When should you stop swaddling?

What the evidence says

Every major guideline agrees on the key rule: stop swaddling the moment your baby shows any sign of trying to roll over, whether that's pushing up, twisting to one side, or attempting a rollover during tummy time or sleep. This is because a swaddled baby who manages to roll onto their stomach can't use their arms to push up, lift their head, or roll back, which raises the risk of suffocation. Rolling usually starts around 3 to 4 months but can happen earlier, so it's worth watching for signs from about 2 months on.

Canadian public health guidance goes a step further and suggests planning to stop swaddling around 2 months of age, before rolling typically begins, rather than waiting for the first attempt. If you want to keep using a wearable blanket or sleep sack after that point, choose one that doesn't compress the arms, chest, or hips, so your baby can move freely. Sleep sacks that don't restrict movement can be used for as long as you like.

Whatever you use, always place your baby on their back to sleep, keep the swaddle or sack loose enough at the hips to allow natural leg movement, and avoid weighted swaddles or blankets. Once your baby can roll both ways on their own (usually around 4 to 6 months), you don't need to reposition them if they roll onto their side or tummy during sleep.