Swaddling is an effective technique to help soothe newborns as they adjust to life outside the womb. I swaddled my girls right from the get-go and it was truly a lifesaver during the first couple of months. It is recommended that parents stop swaddling their baby with arms in after they turn two months old. You can continue to keep your baby in their swaddle with one or both arms out beyond 8 weeks old, but it's important to look out for these 4 signs your baby may be ready to stop;

1 Startle reflex starts to go away - One of the biggest reasons for swaddling newborns is to help them soothe through moro, or startle, reflex.

2 Baby breaks out of the swaddle - If you find your baby was able to wiggle an arm out or completely unwrap the swaddle while they sleep, it's no longer safe to be swaddling as it creates loose fabric in the crib, increasing the risk of SIDS.

3 Baby starts showing signs of rolling over - If your baby is working on their rolling skills, it's time to make the transition to prevent baby rolling onto their stomach while sleeping and not being able to roll back.

4 Baby starts fighting being swaddled - Some resistance is normal when swaddling, especially when you first try it on your baby. But if they start full-on fighting the swaddle as they get older, it's a sign they are ready to sleep arms free.

Thank me later 👋