When to Stop Swaddling Your Baby

When a baby is around 3 months of age, 12 lbs. and/or showing signs of rolling over, they are developmentally ready to find their own comfy spot. You know what that means! We are dropping the swaddle.  And boy have we got great news for you. This means it is time for 10-12 hours of sleep… in a row!

Not only will this support normal growth and development, but it will also support the body’s immune system, allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest, and is the cornerstone of healthy, happy, and dare we say, rested households.

As we give you a glimpse of what our books and online courses cover in the Sleep Section for babies 3-6 months of age, please keep in mind, this is a condensed version of what we provide in this chapter .

How do I know when to stop swaddling my baby?

Here's the key factors to know when your baby is ready to stop swaddling:

• Your baby is ready to drop the night swaddle around 12 weeks of age and/or 12 lbs
• When your baby is consistently breaking out of the swaddle and/or rolling from back to tummy during playtime
• Your baby is healthy and gaining weight
• You are ready! When we begin this new transition, we take the lead, and your baby will follow

What should my baby wear when dropping the swaddle?

We recommend footed pjs! Especially from 3-6 months of age, so that they have time to master the freedom to roll easily from back to tummy and tummy to back. This will also help limit the frustration when they hit that 4 month developmental breakthrough .

What should I keep in mind?

• The swaddle transition typically takes 3-5 nights of adjustments
  • We are working with the body’s natural rhythm and routine to establish healthy sleep habits for the entire family!
• Be consistent!
  • If you plan to do this, commit to doing it for 3-5 nights, and they may even catch on quicker
• Speak the truth to your heart!
  • They are safe, they are loved, and they can learn to do this!
• Our confidence is contagious
  • Babies need long stretches of sleep, just like us! Two or three nights of hard work and we can look forward to evening and night times into toddlerhood

Where do I start?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the swaddle transition, let's go back to the basics. Your baby can do this!

• Review the Moms on Call basic principles in our resources and remember the crib is free of loose objects, toys, blankets, or mobiles
• We begin with a consistent daytime and bedtime routine in place
• Daytime affects nighttime sleep, be sure to follow along with Moms on Call's typical day routines

Tell me more!

Moms on Call encourages and supports you through this big transition and helps make sure all the details are in place to ensure your success. Follow along in the Book and Online Courses with Jennifer and Laura for all the specifics as we take your through night by night.