Using Jacky to Transition out of the Swaddle

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering how to transition out of a swaddle and into Jacky. Let’s talk about. 

When do I stop swaddling?

We recommend swaddling with the b.e.s.t. swaddle from birth until your baby shows signs of rolling (this is the recommendation from the AAP, too)⁽¹⁾, which typically happens around 3-4 months. When you notice those signs, it’s time to move out of the swaddle and into Jacky for safe, supported sleep.

Expert Tip: Jacky is safe for rolling babies because it allows their arms to be free and have enough movement to push up when they roll onto their bellies. 

What are the signs of rolling?

Here are signs that your baby is getting close to rolling:

• Controlled lifting of head and shoulders during tummy time
• Ability to get body up on a shoulder
• Kicking their legs and scooting in a circle when on their back
• Rolling the hips side to side
• Using legs to lift the hips

As soon as you see signs of rolling, it’s time to make the transition to Jacky. Jacky gives babies the comfort they’re used to with the swaddle, but allows their arms to be free so they can push up when they roll to their belly.

How to transition out of the swaddle:

Deciding how to transition out of the swaddle depends on your baby’s individual development and parent preference.

If your baby is not showing signs of rolling but you feel like you’re getting close, you can try one of these options:

1. Partial night

Babies coming out of the swaddle too early can cause major sleep disruptions. However, sometimes parents simply feel in their gut that it's time to begin transitioning out of the swaddle. If this is you AND your baby isn't showing signs of rolling, the “partial night” option may be best. With this technique, you'll start the night in Jacky. When your baby awakens, you can switch to the swaddle. Each night, try to go a bit longer in Jacky. When your baby is able to sleep well out of the swaddle, or shows signs of rolling, transition fully out of the swaddle and into Jacky for the entire night. 

Expert Tip: Some families who do this love to have the b.e.s.t. swaddle under Jacky.  To do this, simply swaddle your baby with their arms out and put Jacky on top. Here's an example:

2. Swaddle with one arm out

Swaddle snuggly like you have been doing, but leave one arm out. (The b.e.s.t. swaddle is a great option for swaddling with one arm out.)This gives your baby a chance to adjust slowly. Do this for 1-2 weeks; then, when your baby is adjusting well to one arm unswaddled or they show signs of rolling, transition to Jacky. (Jacky cannot be worn with only one arm out.) Follow your baby's lead on the exact timing.

Here's an example of what one arm out looks like with the b.e.s.t. swaddle:

If your baby is showing signs of rolling, it’s time to fully transition out of the swaddle. 

Once you’ve noticed signs of rolling, move your baby into Jacky. Many babies make this transition easily. For some, it may take a few nights to get used to the change. 

Jacky gives your baby more freedom of movement than they’re used to (remember, we need that arm movement to keep them safe on their bellies). If you notice that the arm movement is making it hard for your little one to fall asleep, try this: Stand at the head of their crib or bassinet and gently hold their arms down for a bit while they are trying to fall asleep. This helps calm them and decreases stimulation and distractions, making it easier to fall asleep. Over a few nights, you can gradually let go of their arms more quickly. 

What should I do if my baby rolls on their belly while sleeping in Jacky?

First, I need you to know that Jacky is completely safe for tummy sleep. Jacky was designed so that babies are still able to push up when they are on their bellies.

However, you may find that your baby is so accustomed to sleeping on their back that rolling to their tummy while sleeping makes them very upset.

If your baby is waking up crying after rolling over in their sleep, you don't have to go in and roll them to their back each time. Here are some tips to help your baby get comfortable on their tummy.

1. Prioritize tummy time. During awake time, practice lots of tummy time. Work on rolling back to belly and belly to back.
   
   

2. Provide comfort. During sleep times, resist the urge to roll your baby to their back. Instead, rub their back, pat their bottom, and try to help them fall asleep on their tummy.
   
   

3. Be patient. For most babies, it takes about a week to adjust to tummy sleep or figure out how to return to their back.
   

Safety Tip: Until age 1, babies need to be placed on their backs for sleep on a firm infant mattress with no loose bedding. If they’re strong enough to roll onto their tummy, most doctors will agree they’re strong enough to lift their head and safely sleep in this position (yes, even in Jacky!).

Keep in mind…

If sleep was hard before transitioning out of the swaddle, you may also need strategies to help you get through this transition and set you up for sleep success moving forward. My classes are here to help.

How do you transition out of Jacky?

For most babies, I recommend continuing to use Jacky at least until you're no longer seeing your baby's Moro reflex. Once your baby is comfortable sleeping on their belly or you're not seeing any startling, you can simply stop using Jacky and just use a sleep bag. Keep in mind, there's no rush to come out of Jacky, but without any Moro reflex most babies transition out beautifully.