If you are reading this, chances are you are thinking about swaddling your 3 or 4-month-old baby, or maybe you are wondering if you should still be swaddling at this age. Swaddling is such a classic baby care trick, but as your little one grows, things change. So, let’s answer some of those questions you might have, for example, like how to swaddle a 3-month-old baby or how to swaddle a 4-month-old baby safely and comfortably. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Should a 3- 4-month-old baby Be Swaddled?
First things first, should you even be swaddling your baby once they hit 3 or 4 months? You might have heard a lot of opinions floating around, and it can be confusing. Swaddling is great for newborns, but by 3 or 4 months, babies are changing fast. They start to get more aware of their bodies, and many begin to roll over or try to wiggle out of that tight wrap.
So, if your 3 to 4 month old still finds comfort in being swaddled and isn’t rolling yet, you can keep going with it. But if your baby is starting to roll or break free, it’s time to think about safer sleep practices.
When to Swaddle a 3-4 Month Baby
Wondering when exactly you should be swaddling a baby in this age range? The answer really depends on your baby’s development. If your baby is calm, sleeps better when swaddled, and hasn’t started rolling yet, keep it up! Swaddling can help them sleep longer and feel secure.
On the other hand, if your little one is showing signs of wanting to move around, like pushing up on their arms, turning their head a lot, or trying to roll, then it might be time to ease off the swaddle. Babies typically start rolling between 3 and 4 months, so many parents find they need to stop swaddling around this time for safety reasons. You can also watch your baby’s behaviour at bedtime. If they’re fussing a lot or trying to break free from the swaddle, it’s a sign they might be ready to transition away from it.
How to Swaddle a 3-Month-Old Baby
Okay, so you are convinced your 3-month-old is still happy in a swaddle and you want to keep doing it. How do you swaddle a 3-month-old baby the right way? Take a look:
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Pick the Right Blanket: Use a lightweight, breathable swaddle blanket. Muslin blankets are great because they are soft and won’t overheat your baby. On that note, you may check out Nintara Baby’s organic muslin cotton swaddles. We are sure you won’t be disappointed.
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Lay Out the Blanket: Spread the blanket out flat in a diamond shape, then fold down the top corner about 6 inches to create a straight edge.
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Place Baby on the Blanket: Lay your baby face-up with their neck on the folded edge.
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Secure the Arms: Take one side of the blanket and wrap it across your baby’s chest, tucking the arm gently inside. Then fold the bottom corner up over their feet.
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Wrap the Other Side: Bring the other side of the blanket across your baby’s chest, making sure their arms stay snug but not squeezed too tightly. Tuck the blanket under their back.
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Check for Comfort: Your baby should have room to move their hips and legs a teeny bit, unlike how you did it earlier.
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Monitor Temperature: Make sure your baby isn’t overheating. If they feel sweaty or warm, consider lighter layers or an open swaddle.
Swaddling a 3-month-old baby isn’t much different from swaddling a newborn, but you want to be especially mindful of their increased mobility and size. Always keep their hips free to move to avoid hip dysplasia.
How to Swaddle a 4-Month-Old Baby
By 4 months, babies are usually stronger and more active. So, how to swaddle a 4-month-old baby requires a little more care and attention. If your baby is still not rolling and enjoys the swaddle, follow the same steps you would use at 3 months, but:
Use a looser wrap: Babies at 4 months might appreciate a bit more room to stretch their arms and legs.
Try transition swaddles: Some swaddle products have zippers or Velcro that allow you to swaddle the arms initially and then give them more freedom gradually as they grow.
Make sure your baby can break free if needed: The goal is comfort, not a straitjacket. If your baby is showing signs of rolling or pushing up, you might want to try swaddling only one arm or using a wearable sleep sack that gives them some freedom but still offers the cosiness of a swaddle.
When to Stop Swaddling Your Baby
This is the million-dollar question, right? When do you finally stop swaddling your baby? The general rule of thumb is: stop swaddling when your baby starts trying to roll over. For most babies, that happens between 3 and 4 months. Rolling over is a major milestone, and once they can do it, swaddling becomes unsafe. Even if your baby hasn’t rolled yet, if they are breaking out of the swaddle consistently or seem uncomfortable, that’s a clear sign it’s time to stop.
Stopping swaddling can be emotional because it feels like the end of a cosy chapter, but it’s a good sign your baby is growing and gaining independence. Plus, many babies continue to sleep well without the swaddle after this transition. However, swaddling a 3 to 4-month-old baby isn’t off the table, but it definitely requires more attention to your baby’s development and safety. So, don’t worry, mama! You are doing great!
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