Most experts recommend transitioning from swaddling to a sleep sack around 2-3 months old. By this age, the startle reflex has diminished so babies no longer need their arms bound tightly. Premature babies or those with special needs may transition later after discussing timing with a pediatrician. Look for a transition sleep sack with arm openings to wean from the swaddle gradually.
Transitional sleep sacks, designed to bridge the switch from swaddling, can be used safely when guidelines are followed. Choose a design specifically for transitioning with features like arm openings for gradual steps. Stop swaddling and use transitional sacks once baby shows signs of rolling over.
A transitional swaddle is a hybrid product designed to safely transition your baby out of a full swaddle. It has openings for your baby's arms while still wrapping the body snugly. A regular sleep sack does not swaddle at all and has full arm movement. Transitional swaddles allow your baby to adjust to having their arms free before fully stopping swaddling. Around 2-3 months old is when you would use a transitional swaddle before switching to a regular sleep sack without arm restrictions.
