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From Swaddling to Arms-Free Sleep in 3 Easy Steps  

When your baby starts to show signs of rolling over, it’s time to transition them from swaddling to arms-free sleep. Our stage 2 Ready to Roll collection is designed to make this milestone as smooth as possible for the whole family.  

With the same comfort and security of a swaddle, our award-winning Transition Suits and Bags have innovative zipped wings so you can gradually introduce your child to arms-free sleep as and when they are ready. From what age to stop swaddling your baby to why you’ll love our Transition Suits and Bags, find out everything you need to know below. 

 

How do I know when my baby is ready to stop swaddling? 

On average, babies will be ready to transition out of swaddling from two months of age. However, every child is different so it’s important to look out for the telltale signs that your baby can no longer be swaddled: 

  • Rolling over.   

  • Pushing up onto their hands.  

  • The ability to escape out of a traditional swaddle.  

  • Resistance to being swaddled.  

 

Why you’ll love our Transition Bags and Suits  

Our Transition Bags and Suits are designed to help your child transition to arms-free sleep without losing the comfort of being swaddled. Our patented zipped wings allow you to remove one arm at a time, so you can follow your baby’s cues and help them to gently transition over time. 

 

Transition Bag: Key features and benefits 

  • Patented zip-off wings. 

  • Converts to a snug sleeping bag. 

  • Twin zipper = easy nappy changes. 

  • Hip-healthy design: freedom of movement.  

  • Eliminates the need for loose layers. 

  • Pairs perfectly with our Love to Dream™ rompers and PJs. 

  • Easy care: machine washable and tumble dryer friendly. 

 

Transition Suit: Key features and benefits 

  • Patented zip-off wings. 

  • Converts to a snug sleep suit. 

  • 2-in-1 built-in feet: for sleep, travel, and play.  

  • Built-in feet reduce trip hazard compared to traditional sleep bags.  

  • Hip-healthy design: freedom of movement.  

  • Twin zipper = easy nappy changes. 

  • Eliminates the need for loose layers. 

  • Pairs perfectly with our Love to Dream™ rompers and PJs. 

  • Easy care: machine washable and tumble dryer friendly. 

Designed to be used all year round, our Transition Suits and Bags come in a range of TOG ratings for the different seasons with four sizes to choose from: small (3.5-6kg), medium (6-8.5kg), large (8.5-11kg), and extra-large (11-14kg). Please use our temperature guide to find the right style depending on the season and temperature. *PLEASE CHECK SIZING INFO IS CORRECT.  

Our stage 2 Transition Bags and Suits are recommended for ages 3-12 months. Please note, every child is different. These are only guidelines, it’s important to make a sizing decision based on your child’s weight not age.   

 

Transition to arms-free sleep in 3 easy steps   

Follow the steps below to transition from swaddling to arms-free sleep.  

  1. Zip one wing off: Unzip one wing first to gently ease your child towards more independent sleep. We recommend doing this for naps and bedtime. 

  2. Monitor your baby’s progress: Over the next few days, monitor how your baby responds to this new way of sleeping. Every child is different, it may take a couple of nights for your child to adapt to change.    

  3. Zip second wing off: When your baby is used to sleeping with one wing removed, it’s time to remove the second wing for arms-free sleep.  

 

What should my child sleep in after the Transition Suit or Bag? 

Before you know it, your little one will be sleeping arms-free. Our stage 3 On The Move collection is designed to support your family during this transition with Sleep Bags and Suits for children who tend to kick off the covers during the night.  

Designed to keep your little one cosy, our Sleep Bags and Suits are a warmer, safer alternative to blankets and can be used from six months old once your child is no longer being swaddled. There are a range of TOGs to choose from, so you can make the right decision depending on the season and temperature. Please refer to our temperature guide for further information.  

 

At Love To Dream™, we know that every child is different, and we’re committed to helping you to find the right solution for your family. With you at every step, Love To Dream™ believes today’s little dreamers are the shapers of tomorrow. For further advice from our experts, visit our Sleep Library.