When to Stop Swaddling? What About in a SNOO? -

Swaddling is a common practice that helps soothe newborns and encourages better sleep. However, knowing when to stop swaddling is crucial for your baby’s safety and development.

As a first-time mom, I was super worried about SIDS. When my baby started to roll around 4 months, I kept her in the SNOO for about another month, thinking it would keep her safe. Bad choice! My baby constantly protested by banging her feet, rotating her head, and pushing her body forcefully. She clearly needed more space.

I was particularly worried because my baby rolled onto her tummy but couldn’t roll back onto her back. I feared that if she rolled, she could suffocate on her belly if she wasn’t able to roll back up. I kept her in the SNOO because I knew it was safe to prevent SIDS. After completing the safe sleep certification, I learned that responding to my baby’s cues is crucial to make it better for her physical development that outweigh the risk of SIDS.

Advice! If babies showing signs of rolling over or wanting more space, it’s time to stop swaddling and give them the freedom to move. Trust your instincts and listen to what your little one is telling you!

When to Stop Swaddling

General Guidelines:

Age and Development: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), swaddling should be discontinued by the time a baby shows signs of attempting to roll over, which usually occurs around 3 to 4 months of age. Rolling over while swaddled can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Signs to Watch For: Stop swaddling when your baby:
- Attempts to roll over.
- Frequently breaks out of the swaddle.
- Shows discomfort or resistance to being swaddled.

Why It’s Important:

Safety Concerns: Continuing to swaddle a baby who can roll over can pose a suffocation risk. As babies grow stronger, they may break free from swaddles, creating loose bedding that can be hazardous.
Developmental Needs: Babies need freedom of movement for muscle development and learning to self-soothe, both of which can be hindered by swaddling beyond the appropriate age.

What About in a SNOO?

The SNOO smart sleeper bassinet is designed to provide safe swaddling while promoting better sleep through gentle rocking and white noise. Here’s how the guidelines apply to the SNOO:

Unique Features of the SNOO:

Built-in Swaddle: The SNOO’s built-in swaddle secures the baby on their back, reducing the risk of rolling over while swaddled.
Safety Assurance: The design aims to keep babies safely on their backs, which is the recommended sleep position to reduce SIDS risk.

When to Transition out of the SNOO?

Age and Development: Despite the added safety features, it’s still essential to transition out of swaddling by around 5 to 6 months or when your baby shows signs of rolling. The SNOO’s swaddle can help extend safe swaddling slightly longer, but not indefinitely.
Developmental Risks: Even though the SNOO prevents SIDS by keeping the baby from rolling over, it can pose a developmental risk because babies need space to move and grow.
- Personal Experience: My baby started to bang her feet on the SNOO and rotate her head left and right. It was clear she wanted more space but couldn’t move freely because she was strapped in. These signs indicated that she was ready to transition out of the swaddle.

Weaning Mode: The SNOO offers a weaning mode to help transition your baby out of the swaddle. This mode gradually reduces the motion and allows one or both arms to be free, helping your baby adjust to sleeping without being swaddled.

Tips for Transitioning Out of Swaddling

Gradual Transition: Start by swaddling with one arm out for a few nights, then both arms out before discontinuing swaddling entirely.
Sleep Sacks: Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket to provide comfort and security without restricting movement.
Consistent Routine: Maintain a consistent bedtime routine to help your baby adjust to sleeping without a swaddle.

Don’t use weighted sleep sacks.