What Are the Advantages of Sleep Sack？

Parenting involves a lot of decisions, especially when it comes to your baby’s sleep. If you’re looking at sleep sacks and trying to choose between the lemon, stripes, or cloud patterns, we can’t help you there (they’re all pretty adorable). But if you need to figure out whether you should use a sleep sack and for how long, we can help you cross those decisions off your (mile-long) list. 

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IN THIS ARTICLE:

Do sleep sacks help babies sleep?

Sleep sacks (aka wearable blankets) safely provide an extra layer of warmth without restricting a baby’s arms. When used as part of a consistent , sleep sacks can also help cue that it’s time to transition to sleep, which can translate into an easier bedtime. 

The standard sleep sack forms a pouch around the baby’s legs, which allows for plenty of freedom of movement (but makes it harder for a toddler to throw a leg over the side of the crib and climb out). Will a sleep sack magically turn your baby into a champion sleeper all on its own? Probably not. However, it can safely provide warmth and comfort to your child.

If you’re wondering why you can’t just use a blanket to keep your baby warm, here’s the answer: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping loose blankets and unfitted sheets out of a baby’s sleep space [ ] for the first 12 months of life to reduce the risk of sleep-related injury. Sleep sacks are a safer alternative. 

How long can a baby wear a sleep sack?

You’ll want to keep size, comfort, and safety in mind. It’s a good idea to use one until at least 12 months of age since a loose blanket can increase the risk of sleep-related injury or death [ ]. Feel free to continue using a sleep sack as long as it fits well and your child seems comfortable wearing it. For instance, it’s probably time to stop using the wearable blanket if your toddler starts regularly unzipping it, taking it off, and throwing it at your head.

When to start using a sleep sack

You can use a sleep sack from day one. However, many parents will instead opt to at naptime and bedtime. The window for swaddling is pretty short, though. The AAP recommends removing the swaddle [ ] as soon as your baby shows signs of starting to roll. While that’s typically between 3 - 4 months of age, sometimes it’s as early as 2 months old. 

When you’re ready to (or if you skipped it altogether), a sleep sack can be used to ensure your baby stays comfortable. It’s a safe alternative to using a sheet or blanket (which, again, is not recommended for babies under 12 months of age).

When should you stop using a sleep sack

While the AAP only cautions against using blankets for infants, that doesn’t mean loose blankets are the best option for toddlers and preschoolers. Blankets tend to shift around, especially with active sleepers. Sleep sacks can help avoid all those nighttime requests for comforter adjustments. In other words, a sleep sack may help you skip the cries of, “Mommy! Daddy! Fix my blanket again!” 

If your child’s comfortable in a sleep sack, it’s fine for them to wear one until they grow out of the largest size. Traditional sleep sacks (with a sleeping bag-type pouch at the bottom) generally fit children up to 36 pounds and 40 inches long. These styles typically accommodate kids up to 2 years of age, depending on their height and weight.

Toddler-specific sleep sacks (with pants-style legs instead of the pouch) can fit bigger kids, with some brands going up to size 5T. These are a good option for older children to stay warm without the hassle and worry of their blankets slipping down.

Sleep sack sizing tips by age

Sizes may vary. Be sure to consult the sizing chart for your specific brand of sleep sack. 

How do you transition your baby from swaddle to sleep sack?

You know it’s coming. If you’ve chosen to , the time will eventually come to transition out of it. There are two options here: fast or slow. 

Fast transition: You’ll need to ditch the swaddle when your baby starts to show signs of rolling (usually between 2 - 4 months old) or if they’re regularly breaking free — that loose blanket can create an unsafe sleep condition [ ], increasing suffocation risk. At that point, it’s time for an immediate transition: bye-bye baby burrito, hello sleep sack.

Slow transition: In other cases, you can use a more gradual approach. This is a good choice for babies who haven’t shown signs of rolling but are approaching 4 months of age and/or have been fighting the swaddle. Start by leaving one or both arms out at bedtime. You can then re-swaddle fully after the first night waking. Once your baby has had 2 - 3 nights to adjust, you can move on to arms out for the entire night, then for naps, and then finally swap the swaddle for the sleep sack. 

Either way, expect some adjustment time. Whether you make a quick change or a slower one, we’ve found it’s common for babies to initially wake more once their arms are no longer confined in the swaddle. With some time, they’ll adjust to falling asleep in this new way.

Are weighted sleep sacks safe for babies?

Unfortunately, no. The AAP says to avoid all weighted sleep products [ ] with babies. That means no weighted swaddles, sleep sacks, sleepers, or blankets.

How to dress your baby under the sleep sack

Consider the room temperature and how many layers you need. Generally, you’ll want to dress your baby in the same amount of layers that you’d have for sleep (or maybe one additional layer if you feel it’s needed). 

Don’t over-bundle. Overheating can cause an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) [ ], so you’ll want to look out for signs that your baby’s too warm: sweating, flushed skin, or the baby’s chest feeling hot to the touch. Your infant may be comfortable in only a onesie or long-sleeved pajamas under the sleep sack, depending on the ambient temperature and thickness of the wearable blanket.

Takeaway

• Sleep sacks are wearable blankets that provide warmth to sleeping children without restricting their arms. They can also cue to little ones that it's time to sleep, which can help create an easier bedtime.

• The AAP recommends keeping loose blankets and sheets out of a baby's sleep space for the first 12 months of life to reduce the risk of sleep-related injury, so sleep sacks are a safer alternative.

• Sleep sacks can be used from day one, however many parents opt to use swaddles for newborns until they show signs of rolling (typically around 2 - 4 months of age).

• Sleep sacks can be used for babies and toddlers as well, until they've grown out of the largest size. Most styles can accommodate kids up to 2, depending on their height and weight. Some brands also offer toddler sizing that goes up to a 5T and can be used longer.

• Weighted sleep sacks (and weighted sleepers, blankets, and swaddles) are not recommended by the AAP.

If you're a new or soon-to-be parent, you're probably curious about the benefits of sleep sacks and their purpose. Sleep sacks for babies have gained significant popularity since the early s, with parents across the globe embracing them.

Promoting healthy sleep for your child is likely one of your top priorities as a parent. Not only does it make your life easier and less stressful, but it also plays a critical role in your child's brain development. Insufficient sleep can impact their cognitive function, making a conducive sleeping environment vital.

Sleep sacks offer a range of benefits, including keeping your baby in the supine position, simplifying diaper changes, providing a sense of security, and offering warmth and comfort. Let's delve deeper into these sleep sack benefits.

Understanding Sleep Sacks

You may wonder how sleep sacks work. Essentially, sleep sacks for babies are wearable blankets, similar to adult sleeping bags. They snugly wrap around the torso, typically leaving the arms free, while remaining loose around the legs and hips. Many sleep sacks feature a convenient zipper closure.

Unlike traditional baby sleepwear like pajamas, sleep sacks are designed to be roomy around the legs and are often worn over bodysuits or footed pajamas, providing a safe additional layer of warmth.

Sleep sacks are specifically designed to create a comfortable and safe sleep environment for your baby. As you're likely aware, loose blankets pose suffocation risks, which is why it is not safe for babies to sleep with them until they are at least 12 months old. Sleep sacks address this concern effectively.

Safety Benefits of Sleep Sacks

Perhaps the most critical benefit of a sleep sack is that it keeps your baby in the supine position (on their back), significantly reducing the risk of SIDS. Additionally, with their arms free, if your baby is old enough to roll over, they can roll back, further minimizing the risk of SIDS. Sleep sacks are among the safest types of sleepwear you can choose for your baby.

Moreover, sleep sacks create a pocket of warm air around your baby's body, providing cozy insulation throughout the night, similar to an adult blanket, but without the risks of entanglement or suffocation.

Sleep sacks can also help reduce your baby's startle reflex, allowing them to sleep better. The snug and secure environment they provide enables both you and your baby to enjoy longer periods of uninterrupted sleep.

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Sleep sacks also help to prevent older children from attempting to climb out of the crib, which can be hazardous. By securing them in a sleep sack, your child's mobility is limited, ensuring a safer sleep environment.

Comfort and Sleep Quality

Do sleep sacks help babies sleep better? This is a crucial aspect because this affects both their well-being and yours.

Thankfully, promoting sound sleep is a significant advantage of sleep sacks. You can rest assured that your child will remain comfortable, warm, and secure throughout the night. With their arms free, they can adjust their position if needed, ensuring a more peaceful sleep.

Sleep sacks are believed to promote improved sleep patterns. When your child is comfortable, they are less likely to wake up frequently and more likely to settle back down quickly. Using a sleep sack can alleviate bedtime stress for both parents and babies.

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Temperature Regulation

Another major benefit of sleep sacks is their ability to regulate temperature. Merino wool sleep sacks are ideal for maintaining your child's optimal temperature year-round, as they provide excellent thermoregulation.

Merino wool sleep sacks keep your child cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. If you feel concerned about overheating during hot weather, cotton sleep sacks offer a breathable and cooling alternative, ensuring your little one remains comfortable throughout the night.

Regardless of the season, sleep sacks ensure your child stays at a comfortable temperature, allowing you to sleep better knowing they are cozy.

Mobility and Development

Sleep sacks contribute to proper hip development by allowing your baby to move freely, kick, and wriggle, which aids in muscle development. Sleep sacks provide the freedom for your little one's legs to exercise without the risk of loose fabric entangling around their neck or torso, promoting a safe sleep environment.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Sleep sacks offer the utmost convenience when it comes to bedtime. They are much simpler to use compared to swaddles and pajamas, which often involve maneuvering wriggly feet and legs into snug-fitting fabric. While swaddle blankets have their benefits, sleep sacks are generally preferred by many parents.

Putting on a sleep sack is effortless. You simply slip your baby inside and secure it snugly with the zipper. Diaper changes are a breeze – just unzip, change the diaper, and zip it back up. It couldn't be easier.

Many sleep sacks are adjustable in size, allowing them to grow with your child, making them more durable than regular pajamas. 

Additionally, sleep sacks are easy to wash. Simply follow the instructions provided with the product. For Woolino sleep sacks, Woolino offers special wash solutions, scented or unscented, to ensure optimal cleaning.

Choosing the Right Sleep Sack

Choosing the correct size sleep sack is crucial. Woolino offers a variety of options for infants ranging from 2 months to 2 years old. Most parents typically transition to a sleep sack around the 2-month mark.

For toddlers, sleep sacks are available for ages 2 to 4 years old. If you want your child to have freedom of movement while staying cozy, sleep sacks with legs are an excellent choice. They come in two sizes: 6-18 months and 18 months-36 months.

Once your child is over a year old, you can combine a sleep sack with a soft blanket, adhering to current safety guidelines.

Ensure that the sleep sack fits snugly around your baby's body, as a loose sleep sack can be hazardous. Consider the season and temperature when selecting a sleep sack. While merino wool is a soft and temperature-regulating fabric, cotton and bamboo are also viable options, each with its own benefits.

It’s also important to think about the season and how warm your baby will be. Many sleep sacks come with a TOG rating, and this will help you determine what sort of weather it’s suitable for. 

Woolino sleep sacks, however, are intended for all 4 seasons, so there’s no need to worry about the TOG rating.

Always check for relevant safety certifications when purchasing sleepwear. Although sleep sacks are classified as bedding and exempt from flame resistance requirements, it's essential to prioritize safety.

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Testimonials and Real-Life Experiences

As a parent, you probably want to hear from other parents about their experiences with sleep sacks. After all, who can give you a better sense of whether they work well? 

There are plenty of testimonials that demonstrate just how valuable sleep sacks can be for promoting good sleep in little ones, and here are a few:

• Adele O: “We used a Woolino sleepsack, it was bit more than we wanted to spend but when we saw we could use it all seasons and for at least 2 years, we were in! Purchased #2 for our newest baby- we love how convenient & simple these are to use and care for. Such great quality!”
• Jayci R: “We LOVE this sleep sack! This is my fourth baby and we have tried many brands and this one takes the lead by a long shot! It’s buttery soft, doesn’t have to be washed as often like literally no smell, and I love the fit and not having to worry if she’s too hot or too cold. Recommend to all we know!”
• Celia F: “Only sleepsack I'll purchase for my kids. In fact, Woolino is included in every baby shower gift I give. From the moment I tried Woolino with my son (now 4), he slept better. It keeps him warm when it's cool, the right temp when it's too warm. The price is higher than others, but both my kids have worn these sleep sacks for EVERY SINGLE nap and bedtime since they were 3 months. They hold up, wash well and resell for 50-75% of the original purchase price. Worth every penny.”

You can take a look at more reviews here.

Conclusion

Sleep sacks offer numerous benefits for little ones and parents alike. While they are not a necessity, many parents find them indispensable. 

A sleep sack creates an optimal sleeping environment for your baby, keeping them in the supine position while allowing freedom of movement when necessary. It promotes healthy hip development, ensures temperature regulation, and enhances overall comfort and sleep quality. Sleep sacks simplify diaper changes and offer unmatched convenience.

Remember to choose the right size, consider the season, and follow care instructions for the specific sleep sack you purchase. Woolino sleep sacks are designed for year-round use and provide ease of maintenance.

By investing in a sleep sack, you can significantly improve your child's sleep routine, enhance their comfort, and minimize disruptions during diaper changes.

FAQs

Can my baby move freely in a sleep sack?

Yes. One of the greatest advantages of a sleep sack is that it allows your baby to move and kick freely while ensuring a safe sleeping space. Their legs remain unrestricted, and the sleep sack keeps them warm.

How do I choose the right size sleep sack for my baby?

Many sleep sacks are categorized by age, making it easy to find the right fit for your little one. It is important to ensure a snug fit. Most parents transition to a sleep sack around the 2-month mark. Leave enough room for your baby to kick comfortably, promoting better hip development.

Can I use a sleep sack in different seasons?

Yes, sleep sacks can be used year-round, adjusting to the appropriate TOG rating for the season. Remember to dress your baby in suitable clothing based on the weather. Controlling the room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit is also key. A good rule of thumb is that they should be wearing one more layer than you would be comfortable wearing.

How do I clean and care for a sleep sack?

Most sleep sacks can be conveniently cleaned in a washing machine. Follow the temperature and setting instructions provided with the sleep sack. For merino wool sleep sacks, use Woolino's cleaning solution or a gentle detergent. 

Woolino sleep sacks should be washed at 100 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler. Close the zipper before washing and either tumble dry on a cold setting or hang to dry. Always refer to the manufacturer's care instructions for optimal results.