How to Transition Out of a Swaddle

When your baby starts to roll over on their own (around 3-4 months), it’s time to unswaddle them so they can be safe and have free arms to lift their head up when needed. ⁣

Let me start off by saying this is a transition period, and like with all transitions, it will take some time! If you’ve taught your baby how to sleep, yes they will have a few rough nights but after that, they’ll go right back to sleeping those 12 hours so do not panic:)

When you’re ready, start by only swaddling one arm in and one arm out for 2-3 nights, or until they sleep comfortably. ⁣Most of my babies were sleeping 12 hours comfortable with one arm out after 2-3 nights, but if your baby takes 4-5 nights, it’s okay! Go at their pace.

Once baby sleeps well with one arm out, swaddle from the chest down so both arms are free but they still feel secure on their torso and legs. ⁣After a few nights, your baby will be used to sleeping with both arms out! I’m telling you, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your baby can learn. ⁣At this point, you can ditch the swaddle and move fully to a sleep sack!

If you would like to transition from a swaddle while getting them used to a sleep sack at the same time, you can swaddle them inside the sleep sack. Just make sure their inner layers aren’t too warm! I personally do this because it slowly introduces the sleep sack as the new sleep trigger, while they are still feeling comfort from the familiar swaddle.

I love love love sleep sacks. So much so that I created my own😂. And these ones keep track of the binky so that you don’t have to! All of my babies have loved them, too! I am positive none of my kids have even tried to climb out of their crib because of sleep sacks. ⁣I keep them in a sleep sack until I transition them to a big-kid bed around age 3.5-4 years old. Seriously, there’s no reason to rush getting rid of the crib. If they’re sleeping well, let it be:)

If you need a visual of how this process goes, checkout my Instagram Highlight HERE. Just remember: one arm, chest down, sleep sack. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me for a consultation if you are struggling with any type of sleeping transition! I’m here for you.

Jessalyn