Sleep suits can be a great alternative or swaddling transition. The suits keep baby's arms in a T-shape, to prevent rolling, while still keeping them comfortable. Make sure to keep the room they are in cool, as suits can be warm. Remember, swaddling (or an alternative solution) should end when your baby begins to roll.
Babies don't have to be swaddled. If your baby is happy without swaddling, don't bother. Always put your baby to sleep on his back. This is true no matter what, but is especially true if he is swaddled.
Allow baby to be exposed to some noise while napping. If baby is able to tolerate some background noise, he or she will be less likely to startle at sudden changes in noise or position.
Babies don't need to be swaddled to be healthy and happy. If your baby is happy without swaddling, that's great news.
Swaddling can increase the chance your baby will overheat, so avoid letting your baby get too hot. The baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash and rapid breathing. Consider using a pacifier for naps and bedtime.
The AAP recommends that parents stop swaddling their baby (arms in) after they turn two months old. This is because swaddling becomes unsafe if: Baby starts getting strong enough to break out of the swaddle, causing there to be loose fabric in the crib.
Moro or "startle" reflex
The Moro reflex, which is present in varying degrees in different babies, usually peaks during the first month and starts to disappear after about two months.
This is what's called the Moro (startle) Reflex. It's a protective automatic reflex that all babies are born with, and it's completely normal!
If your baby is swaddled, keep them swaddled throughout their night feeds. Or if your baby is older, keep them in their sleeping bag. If you need to do a diaper change before or during their feed, re-swaddle them again or put them back in their sleeping bag as soon as they are changed.
The AAP Says to Stop Swaddling
Swaddled babies may overheat, especially if their heads are partially covered, which can cause hyperthermia and even death. There is ongoing debate over whether swaddling prevents infants from waking easily, hinders weight gain or, most troubling, increases the chance of SIDS.”
Should I swaddle my baby with clothes on? Most of the time, you will want to dress your baby at least one layer under their swaddle to keep them warm enough. Some parents choose to have their babies wear only a diaper underneath their swaddle to keep them cool in very hot weather.
You should stop swaddling your baby when they start to roll over. That's typically between two and four months. During this time, your baby might be able to roll onto their tummy, but not be able to roll back over. This can raise their risk of SIDs.
Babies sometimes stiffen their legs and arms or tighten up their body when you pick them up or they get excited or frustrated. Often this type of stiffening is no big deal. Children might also stiffen up their bottoms when they're having a bowel movement, especially if the stool is hard.
If your baby can roll over at 2 months, be sure to stop swaddling entirely. Unfortunately, there aren't any swaddle transition products that are safe for a rolling 2-month old baby. A 2-month old baby is too young for the Zipadee Zip. (Baby should be at least 3 months old and weigh at least 12 lbs).
Conclusion: Swaddling with arms out
But if you notice that her arms just keep coming out of the swaddle, don't panic! It's okay for her to sleep with one or both arms out of the swaddle as long as she's not yet rolling over and/or able to move the swaddle blanket up around her face.
Start with one arm out for a couple of nights, and then both arms out for a couple of nights (or more) before completely removing the blanket. You can use this method with a regular swaddle blanket. Or, purchase a swaddle that allows the arms to be in or out.
However, swaddling can be risky, the new study finds. "Babies who were swaddled were 50 to 60 percent more likely to die of SIDS," said lead researcher Dr. Rachel Moon, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
If your baby is wearing a nappy, vest and sleepsuit, he'll only need a sheet or a low tog sleeping bag as bedding in warm weather . If he still seems hot, it's fine for him to sleep in just his vest or even his nappy.
The AAP recommends that your child's room should be kept at a temperature that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult. A simple onesie in the summer and footed one-piece pajamas or a sleep sack in the winter are safe options.
Resisting back-sleeping
Much more likely is that your baby just doesn't feel as secure on her back. If that's the case, there are a few tricks you can try to encourage back-sleeping, including swaddling your baby and giving her a pacifier at bedtime. Just skip the sleep positioner, and stick with a consistent routine.
Most babies will accept sleep without a swaddle within a couple of weeks. Products such as sleep sacks can help ease the swaddle transition.
Crying it out
It's OK to let your baby cry if the baby doesn't seem sick and you've tried everything to soothe your baby. You can try to leave your baby alone in a safe place, such as a crib, for about 10 to 15 minutes. Many babies need to cry before they can fall asleep.