From swaddle to sleep bag – when and how

Swaddling can be very helpful for newborns to help calm their Moro reflex (often referred to as the “startle reflex” – you know, the one that causes your baby to hit himself in the face and wake up very annoyed? Yeah, that one.). Swaddling is not a sleep prop, but something that can really help some babies to sleep well during those first few months when those limbs are flying all over the place! However, many parents wonder when to transition from the swaddle. Do this if:

Baby is consistently breaking out of the swaddle on their own (the swaddle not really working towards its goal at that point anyway!

Baby is rolling

If you feel babe will be ok with it, you could simply transition straight to a sleep sack once baby is ready to be done with the swaddle. If you feel like the transition may be a tricky one, you can instead do it a bit more gradually by:

1. Swaddling with one arm in and one arm out for a few nights/a week

2. Swaddling then with both arms out and just the body wrapped for a few nights/a week.

3. Then moving to a sleep bag.

Don’t worry, parents! Yes, it’s a big transition for some babies, but usually children adjust quite quickly and you won’t have more than a few “off” nights while your babe adjusts.

Remember, not all babes even like to be swaddled, and it is possible to start right from the newborn stage with a sleep bag if your little one doesn’t seem to be a big fan of the burrito-style wrap! If your babe is a swaddle-lover, check out The Ollie World swaddle, a great option! And, when your babe is ready for a sleep bag, among my very favourite brands are Ry & Pen and Louloulollipop – check out our Must Haves page for more info!