When Should You Stop Swaddling Your Baby?

Swaddling can be incredibly helpful for newborn sleep, but it is not a forever tool. One of the most common questions parents ask is when swaddling should stop, especially as their baby starts to move more or sleep patterns begin to change.

Knowing when to stop swaddling and how to do it safely can help prevent unnecessary sleep disruption while keeping safety the top priority.

Why swaddling needs to end

Swaddling works by limiting the startle reflex and providing containment. As babies grow stronger and more mobile, that same containment can become unsafe.

Swaddling must stop once a baby shows signs of rolling, or attempts to roll, because it can restrict their ability to reposition themselves safely during sleep.

This change is driven by development, not sleep readiness.

When should you stop swaddling?

There is no single age that applies to every baby. Some babies show signs earlier, while others take longer.

For many babies, the transition happens somewhere between 8 and 16 weeks, but variation is normal. Some babies roll earlier, and some later.

Because rolling can happen suddenly, it is recommended to stop swaddling at the first signs, not after rolling is fully established.

How the 4 month sleep regression fits in

Many families notice swaddling becoming more difficult around the same time sleep changes intensify.

This often overlaps with the 4 month sleep regression, when sleep cycles mature and babies begin waking more frequently between cycles. Increased movement, lighter sleep, and stronger startle responses can all make swaddling feel less effective.

However, the regression itself is not the reason to stop swaddling.

Safety always comes first.

How to transition out of the swaddle

Moving away from swaddling does not need to happen all at once. A gradual transition often supports smoother sleep.

Common approaches include:

Removing one arm at a time
Using a transitional swaddle designed to reduce containment gradually
Moving to a sleep sack once arms are fully free

Some babies adjust quickly, while others need a little more time to feel secure.

What to expect in the first few nights

It is common to see a temporary increase in waking as your baby adjusts to:

More freedom of movement
New sensations, especially hand contact with the face
Stronger awareness between sleep cycles

This does not mean you have done anything wrong. In most cases sleep settles again with consistency and time.

What to use instead of a swaddle

Once swaddling ends, most babies move into a sleep sack, which provides warmth and a consistent sleep cue without restricting movement.

Sleep sacks support safe sleep while still offering comfort and familiarity at bedtime and overnight.

Choosing the right option depends on your baby’s age, movement, and room temperature.

Safe sleep always comes first

Regardless of how your baby sleeps, safe sleep practices are essential.

Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep, on a firm mattress, in a clear sleep space. This becomes even more important as babies grow more mobile.

More detailed guidance is covered in safe sleep, including how to set up a safe sleep environment as your baby transitions through different stages.

Looking ahead

Stopping swaddling is a natural part of your baby’s sleep development. While it can feel like a big change, it also marks an important step toward more mature sleep patterns.

The 5–24 Month Infant Course supports families through this transition and beyond, with clear guidance as sleep evolves through infancy and into toddlerhood.

The Smarter Way to Invest in Better Sleep

As your baby grows, their need for swaddling will change. Some babies transition out earlier, others later, and both can be completely normal.

If you want guidance that grows with your baby beyond the newborn stage, the 5–24 Month Infant Course supports families as sleep continues to evolve through infancy and to