Honestly, you'll probably use both. A swaddle for the first few weeks, then a sleeping bag once your baby starts trying to roll. Here's what's actually going on, so you know when to make the switch.
What is the startle reflex, and why does it wake newborns up?
Every newborn has this reflex where their arms jerk out of nowhere, even when they're fast asleep. You've probably already seen it. One second they're settled, the next their arms fly up and they're wide awake again.
A swaddle holds their arms still through that, so they don't wake themselves up over and over. It's why swaddled babies tend to sleep in longer stretches in those early weeks.
When should you stop swaddling your baby?
Once your baby starts trying to roll, you'll need to stop swaddling. This can happen as early as 8 weeks, though for most babies it's somewhere between 2 and 4 months.
You'll usually notice it before they actually roll all the way over. Maybe they're arching their back, rocking side to side, or getting a shoulder up off the mattress. Once you see that, it's time to switch. You don't need to wait for the full roll.
Newborn sleeping bag vs swaddle, why you need both
A sleeping bag is basically a wearable blanket. Your baby's arms are free to move, but they're still warm, and there's nothing loose in the cot that isn't recommended for babies under 12 months anyway.
Most of us buy a swaddle first, then end up back at the shop a few weeks later for a sleeping bag once baby starts rolling.
What TOG should you use for a newborn sleeping bag?
TOG just tells you how warm the fabric is. Higher number, warmer bag. Match it to your room, then pop your baby in one simple layer underneath, like a bodysuit or pyjamas.
As a rough guide.
- Warmer room, around 22 to 24 degrees, go lighter with a short sleeve bodysuit underneath
- Average room, around 18 to 22 degrees, 2.5 TOG with a long sleeve bodysuit works well
- Colder room, under 18 degrees, go warmer with a long sleeve bodysuit and maybe a singlet too
If you're not sure, just feel their chest or the back of their neck. Warm and dry, you're all good. Damp or hot, take a layer off.
Sweet Dreamers Sleep and Swaddle Bag, one bag for both stages
This is exactly why we made the Sweet Dreamers Sleep and Swaddle Bag. Swaddle your baby's arms in for the newborn stage, then unzip to arms out the second they start showing signs of rolling. No second purchase, no standing in the aisle trying to guess when to switch.
It's 100% organic cotton, Oeko-Tex tested, and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. Comes in 1.0 TOG and 2.5 TOG, so you've got both covered.
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip the swaddle and go straight to a sleeping bag from birth?
Yeah, plenty of parents do. Some babies settle just fine without being swaddled. It just helps with that startle reflex in the early weeks, it's not a rule you have to follow.
What age should I stop swaddling my baby?
As soon as you see them trying to roll, which can be from around 8 weeks. You don't need to wait until they've actually rolled over.
What TOG should I use for a newborn?
Go by your room temperature rather than your baby's age. 2.5 TOG suits most nurseries sitting between 18 and 20 degrees, with a long sleeve bodysuit underneath.
Do I actually need to buy a swaddle and a sleeping bag separately?
Not if you don't want to. A bag like the Sweet Dreamers Sleep and Swaddle Bag covers both stages, so you're not buying twice in the first three months.
