Reducing swaddling: when and how do you do that?

Weaning off swaddling is something you cannot avoid as a parent. There comes a time when your baby primarily needs freedom while sleeping. Swaddling is one of the best strategies to help your newborn sleep soundly. In this way, your baby feels safe and secure, which promotes good sleep. It helps your baby adapt to life outside the womb, but it also helps your baby feel snug and warm, prevents them from flailing their legs and arms, and helps prevent startle reflexes. Nevertheless, there comes a time when you need to stop swaddling. How and when is the best time to do this?

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Weaning off swaddling: above all, take your time.

The most important thing to know is that it is good to take your time when weaning off swaddling. Of course, it is possible to simply stop from one moment to the next. A so-called 'cold turkey approach' can work out well, but most babies struggle with it and will no longer be able to sleep well. Remember that weaning off swaddling has a major impact on your baby. You are, in a sense, taking away a piece of their sense of safety and security. This is scary for your baby, and every baby reacts differently to it. The best approach is to wean off swaddling gradually. Take your time and pay close attention to how your baby reacts to every small change.

When to stop swaddling: what is the best time?

When to gradually stop swaddling actually varies from baby to baby. Every baby develops in their own way and, above all, at their own pace. When should you stop swaddling? It is best to do this when you notice your baby becoming more active and trying to roll over. The safest time to start phasing out swaddling is when your baby is around 2 months old. Most babies start rolling over when they are between 3 and 4 months old. At that point, swaddling should actually have been completely phased out. As soon as your baby is already mobile and is still being swaddled, dangers arise, including the risk of suffocation. When your child rolls over or onto their tummy, they need their arms to roll back. This is an automatic reflex that is appropriate for your child's development. When your child is swaddled, they cannot use their arms to roll back. That is dangerous!
The first time rolling over often happens unexpectedly, and this can also be in the crib. Therefore, around the age of 2 months is the safest time to start phasing out swaddling.
If your baby is older than two months, now is the time to stop swaddling. Your baby may be able to, or will soon, attempt to roll over while playing. Soon, your swaddled baby will also attempt to roll over in bed.
Therefore, start on time with phasing out swaddling. Therefore, around the age of 2 months is the safest time to start phasing out swaddling.

Weaning off swaddling on time is also important for development.

Safety issues arise if your baby is still swaddled when they are already active and starting to roll over. However, this is not the only reason why it is important to start phasing out swaddling in time. As your baby becomes more mobile, swaddling can also prevent them from practicing motor skills.This causes a delay in your baby's development. Your baby needs the freedom in time to practice developing motor skills so that development stays nicely on schedule.

Can you wean off swaddling sooner?

While it is possible to wean off swaddling too late, there is essentially no such thing as weaning off swaddling too early. After all, there are babies who do not like swaddling at all. Swaddling is not a necessity, so if your baby doesn't like it or clearly sleeps less well because of it, it is perfectly fine to simply stop swaddling. You can use a baby sleeping bag or a wrap instead, for example.

How to stop swaddling: handy step-by-step plan

If your baby is really used to swaddling, it is understandable that you are a little worried about ending this 'era'. Your baby might become confused by it and suddenly sleep less well. As mentioned, a 'cold turkey approach' does not work for all babies. So how can you gradually stop swaddling? Below you will find a handy step-by-step plan on how to best stop swaddling for most babies.

• Lay your baby, swaddled in the swaddle, in the Sleep wrap.
• Let your baby get used to this for a few nights.
• Let your baby sleep in the Sleep Wrap, without a swaddle, with their arms along their body inside the wrap.
• Let your baby get used to this for a few nights as well.
• Let your baby sleep in the sleep wrap with one arm free.
• Let your baby get used to this again for a few nights.
• Now use the Sleep Wrap with both arms free.

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Weaning off swaddling isn't working, what now?

Swaddling isn't working and your baby remains restless. What can you do then? It is tempting to start swaddling again, but this is not the intention. Eventually, swaddling must be phased out, so it is a matter of perseverance. Your baby will certainly get used to it. However, you can help your baby sleep better without being swaddled. You do this by establishing a fixed bedtime routine. Think of a bath, feeding, rocking, and a lullaby or story. A fixed routine helps your baby relax, which will allow them to sleep better without being swaddled.

If sleeping without swaddling really isn't working, don't panic!
The Sleep wrap helps you get through this difficult phase.The Sleep Wrap is a perfect tool to let your baby sleep swaddled on their back. It is not intended that you let your baby sleep swaddled for months on end. That is not good for your child's development and can lead to unsafe situations. But take a few days off, ensure you get enough sleep yourself, and try again after a few days following the step-by-step plan above.

On to the new phase of the baby stage!

Weaning off swaddling is difficult, both for the parents and the baby. After all, a phase comes to an end, and it makes it clear that your little one is growing fast. As soon as your little one is about 2 months old, you reach the point where you need to start phasing out swaddling. It is time to move on to the next exciting phase of infancy, in which your baby mainly learns lots of 'tricks'. Are you looking for baby supplies? We have a wide range of baby products. Think of pregnancy pillows, baby nests, baby mattresses and more.