When your baby is sleeping snug and warm wrapped in a swaddle, there is nothing scarier than disturbing that peace but here’s why it’s a must and why timing is EVERYTHING when it comes to un-swaddling to arms out.
The simplest answer is, that it becomes dangerous to swaddle if your baby shows any signs of rolling. This is because if your baby rolls over at night or during a nap they need to be able to pull their heads up with their arms to breath otherwise there is a risk of suffocation.
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Secondly, swaddling for too long (past 4 months) can create a strong association (dependency) on being swaddled and makes the transition to arms out much harder for your child.
Babies need to move around, they need to feel their limbs and get used to them and when they show signs of rolling from back to tummy, that tells us we need to allow movement and not restrict arms.
Don’t ever hold your baby still in one place (wedges, snoo, swings), let them roll, practice skills and experience their body’s movements so they get used to them early.
Don’t get me wrong, I strongly believe that swaddling, arms-in until 4 months or signs of rolling from back to front is a great thing for sleep but we can get carried away with the timing especially if they are sleeping well in a swaddle.
Here’s are some strategies on how to un-swaddle in 3 steps.
If your baby is not yet rolling:
Swaddle with one arm out at first. Try this for a week while your baby gets used to this new found freedom. Start for the first nap or bedtime when sleep drive is the highest. Many swaddles allow for you to easily wrap with one arm out.
Un-swaddle for the first half the night and swaddle for the last half. Give this a week (unless rolling). **Here we are letting sleep drive help us as it’s strongest at bedtime.
Add the other arm to the middle nap and try the full night with both arms out. After this you are ready to fully un-swaddle.
If your baby is rolling (back to tummy or showing signs):
Cold turkey - Move baby straight into a sleep sack. Invest in a good sleep sack appropriate for the temperature.
Use a transitional sleep sack - The zipadee zip is a great sleep sack for this.
What to expect
Your baby may startle awake for the first few nights, discovering their body is a part of the transition. Use a sleep strategy to help them fall asleep independently - Get a plan and support here.
Your baby will want to move around, let them. Don’t hold them back, give them time if they get stuck and don’t restrict movement. This is how they practice these essential skills, it’s a short transition period. Here’s what to do if they get stuck.
If your baby needs assistance to sleep, un-swaddling can increase wake ups at first and you will need to get them back to sleep. This might not be sustainable for you or your family (great sleep is the number one priority) so reach out for help and a plan in resolving this.
Helpful tips during this transition
Use your environment to help. Make sure your white noise is on at 55-60 dbl’s (loud enough)
The crib is a safe place, as long as it’s empty with just a fitted sheet (no bumpers).
Don’t “rescue” from the crib - when you “rescue” you are sending the message that it’s not a safe space. Respond vs react.
Let your baby explore! During the day practice rolling and have them as mobile as possible (lots of floor play).
If you wait too long, this transition can get harder. Babies transitioning out of a swaddle after 5 months having not practiced rolling can have a harder time adjusting and sleeping overnight.
Start early (around 4 months) even if your baby is sleeping well, so you don’t run into a harder transition as they get older.
If you are feeling like you’ve tried everything and your baby is still struggling with the transition, let me assess. Book a call and we can see what’s going on and how we can best set them up for success by working together and getting your entire family some great sleep!
