and provide them with the security of a swaddle. These bright and fun prints, including woodland designs, will surely bring out the smiles in your little one.
They're also incredibly comfortable and can be worn in all temperatures. Plus, they are user-friendly - an excellent way to reduce your baby's risk for SIDS. Furthermore, there is a range of weights and tog ratings so you can find one tailored to meet your specific requirements.