Using Sleep Sacks | Infant and Newborn Care

Using Sleep Sacks

If you’re a new parent, chances are you’ve spent at least a few sleepless nights wondering how to keep your baby safe and comfortable. Swaddles work great for newborns, but once a baby starts rolling, they need something that won’t restrict movement. Enter the sleepsack: a simple yet effective way to keep babies cozy and secure without loose blankets.

What Is a Sleep Sack?

Think of a wearable blanket, but designed specifically for babies. Unlike traditional blankets, which can pose a suffocation risk, a sleepsack zips around your baby, providing warmth without the hazard of loose fabric. They come in different materials for different seasons, from lightweight cotton for summer to plush fleece for winter.

Why Parents Love Them

Safety First – The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against loose bedding in a crib to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Sleepsacks eliminate that risk while still keeping babies warm.

Promotes Better Sleep – Babies sleep better when they’re comfortable. A sleepsack keeps them at the right temperature without the risk of them kicking off their blanket in the middle of the night.

Prevents Startle Reflex Disruptions – Some designs offer a snug fit around the chest, helping to reduce those sudden startles that can wake a baby.

Easier Late-Night Changes – Many sleepsacks have a two-way zipper, making nighttime diaper changes quick and painless.

Finding the Right One

Many sleep sacks work well from the newborn stage through toddlerhood, making them a worthwhile investment to ensure your baby sleeps soundly.

If your baby starts rolling or seems uncomfortable, consider adjusting their sleep sack based on size, tog rating, or material. The benefits of a sleep sack go beyond warmth; they help create a safer sleep environment, allowing your baby to sleep comfortably while giving you peace of mind. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting one: 

TOG Rating Matters – A 2.5 tog sleep sack is ideal for cooler months, while a lower TOG is better for warm weather. Check the tog sleep Consider the rating before purchasing the best sleep sack for your baby.

Fit is Key – A sleep sack that fits properly should allow movement but not be loose enough to bunch up around your baby’s face.

When to Stop Using a Sleep Sack – As soon as your baby shows strong signs of standing or attempting to walk in their sleeping bag or a wearable blanket, you may need to transition your baby to regular pajamas.

Brands We Recommend

These brands are known for high-quality, safe for babies sleep products made from non-toxic materials. (We are not sponsored by or affiliated with any of these companies.)

⭐ Quince – A luxurious sleep sack made from organic cotton and bamboo, helping baby sleep soundly while maintaining a comfortable temperature.

⭐ Gunamuna – Features sleep sacks for babies with a unique zip design, allowing for easy diaper changes throughout the night and ensuring your baby stays comfortable. Their weighted sleep sacks safe design helps keep your baby warm without overheating.

⭐ Woolino – A top choice for all-season wear, their tog sleep sacks regulate body temperature, ensuring better sleep year-round.

⭐ Kyte Baby – Known for buttery-soft bamboo fabric, their infant sleep sacks are breathable and cozy, making them ideal when you want to dress your baby for a safer sleep.

⭐ Little Sleepies – These sleep sacks come in adorable patterns, made with temperature-regulating bamboo viscose to ensure your baby stays at a comfortable temperature.

⭐ Mushie – Offers a lightweight sleep sack that fits well and promotes a safer sleep environment, especially for babies who dislike weighted sleep products.

⭐ Parade Organics – Organic cotton sleep sacks provide a breathable option, great when transitioning from a swaddle to a sleep sack.

⭐ Owlivia – These GOTS-certified organic sleep sacks help regulate body temperature, ideal for ensuring your little one stays warm without overheating.

⭐ Baby in Merino – Made from merino wool, these tog sleep sacks naturally adjust to your baby’s sleep environment, making them a fantastic sleep sack for newborns.

Transitioning from Swaddle to Sleepsacks

If your baby is used to being swaddled, transitioning can take a few nights. Try a sleepsack that allows arms to be in or out, so they can adjust gradually. Some parents start with one arm out, then both, before moving to a standard sleepsack.

Drawbacks of Sleepsacks

Sleepsacks take the guesswork out of safe sleep. They keep babies warm, reduce risks, and make life just a little bit easier for tired parents. And when you’re running on broken sleep, anything that helps is a win.

When it comes to safe sleep, parents hear one message loud and clear: no loose blankets in the crib. Sleepsacks have become the go-to alternative, offering warmth without the risks of suffocation or entanglement. But are they the perfect solution? Not always.

Some babies feel restricted-  While sleepsacks are designed to allow movement, some babies prefer total freedom. They might fight against the feeling of fabric around them, leading to fussiness and disrupted sleep.

Sizing isn’t always perfect- Babies grow at different rates, and sleepsacks aren’t always a perfect fit. A sack that’s too large can bunch up, while one that’s too snug may feel uncomfortable.

Temperature control can be tricky- Though they’re meant to replace blankets, sleepsacks come in different thicknesses (often measured in TOG ratings). Picking the wrong one—or layering incorrectly—can lead to a baby being too hot or too cold.

They can be expensive- Good-quality sleepsacks often cost more than a set of footie pajamas. Since babies outgrow them quickly, replacing them every few months can add up.

Transitioning away can be tough- Once a baby gets used to sleeping in a sleepsack, switching to regular pajamas might take time, potentially disrupting sleep for a few nights.

Not all caregivers use them- If your baby is in daycare, check their sleep policies. Some daycare centers don’t allow sleepsacks, which could lead to an inconsistent sleep environment.

Newborn Baby Sleep Clothing Alternatives

If a sleepsack isn’t working for your baby, don’t worry! There are other safe sleep options to consider:

🧦 Footed Pajamas – A great choice for babies who run warm or dislike feeling confined while wearing a sleep sack. Look for breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo for comfort.

🛏 Fleece or Cotton Sleepers – For cooler months, a one-piece fleece sleeper provides warmth without extra layers. Some have fold-over feet and mittens to keep little hands and toes warm.

👐 Swaddle Transition Sleepwear – If your baby is transitioning from a swaddle but still likes a snug feel, options like the Zipadee-Zip or Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit provide gentle compression while allowing movement.

🛏 Room Adjustments – If warmth is the main concern, consider adjusting the room temperature or using a space heater (at a safe distance) instead of relying on extra layers of clothing.

Supporting Your Baby’s Sleep

Sleepsacks are a great tool for many families, but they’re not the only safe sleep option. Some babies love them, others hate them, and plenty of parents find workarounds that fit their child’s needs. If your baby sleeps soundly in a sleepsack, fantastic! If not, there’s no harm in trying other safe alternatives.

At the end of the day, the best sleep solution is the one that helps your baby (and you) get the rest you need- safely and comfortably.

Looking for more information on helping you and your baby sleep? Book a consultation with us!