How to Swaddle With Arms Out: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever put your baby to sleep all snug and swaddled like a little burrito, only to wake up to them having broken free and flailing their little arms? Or maybe you’re ready to stop fighting your baby into a traditional wrap, but you’re not prepared to give up swaddling altogether. Swaddling can be soothing for newborns, and many parents love that it helps baby feel calm and secure while keeping the sleep space free of loose blankets (1).

If you’re shopping while you read, start with a soft, breathable baby swaddle for those early newborn weeks. And when your little one starts getting more wiggly (or you’re ready to transition away from wrapping), a baby sleep sack is a cozy next step that keeps baby warm without loose bedding. Underneath, a simple pair of baby pajamas makes layering easy and comfortable.

So what do you do when your baby wiggles out of a traditional swaddle technique or shows signs of discomfort? You don’t necessarily have to stop swaddling right away. Instead, it may be time to learn how to swaddle with arms out. With this method, your little one can still enjoy the snugness around their body while their arms are free to move, which can be especially helpful for babies who like to self-soothe by sucking their hands or fingers.

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on when, why, and how to swaddle with arms out, plus how to know when it’s time to move on from swaddling completely.

Swaddling is a go-to technique for many parents in the first several weeks of their baby’s life. Most babies find the snug wrap soothing and comforting, and it can help reduce those startle movements that wake them up too easily.

The catch is that not every baby enjoys having both arms tucked in. Some babies fight the wrap, work their arms free, or simply seem calmer when they can move their arms or reach their hands. For these babies, an arms-out swaddle can be a gentle middle step: baby still feels snug through the chest and body, but their arms can move more naturally.

As babies grow and become more active, arms-out swaddling can also help you transition toward the next stage, especially if you’re planning to move from wrapping to a baby sleep sack.

Many parents begin transitioning from traditional swaddling to an arm-free style when they notice increased activity or resistance. If your baby wriggles free, seems frustrated, or is working hard to get their hands out, that’s often a sign arms-out swaddling may help. And if your baby is getting close to rolling (or practicing those side-to-side movements), it’s a good time to prepare for a smooth transition to a baby sleep sack.

As with traditional swaddling methods, swaddling a baby with their arms out is generally regarded as safe until they begin showing signs of rolling, which typically occurs around 3–4 months, sometimes earlier. Until then, it’s extremely important to follow general safe swaddling best practices: 

• Choose the Right Blanket:  Use a swaddle blanket made from lightweight and breathable fabric 

• Wrap Snugly : Wrap snugly around the chest and torso to provide soothing comfort and prevent the wrap coming undone

• Minimize Suffocation Risk:  Keep the blanket below the chin to avoid covering the baby’s airways 

• Keep Hips Loose:  Leave room for the baby’s legs to move freely to prevent hip dysplasia.

• Back Is Best:  Always lay a swaddled baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. Never lay a swaddled baby on their stomach. 

• Watch for Signs of Overheating:  Monitor baby, looking for any signs of sweating, flushed skin, or rapid breathing.

• Know When To Stop:  Discontinue swaddling when the baby starts rolling over to prevent suffocation hazards.

What about weighted blankets—are they safe? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents should not use weighted blankets while swaddling, regardless of whether the baby’s arms are in or outside of the wrap. (The CPSC also warns against weighted blankets and weighted swaddles for infant sleep.)

As always, pay attention to your little one's signs and developmental cues. If they frequently fuss or awaken while swaddled at night, it may be a sign of discomfort or agitation. Consider adjusting your wrapping technique or alternatives to swaddling altogether.

Many new parents learn that swaddling, especially with the baby’s arms in, helps reduce the sleep disruptions caused by the newborn Moro reflex. The startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex, often disturbs newborns when they suddenly stretch out their limbs as if experiencing a sensation of falling. This reflex can cause frequent wakings, interrupting any chance of longer stretches of sleep. By swaddling, parents can mitigate this reflex’s effects by securing the baby’s arms and legs, thereby encouraging those extended periods of sleep.

So, what about arms-out swaddling and the Moro reflex? Parents may be hesitant to transition to arms-out swaddling out of fear of triggering the reflex. However, babies typically outgrow the startle reflex between 3 to 6 months of age. Around this age, parents often notice less frequent startles while their baby sleeps and overall more subdued movements of their arms and legs. This is a great time to transition to swaddling the baby with their arms out.

Despite the Moro reflex, keep in mind that some babies develop self-soothing habits that involve sucking on their hands, fingers, or thumbs at a young age. These babies may prefer to be swaddled with their arms out sooner than 3 months—and that’s okay. As always, pay attention to your baby’s cues as you determine the best way to offer safety and comfort to your baby during sleep.

If you’re transitioning out of swaddling completely, a baby sleep sack can be a cozy next step for arms‑free sleep.

Ready to learn the art of swaddling with arms out? Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your baby is snug and safe. If you already know how to swaddle your baby, great! With a few simple adjustments, you'll be a master of arms-free swaddling in no time.

1. Start by choosing a lightweight swaddle blanket and laying it out flat on a safe, flat surface. Fold the top corner down to create a smooth edge at the back, preventing bulk and ensuring a snug, comfortable fit when wrapping the baby.

2. Position your baby on their back in the center of the swaddle with the fabric level under their arms (and the folded edge sitting below the shoulders). This setup ensures that your baby’s arms are free while the rest of their body is snugly wrapped.

3. Take one corner of the swaddle blanket, pull it across your baby while keeping your baby’s arm out of the swaddle, and tuck it firmly under their body, ensuring the hips are clear. This step helps keep the baby secure while allowing free movement of the arms.

4. Repeat the process with the other corner of the swaddle, pulling it across your baby and tucking it under their body.

5. Next, gather the bottom edge of the swaddle and pull it up toward your baby’s chest (below the shoulders), wrapping it behind their back.

6. Check that the blanket is snug, but not too tight. You should be able to fit two to three fingers between the swaddle and the baby’s chest.

Follow these six steps for a safe and effective technique, giving your baby the comfort and security needed for a good night’s sleep while allowing your baby to position their arms as desired for optimal comfort and soothing.

Not all swaddle blankets are created equal, and choosing the right one can make arms‑out swaddling feel much easier (and more secure). A good swaddle blanket should feel soft on sensitive newborn skin, be easy to wrap snugly, and stay in place without riding up.

When you’re picking a swaddle blanket, look for a few simple things: lightweight and breathable fabric, enough size to wrap securely, and a little flexibility that helps you get a snug wrap without pulling too tight. You’ll also want something that washes well, because newborn life usually means lots of laundry.

If your baby runs warm, choose a lighter swaddle and simple layers underneath. And when your baby starts getting extra wiggly or showing signs of rolling, it’s a good time to start thinking about transitioning from a swaddle to a baby sleep sack.

Knowing  when to stop swaddling your baby  is important for their continued comfort and safety as they grow. Many infants begin showing signs they are ready to stop being swaddled between 2 and 4 months of age. When an infant begins rolling over, this is a definite sign they should no longer be wrapped in a swaddle—regardless of age. Once they can roll over, babies should replace their swaddle with a sleep sack. 

Babies who frequently escape their swaddle may also be ready for a sleep sack. However, an alternative swaddling technique, like arms out swaddling, may also do the trick! Since infants find such soothing comfort from the snug wrap of a swaddle, try transitioning your baby from arms in to arms out swaddling before swapping swaddling for a sleep sack. 

If your baby seems uncomfortable or agitated while bundled up, it could mean that it’s time to discontinue using the swaddle. To ease them into this change, try wrapping them with one arm released for about one to two weeks before allowing both arms to remain free. Eventually, you can transition your baby to a sleep sack, allowing even more freedom of movement. 

If your baby is younger than 4 months but doesn’t like being swaddled, transitioning right to a properly fitted sleep sack, or wearable blanket, is completely safe.

The bottom line? Babies need their sleep—and so do you! Swaddling with arms out is a great way to continue safely and comfortably swaddling your infant as they grow out of more traditional arms-in swaddling techniques. It’s a practical solution for babies who need a bit more freedom while still enjoying the snugness of a swaddle. As always, be sure the swaddle is snug but not too tight, and transitioning to a sleep sack when the time is right. 

Understanding the Moro reflex and recognizing the signs that your baby is ready to stop swaddling can help you navigate this important stage of your baby’s development. Patience and practice are crucial, and every baby is different, so find what works best for you and your little one.

Lastly, if you’re struggling through those sleepless nights, remember this: this is a phase and it won’t last forever. All new parents experience some sort of nighttime woes, and it will get better as your baby grows. If your infant is showing signs of being ready to move on from the traditional swaddle method for any reason, give the arms out approach a try and see if it helps you all get a better night’s sleep.

Reference:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics, Swaddling: Is it Safe for Your Baby?