The patented design of the SwaddleDesigns Transitional Swaddle Sack features half-length sleeves with mitten cuffs that can be worn open or closed. With the cuffs are closed, the half-length sleeves provide partial suppression of the Moro (Startle) reflex so baby sleeps better with fewer awakenings caused by the startle reflex. And baby sleeps safer, because if baby rolls over onto their tummy, the half-length sleeves, even with mitten cuffs closed, allow enough mobility for baby to use their arms to push torso up and move head to get access to air. Other “convertible” products go from full swaddle with full suppression of the startle reflex to a sleeping sack with no swaddle and no suppression of the startle reflex. Only the SwaddleDesigns Transitional Swaddle Sack offers partial suppression of the startle reflex and gently supports baby as baby transitions more easily from a snug swaddle and allows baby to use arms to self-reposition if baby rolls over.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents stop swaddling with arms fully restrained when baby shows signs of attempting to rollover onto their tummy due to safety concerns. Some babies start working on rolling as early as 2 months of age, but every baby is different.

Parents can dress their 12-14 week old baby who is starting to roll over in a SwaddleDesigns Transitional Swaddle Sack. The SwaddleDesigns Transitional Swaddle Sack patented design helps baby sleep better and sleep safer because the TSS features uniquely-shaped, arms up, half-length sleeves with mitten cuffs. When the cuffs are closed, the half-length sleeves provide partial suppression of the Moro (Startle) reflex so baby sleeps better with fewer awakenings caused by the startle reflex, and if baby rolls over onto their tummy, the sleeves allow enough mobility for baby to use their arms to push torso up and move head to get access to air.

Every baby is different. Some babies transition in days, some babies transition in weeks, and some babies take months. Many babies continue to have a strong Moro reflex for several months after they have started rolling over onto their tummy. If parents start using a sleeveless wearable blanket and baby is still experiencing the Moro reflex, then baby will continue to startle themselves awake. This is why the SwaddleDesigns Transitional Swaddle Sack is such an important innovation. Babies who are not sleeping well in a sleeveless sleep sack or wearable blanket will sleep better in the Transitional Swaddle Sack because the arms-up, half-length sleeves with mitten cuffs closed will provide partial suppression of the Moro (startle) reflex. Parents can open one cuff to see if baby sleeps well that way. If not, it’s super easy to just fold the cuff closed again and try again in a few more nights. No need to rush. Take your time. When baby is sleeping well with both cuffs open, parents can continue to use the Transitional Swaddle Sack. With both cuffs open, the TSS will become a sleeping sack with elbow length sleeves and no suppression of the Moro reflex.

The Moro reflex is a natural reflex that you cannot fully stop, but you can soften or dampen until the reflex starts to fade away naturally usually around 4-6 months. Some babies take longer for the reflex to fade. The half-length sleeves of the SwaddleDesigns Transitional Swaddle Sack provide partial suppression of the Moro (startle) reflex when the mitten cuffs are closed. When laying baby down for sleep move slowly and gently place baby in their crib and leave your hands in place on baby for a bit. Then place one of your hands on baby’s tummy for a bit to help settle them into sleep, then gently lift your hand off their tummy. If baby startles during sleep, the half-length sleeves with mitten cuffs closed partially suppress the startle reflex so baby’s arms are contained and do not fly out and fully wake baby, Baby may arouse slightly, but then is more likely to fall back to sleep on their own, reassured by their surroundings of the sleeves and sack.

Yes. While the typical swaddle transition time is in the 2-6 month time period, there are many babies who prefer sleeping with their arms up by their head from day one and sleep well this way. The Transitional Swaddle Sack is the optimal choice for babies who like to sleep with arms up, because the TSS will keep baby’s arms covered to keep baby comfortably warm, provide partial suppression of the Moro (startle) reflex so they sleep better and keep baby’s hands covered to prevent facial scratches.

Your baby’s weight. The sack will be gently snug around baby’s midsection and support baby’s legs in a natural flexed position. It is important to select the size using baby’s weight and do not size up. The Swaddle Sack is not meant to be a big loose fitting sleeping sack, because it is designed to support baby in a natural flexed position during this stage of development

Dress your baby in no more than one layer more than you would use to be comfortable in the same environment. As a first option, we recommend that you layer inside the sack. You may use a cotton bodysuit and/or cotton pajamas under the Transitional Swaddle Sack. Touch and feel baby’s tummy to ensure baby is warm and dry, not sweaty or damp. You may also dress baby in a Transitional Swaddle Sack and layer a wearable blanket over the TSS in cooler environments.

Yes, the SwaddleDesigns Transitional Swaddle Sack can be used for nap time and bedtime sleep. Always place baby on their back for every sleep including naps and nighttime sleep.

The SwaddleDesigns Transitional Swaddle Sack is the #1 selling swaddle transition on Amazon. With approximately 20,000 consumer reviews and an aggregate 4.6 rating, the SwaddleDesigns Transitional Swaddle is the clear category leader. There are other items on Amazon that include the word “transition” and “swaddle” in their product title, but in all cases, these products do not include the uniquely-shaped, arms up, half-length sleeves that provide the partial suppression of the Moro (startle) reflex. Developed by Lynette Damir, RN, mom, and founder of SwaddleDesigns, the Transitional Swaddle Sack is the best selling swaddle transition product in the world.

It works. The Transitional Swaddle Sack has helped hundreds of thousands of babies and their parents get more sleep. While some babies adjust quickly, it may take 7-10 days for some babies to adjust to a bit more freedom than a classic snug swaddle. When you read the thousands of reviews, you will discover there are many, many reasons why parents love the Transitional Swaddle Sack based on their personal experience. But in all cases, the parents love and recommend the Transitional Swaddle Sack because their baby slept better.