How To Get A Baby To Sleep Without A Swaddle

• A baby usually shows signs to stop swaddling at three to four months old.
• If your baby consistently breaks free from the swaddle, you should start to transition them slowly.
• If your baby starts turning over on their side or stomach, this becomes a huge risk factor. A baby should never sleep face down in a swaddle.
• If your baby starts getting annoyed over being swaddled, then it should be time to figure out how to get baby to sleep without swaddle. At this time, babies begin to wiggle or squirm out of their blankets.
• If you notice your baby’s startle reflex decrease, you should stop swaddling your baby.

Swaddle the baby with one dominant arm free

• Try this for two to three nights.
• If the startle reflex is still there, the closed arm will resist any disturbance caused by both arms’ jerking.

Try the transition during nap times first so you can observe them. 

• If the baby still shows signs of a startle reflex, keep the swaddle on for a few more weeks. 
• Check how often they wake up during sleep periods. If they wake up too often, don’t transition yet.

Use a wearable blanket.

• If your baby feels more comfortable sleeping in arms out swaddle, you can proceed to a wearable blanket. 
• This type of blanket rests on your baby’s chest and allows this gentle pressure to provide a secure feeling as they slowly transition out of a swaddle. 
• This type of blanket is a safer alternative to regular and loose blankets.

Cold turkey

• This transition is an abrupt removal of the swaddle so parents can evaluate the baby’s response during this stage. 
• Prepare for crying during intervals if you go cold turkey. 
• This method is perfect for babies who prefer to self soothe.

Use a swaddle strap

• A swaddle strap is an arm only swaddle with both legs free. 
• This method allows them a slight feeling of being wrapped so they can ease their way into a swaddle-free sleep.

Zip-up wearable blanket

• It is more comfortable to move around because of space.
• The zipper makes it easy to change diapers.
• It provides sufficient constraint for comfort.

Baby sleep sack with tags

• Sleepsacks offer unique “toys” that come with them in the form of tags.
• A blanket that offers tags will teach them to self soothe.
• Most models come with zippers for easy diaper changes.

• Choose a good post-swaddle attire.
• Create a soothing environment for your baby by playing ambient sounds or gentle white noise to aid in sleeping. Make sure that the lights and temperature are conducive for sleep.
• Create a sleep routine for your baby that will make them used to an idea of sleep. Your routine can look something like this.
• Prepare a warm bath during bath nights.
• Put on their diaper and sleepwear.
• A feeding session with low lights or no lights at all.
• Burping session.
• Read one short book (reading the same book every night is a sleep cue for sleeping).
• Turn on white noise or ambient noise.
• Say goodnight to some things in their room like stuffed animals.
• Verbally repeat words like time for sleep.
• Lay them gently on the crib after snuggling them.
• Leave the room.