How to Wean a Baby From Swaddling

Swaddling is an ancient technique of wrapping a baby tightly in a blanket to keep his limbs in and snuggled up recreating the safe environment in the womb. However, after a few months of age, swaddling is often no longer needed and can interrupt a baby's natural growth and reflexes because of the confinement. This is when it's time to wean the baby from the swaddle into a normal sleeping situation.

• 1

  Watch for signs that your baby is ready to be weaned, such as breaking out of the swaddle, fidgeting at night or rolling over while she is sleeping.

• 2

  Swaddle him as normal and remove one or both arms at night. This gives him some freedom to move while still remaining tight and warm like in the womb.

• 3

  Switch the blanket to a blanket sleeper or sleep sack, which gives her more range of movement.

• 4

  Rock your baby to sleep or play relaxing music before placing him in his crib without any blankets or other means of comfort. If baby takes a pacifier, you can give him one to help him relax.