When to Stop Swaddling and How to Transition to a Sleep Sack

When to stop

• Stop swaddling for sleep as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll, even if they haven't rolled yet. Signs: rocking onto a side, kicking a leg over, arching and twisting.
• The AAP notes rolling attempts often begin around 2 months, sometimes earlier, while other babies start closer to 3 to 4 months. Watch closely from about 8 weeks; don't wait for a set birthday.
• A swaddled baby who rolls onto their tummy may not be able to push up or turn back, which raises the risk of suffocation. That's why the rule is firm.
• Also stop if the baby keeps breaking out of the swaddle; loose fabric in the crib is a hazard.

What to use instead

• An arms-out sleep sack (wearable blanket). It keeps a baby warm without loose bedding.
• Choose an ordinary, unweighted one. The AAP advises against weighted sleep sacks, swaddles and blankets.
• "Transition" products that hold the arms up or restrict movement aren't needed. If the baby can roll, their arms should be free.

Three ways to make the switch

1. One arm out. For a few nights swaddle with one arm free, then both arms free. Only use this if your baby isn't yet showing rolling signs.
2. Straight to arms-out. Many babies adjust within 3 to 7 nights. It's the right choice once rolling has started.
3. Naps first or nights first. Some families switch bedtime first, when sleep pressure is highest, then naps.

Easing the first nights

• Keep everything else the same: the bedtime routine, white noise, dark room, the same sleep sack for naps and nights.
• Expect startles and arm flailing. The startle reflex fades over the first 4 to 6 months.
• Practice rolling during the day with lots of floor and tummy time, so your baby learns to move in and out of positions (see the tummy time guide).
• Help a little more for a few nights: a hand on the chest, shushing, or a brief pick-up to calm. Pull back as they adjust.
• Offer a pacifier at sleep time if you use one; it doesn't need to be put back in once asleep.

Hip-healthy swaddling, while you still swaddle

• Snug around the chest, loose around the hips so the legs can bend up and out like a frog.
• Back to sleep, every sleep. Never place a swaddled baby on their side or tummy.
• Keep the head uncovered and avoid overheating: one layer more than an adult would wear, at most.

Once your baby rolls

• Put them down on their back every time. If they roll on their own both ways, you don't need to turn them back.
• Keep the crib bare: fitted sheet only. See the safe sleep guide and the 4-month sleep regression guide, which often overlaps with this switch.

When to check in

• Mention it at the next visit if your baby isn't trying to roll or bear weight on their arms by about 6 months.
• If sleep falls apart for more than two weeks after the switch, talk with the pediatrician about next steps.