What Should Baby Sleep In After Swaddle? (2024)

FAQs

What Should Baby Sleep In After Swaddle? ›

Once you have stopped swaddling, baby should sleep in any type of pajamas. Footed sleepers, two piece pajamas, or a even a onesie are perfect. Babies overheat easily, so always err on the side of baby being cooler rather than warmer. I recommend sleep sacks only when a parent feels they are needed for warmth.

You can dress your baby in footie pajamas, or one-piece pajamas with no feet. If it's very warm in the middle of the summer, just a onesie will do. As adults, we're used to being covered to sleep, but just like using a pillow, babies don't know the difference and don't mind having toes or legs exposed.

Yes, the AAP recommends using sleep sacks [7] once your baby starts showing signs of rolling. Sleep sacks provide a safe alternative to swaddling or using loose blankets in the sleep space once your baby starts to roll.

It's important to stop swaddling once your baby starts trying to roll over. This can be as early as 2 months of age. Sleep sacks or wearable blankets that don't compress your baby's arms and chest can be worn up to about the age of 2 or about 30 lbs.

If this is you AND your baby isn't showing signs of rolling, the “partial night” option may be best. With this technique, you'll start the night with one or both arms out of the swaddle. When your baby awakens, swaddle them back up with both arms inside the swaddle. Each night try to go a bit longer with arms free.

Sleeveless sleep sacks, where arms are totally uncovered, are the safest choice. Avoid all sleep sacks that cover your baby's arms, or prevent the free movement of their limbs. Thankfully, the transition from a swaddle to sleeping pajamas can be done swiftly. A slow transition is not necessary or advisable.

If it is warm outside, putting your baby in a diaper underneath the swaddle may just be enough. If however, the temperature is cold, it's a good idea to put baby in a short or long sleeved onesie or even footy pajamas to ensure that baby is kept warm.

As children start rolling, most parents decide to transition from the swaddle to using a sleep sack at night and at a naptime. A sleep sack, like HALO's 100% cotton Wearable Blanket, unlike a swaddle, allows babies to move their arms and legs more freely while still restricting mobility.

In many cases, a onesie can be an effective primary layer of sleepwear. As a general rule, parents and caregivers should dress a baby with only one more layer than an adult would need to stay warm in that same bedroom. This rule can help avoid over-bundling, which can lead to safety risks from overheating.

Anytime a baby is stuck on their stomach, you should reposition them. Being stuck and unable to roll back to their backs is a safety hazard. Additionally, if it's your baby's first time rolling over and they are startled, wake up crying, or are swaddled, you will need to address the situation.

When can I stop worrying about SIDS? ›

By the time a baby turns 12 months old, the risk of sudden death is negligible. Here are recommendations for reducing the risk of SIDS: a) Avoid exposing your baby to cigarette smoke before or after birth. b) Avoid falling asleep with your baby in dangerous environment (bed, chair, or sofa).

After a year old, if your child is ready, you can start to transition from a sleep sack to a blanket. At this point, the risk of SIDs has significantly decreased as your child has the mobility to roll over easily from any direction.

Also, if you want to stop swaddling cold turkey, start during nap time (so that you don't lose nighttime sleep). If your baby responds well, they might be able to stop cold turkey at night, too. But if your baby doesn't respond well, they might need a gradual transition.

You should start to transition your baby out of a swaddle by 3 to 5 months old. The process will take a different time for every baby so be patient and don't give up! Most swaddle transitions will take anywhere between 7 to 10 nights.

A: To stop the Moro reflex without swaddling, you can try creating a calm and soothing environment for the baby, using gentle touch and rhythmic movements and gradually introducing more self-soothing techniques as they grow.

Final Thoughts on What Baby Should Wear Under a Swaddle

In general, though, you want to dress your baby in one more layer than you'd be comfortable in yourself. And, you should choose soft, breathable, skin-safe materials not just for the swaddle blanket you use - but all their clothing.

A single layer might be enough, but if your child needs more warmth, you can add an extra layer such as a short sleeve/ sleeveless and legless romper or bodysuit underneath.

After a year old, if your child is ready, you can start to transition from a sleep sack to a blanket.

Do note that once your baby starts to roll over, it's time to lose the swaddle, as it's no longer considered a safe option. Baby can graduate to a sleep slack or wearable blanket instead. These are also great options if your munchkin didn't take to the swaddle from the get-go.