Following Red Nose Australia’s safe sleep guidelines, it is recommended to transition your baby from a swaddle to a sleeping bag when they begin to show signs of rolling or reach the age of 6 months, whichever comes first 🥰
Our 3 different methods to transition your baby to having their arms out are:
🧸 Cold turkey transition
You will transition your baby straight from swaddling to a sleeping bag, with both arms out, once they show signs of rolling or reach the age of 6 months, whichever occurs first. Allow a few days for them to adjust to their new sleep association and the feeling of not being confined within their swaddle anymore.
We recommend having a pre-purchased ‘transition’ arms up swaddle, where the ‘wings’ of the swaddle can be removed. This way, your baby maintains familiarity with the same swaddle even after it is converted into a sleeping bag. This continuity may reduce resistance to the change due to the ongoing presence of their scent on it.
🧸 Gradual transition
Again, this process is easier if you already have a transitional swaddle that allows you to unzip and remove one ‘wing’ at a time. You will gradually transition your baby to having one arm out by removing one ‘wing’ from the transitional swaddle for a few days before proceeding to remove the other ‘wing’. If you are using a muslin wrap, you can simply allow your baby to have one arm out for a few days, providing them with the necessary time to adjust before unswaddling both arms. Although this method does take longer than option 1, it may cause fewer disruptions to your baby’s sleep depending on their temperament and whether their Moro startle reflex is still prevalent.
🧸 Mum tips continued in the comments 👇🏻🥰💫
📸 @__tribe_of_five__
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🧸 Mum tip!
Purchase a transition swaddle that is one size larger than your baby's current size.
Having a larger transition swaddle, which is intentionally loose around their arms, provides your baby with a less restrictive feeling while still being swaddled for a few days.
Afterward, you will proceed with either option 1 or 2. This larger sleeping bag can then be utilised as they grow, ensuring it remains a practical investment.
Consider positioning your baby closer to one side of their bassinet or cot temporarily. This positioning enables them to feel their surroundings, thereby reducing the likelihood of inadvertently triggering their Moro startle reflex as they adapt to the new changes.
If you are continuing to have difficulty with your baby consolidating their sleep, book a consultation to receive tailored sleep support within 24 hours, or access our instant download sleep guides via our website 🩷🫶🏻💫
Purchase a transition swaddle that is one size larger than your baby's current size.
Having a larger transition swaddle, which is intentionally loose around their arms, provides your baby with a less restrictive feeling while still being swaddled for a few days.
Afterward, you will proceed with either option 1 or 2. This larger sleeping bag can then be utilised as they grow, ensuring it remains a practical investment.
Consider positioning your baby closer to one side of their bassinet or cot temporarily. This positioning enables them to feel their surroundings, thereby reducing the likelihood of inadvertently triggering their Moro startle reflex as they adapt to the new changes.
If you are continuing to have difficulty with your baby consolidating their sleep, book a consultation to receive tailored sleep support within 24 hours, or access our instant download sleep guides via our website 🩷🫶🏻💫