We often get questions about how to use a sleeping bag and wrap together, while babies transition from being swaddled.
This is also a useful technique for babies who have grown out of wraps but still sleep better swaddled.
Safety
Please ensure your baby is not rolling or showing signs of rolling if you are using a sleeping bag and wrap together. Stop swaddling and have baby sleep in a sleeping bag with arms out for their safety.
Techniques
Here are the techniques we have found work well:
Miracle Blanket over a sleeping bag
If your baby still likes firm arms-down swaddling, the best wrap to use over a sleeping bag is the Miracle Blanket. These are shaped to prevent the wrap coming up by baby's face, which is especially important when you are using a wrap with a sleeping bag (rather than wrapping baby's legs). Miracle Blanket in particular is perfect for this transition, as the arm flaps are so effective and safe when used over a sleeping bag.
Choose a sleeping bag in the right size for your baby and appropriate weight for the season. The most popular option is the 3-Seasons Woolbabe Mini.
Place your wrap open flat, then place sleeping bag on top of the wrap. Place baby into the sleeping bag, doing up any domes and zippers. Most newborn size sleeping bags have domes under the arms for a snug fit.
Secure your baby's arms into the wrap arm flaps.
Wrap the first side of the wrap over your baby. If you keep this arm wrapped straight down by baby's side, it is much more likely to stay wrapped all night.
Wrap the other side of the swaddle securely over and around your baby.
Weaning baby off the swaddle
Once your baby can settle easily and sleep well with the wrap and sleeping bag together, you may want to try with one arm left out of the swaddle. This will give you an indication of whether your baby is ready to start weaning from swaddling.
Read more about Weaning your baby off Swaddling.
Can I use a wrap inside a sleeping bag?
No, it is not safe to use a swaddle inside a sleeping bag. This is because sleeping bags need your baby's arms to be out the arm holes, rather than swaddled completely and reliant on the neck hole to stop baby slipping inside the sleeping bag.
