Moving from Swaddle to a Sleep Sack

May 13, 2025

Moving from a swaddle to a sleep sack is a big milestone for your baby. As a mom firstly and a sleep consultant, I know how powerful a good swaddle can be for calming new-borns and helping them settle. But there comes a time when it’s not only appropriate—but essential—to help babies move from swaddle to sleep sack for safety and continued sleep success.

When to Stop Swaddling

The general recommendation is to stop swaddling as soon as a baby shows signs of rolling, which happens typically around 3 to 4 months. Rolling while swaddled poses a serious risk of suffocation, so as soon as you seeing signs of rolling, it’s time to move out of the swaddle. For official guidance on this, visit the AAP Safe Sleep Recommendations. AAP Safe Sleep Recommendations.

Why Transition to a Sleep Sack?

Sleep sacks are a fantastic next step because they:

Keep your baby warm safely without loose blankets in the cot, so provide warmth that is needed with the important element of safety
Offer a consistent sleep cue for naps and bedtime
Allow full arm movement once baby is rolling, reducing the risk of suffocation

How to Transition from Swaddle to Sleep Sack

Here are a few tips to help families make the transition smoothly

Start Gradually

If your baby hasn’t yet started rolling but is close:

Begin by swaddling with one arm out for a few nights
Then try both arms out, keeping the swaddle wrapped around the torso
Finally, transition to a sleeveless sleep sack

This slow process allows the baby to adjust to more movement and keeps their sleep environment familiar.

Choose the Right Sleep Sack

Pick a TOG-rated sleep sack based on your room temperature. Look for:

A snug fit around the chest so it won’t ride up over their face but extra legroom for easy of movement
Check the material to suit your needs, often a cotton blend is practical and breathable

Stick to Your Routine

Keep your pre-sleep routine consistent. If your baby associates swaddling with winding down, replace it with the sleep sack and continue the usual bedtime steps—feeding, story, cuddles.

Expect a Short Adjustment Period

It’s normal to see a little sleep disruption, it could be minimal or up to a couple of weeks as they adjust to their new sleep sack. Offer extra comfort with shushing, patting, but try to stay consistent and your baby will get used to it.

Whilst moving from the swaddle to a sleep sack feels like a big change for you baby, with the right approach and a bit of patience, this transition can be smoother than most parents expect.