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 to them having broken free, flailing their little arms and all? Or maybe you're ready to give up trying to fight your baby into a traditional swaddle wrap. However, you're not prepared to give up swaddling altogether—after all, swaddling is known to soothe newborns and promote better sleep ( 1 ). 

So what do you do? 

If your baby wiggles out of a traditional swaddle technique or shows signs of discomfort or distress, it may be time to change things up. However, you don’t have to necessarily stop swaddling. Instead, it may be time to learn how to swaddle with arms out. With this method, your little one can still enjoy the snugness of a swaddle while allowing freedom for the arms to move about.

 Keep reading for a step-by-step guide for when, why, and how to swaddle with arms out. 

Swaddling is a go-to technique for most all parents in the first several weeks of their baby’s life. Most babies find the snug wrap of the swaddle soothing and comforting, resembling the environment of the womb. Swaddling also helps babies sleep by preventing the startle reflex, an involuntary movement that easily wakes them. Parents also have peace of mind knowing their baby is safely wrapped up all snug and warm without the need for loose blankets in the crib, which increases the risk of suffocation and SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome. 

The catch? Not every infant enjoys being completely swaddled. Some prefer less restriction with freedom of arm movement or access to their hands. This is especially true for babies who self-soothe by sucking their thumb or fingers. For these babies, testing out a method where just the body is wrapped might provide better comfort and sleep without making them feel overly constrained.

In general, swaddling with the arms free supports babies as they develop, offering a comforting technique that adapts to their growing need for movement. It enables infants to self-regulate their comfort and temperature control by allowing them to move their arms while still feeling snug. Although full-body swaddling works well for very young babies, letting the baby’s arms out becomes more vital as they start moving around more. It’s also the perfect stepping stone for older babies transitioning from the swaddle to a  sleep sack .

Parents often begin transitioning from traditional swaddling to an arm-free style when they notice increased activity or resistance from their baby. Babies who wriggle free of the swaddle or seem uncomfortable may benefit from having some freedom of movement in their arms. These are all signs it may be time to give arm-free swaddling a try! 

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 16 weeks old. 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 arms 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 Academy of American Pediatrics, parents should not use weighted blankets while swaddling, regardless of if the baby’s arms are in or outside of the wrap. These blankets can apply undue pressure on an infant’s chest and lungs, potentially causing harm. It’s best to stick to breathable and lightweight blankets. 

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 consider 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 morrow 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 otn 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.

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 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. 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 the 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 to your baby’s chest, 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’ width 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 baby to position their arms as desired for optimal comfort and soothing.

When selecting a swaddle blanket, material matters. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like organic cotton, muslin, or Tencel help regulate the baby’s temperature and reduce the risk of overheating. Soft, hypoallergenic fabrics are ideal for babies’ sensitive skin, providing gentle comfort without causing irritation. Stretchy fabrics with a bit of give allow for a snug wrap while still giving the baby room to move their hips. Avoid heavy, thick blankets that may cause overheating or make it difficult to achieve a secure swaddle. 

The size and design of the swaddle blanket also matter. Traditional square or rectangular swaddle blankets offer versatility, allowing you to customize the fit. Ensure the blanket is large enough for effective wrapping without being overly bulky. Avoid swaddle blankets that are too small as they may easily come undone and pose a suffocation risk.

Many parents appreciate traditional swaddle blankets for their many uses. When not being utilized as a swaddle, they can come in handy as a stroller blanket, burp cloth, nursing cover, or surface for tummy time, play time or a picnic! 

That said, if swaddling is a challenge, you want to consider pre-made swaddle wraps with Velcro or zippers. These convenient designs can make the process easier for new parents or especially wiggly babies.

Ultimately, the best swaddle blanket is one that keeps your baby secure, comfortable, and safe while making swaddling simple for caregivers.

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 Links:

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