Baby sleep: how to remove the swaddle?
Babies are born with the Moro reflex, often called “startle reflex.” This means that their arms will sporadically jerk and move around, often waking babies in their sleep. A swaddle can be used to tame this reflex, effectively supporting young babies in sleeping longer stretches of sleep. In addition, swaddle mimics the womb, which comforts baby as a familiar setting.
Just as there are a few things to know about how to swaddle this article when and how to swaddle, there are a few things to know about removing the swaddle. In this article we talk specifically about how and when to remove the swaddle, answering the following questions:
Why remove the swaddle?
When should I remove the swaddle?
How do I remove the swaddle?
How long does it take to remove the swaddle?
I also give you my take on a topic that is often brought up in this context: Transitional sleep sacks
Related article: Safe swaddling practices
Why remove the swaddle?
Swaddling serves a specific purpose: to soothe the startle reflex and in turn get longer stretches of sleep. As babies get older their startle (“Moro”) reflex lessens, and they start to become more mobile.
When should I remove the swaddle?
In general, the swaddle should be removed between 3 to 4 months because their startle reflex dies down, babies start to roll, and a swaddle becomes counterproductive to the developmental changes happening in their sleep systems.
If you have an early roller on your hands, it is imperative that you remove the swaddle at the first signs that baby is starting to roll as rolling onto their tummies without their hands free can be dangerous.
How do I remove the swaddle?
There are generally two options to transition out of the swaddle:
In the gradual approach, you can swaddle with one arm out for 1 to 3 nights before releasing the second arm. You can continue to swaddle around the chest to keep that familiar sensation for baby for a few days before putting them in a traditional sleep sack.
In the cold turkey approach - you just do it! From one night to the next, you just lay them in bed with their arms free! Naturally, expect a more challenging night for usually 3-4 nights as they get used to having a new range of movement but, I promise, after a few days, they will have adapted.
How long does it take to remove the swaddle?
Regardless of which approach you take, expect an adaptation period of about 3 days every time you make a change. Anything new will take baby a few days to adjust.
Transitional Sleep Sacks
As a sleep consultant, I often get asked about whether X product or Y product will “help my baby sleep.” Below are the common requests I get about certain transitional sleep sacks and my thoughts:
Merlin Magic Sleep Suit - This little sumo suit is a product that many parents swear by to help transition baby out of a swaddle. I generally only see parents use it for a few weeks or so before baby ultimately learns to roll and needs to be transitioned out.
Weighted Sleep Sacks (Nested Bean or similar) - Marketted to help transition baby out of a swaddle with a small weight on their chest, these products are not safe for sleep, whether babies roll or not. I strongly do not recommend using them for safety reasons.
Transitional Swaddle Sack or Arms-Out Swaddles (HALO or similar) - These swaddle sacks allow babies the opportunity to have their arms swaddled or free all while having that secure feeling around their chest. These can be used as swaddles or as sleep sacks and, therefore, have a longer use and are completely safe for sleep.
Conclusion
Many parents are concerned about the effects of removing a swaddle and will purchase all sorts of products to help make that transition less disruptive for everyone. The reality is that between 3-4 months, babies are developmentally ready to sleep with their arms free. It allows them to use their hands for soothing, adapt to their sleep space, and learn to move around. It is a natural transition and part of their development.
My 1-hour mini Q&A is perfect for all swaddling and newborn related questions. Unsure if this is right for you? Feel free to schedule a FREE 30-min consult !