Safe Sleep Tips: Swaddle to Side Sleeping Transition for Infants

After spending up to 9 months tucked up in a cozy, dark womb, it can take a little bit of time, coupled with plenty of love and reassurance, for a newborn baby to transition to the bright, noisy world outside. The vast newness of this environment may feel overwhelming for a little one who has spent months in the peaceful, quiet embrace of the womb. Because of this, many parents find that their newborn needs extra help to adapt to their new surroundings. Newborns will likely require some assistance and support to fall asleep peacefully in their new environment. Fortunately, swaddling can provide that much-needed comfort.

Swaddling helps to mimic the sensation of the womb, offering your infant a secure, snug feeling that can be very calming. It’s similar to the comfort they experienced while in utero, helping them adjust to the sensory overload they experience as they move into the outside world. It can also help prevent the baby’s startle reflex, which often causes babies to wake up suddenly from their peaceful sleep. Many parents find that swaddling contributes significantly to a smoother transition from the womb to the world. 

When swaddling, it is important to ensure that the swaddle is both safe and comfortable for the baby. The swaddle should not be too tight around the hips, nor should it be too loose around the face or neck. A swaddle that’s too tight could restrict healthy hip development, while a loose swaddle could pose a suffocation hazard. Therefore, choosing a safe and well-designed swaddle is essential. Products like the Love To Dream Stage 1 swaddle are popular choices among parents, as they are approved by the  Hip Dysplasia Society  and designed to fit securely to the baby’s body. This design helps prevent any excess loose material, which could present a safety risk.

Following  Safe Sleep Guidelines  is a must for all sleep sessions. A swaddled baby should always be placed on their back and sleep in their own sleep space. For safety reasons, babies should sleep in the same room as an adult, but in their own crib or bassinet, for the first six months of life. This practice has been shown to reduce the risk of  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome  (SIDS).

One common question parents have is, “Can newborns sleep on their side?” The short answer is no. Research has consistently shown that sleeping on the back (known as the supine position) is the safest sleep position for newborns. Placing your baby on their back to sleep reduces the risk of SIDS significantly, making it the safest option. Placing babies on their side or stomach can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS.

For the safety of your newborn, it is essential that they sleep on a flat, firm surface, such as a well-fitted mattress in a crib or bassinet. This ensures that your baby will have a safe sleep environment with no risk of suffocation or falling.

Infant tummy sleeping and allowing a newborn to sleep on their side are both practices that have been found to increase the likelihood of SIDS. Therefore, the safest practice is to always place your baby on their back when it’s time for sleep. 

Many parents might wonder, “Can an infant sleep on their side even occasionally?” Unfortunately, the answer is still no. Research has found that even occasional side or tummy sleeping increases the risk of SIDS. The safest practice is to always place babies in a supine position (on their back) to sleep. It’s important to make this a habit from the very beginning, as it establishes a safe sleep routine for your baby that reduces the risk of SIDS.

It’s not uncommon for babies to shift or roll during sleep, especially as they grow and develop muscle strength. However, if you find your newborn sleeping on their side, it’s essential to gently roll them back onto their back. If this happens during the night, try not to panic - simply roll your baby back into the safe position.

Also, avoid using sleep positioners, pods, or other devices that claim to keep babies in a certain position. These items can pose a suffocation risk and do not comply with  safe sleep guidelines . A safe and clear sleep environment is critical for reducing risks during sleep.

Once your baby is able to roll over on their own, from their back to their stomach and back again, you can allow them to find their own sleep position. This milestone typically occurs around 4 to 6 months of age, but it varies. Even so, you should continue to place your baby on their back at the beginning of each sleep session until they can consistently roll both ways independently.

You can help your baby develop these skills through supervised tummy time, which helps them build the muscle strength necessary to roll. With practice, your baby will learn how to roll safely and find their most comfortable sleep position. 

When your swaddled baby starts showing signs of attempting to roll or is already rolling, it’s time to begin transitioning them out of the swaddle. This is an important step in your baby’s development, as rolling is a sign of increasing mobility. At this point, it is no longer safe for your baby to remain swaddled, as swaddling restricts their arm movement and can become a safety hazard once they are rolling.

Many babies find a gradual transition to Stage 2 easier. You can even remove one arm at a time to help your baby adjust to the feeling of having their arms free.

No matter what stage your baby is at, it’s important to continue placing them on their back to sleep until they are able to roll both ways consistently. This practice significantly reduces the risk of SIDS and ensures your baby’s safety while sleeping. Always follow safe sleep guidelines, which recommend a firm, flat sleep surface and keeping the sleep environment clear of soft bedding, pillows, and other objects.

By understanding the importance of safe sleep practices and transitioning your baby out of the swaddle at the appropriate time, you can ensure that your baby’s sleep is both safe and comfortable.