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baby with a pacifier laying down wearing a sleep sack

Sleep Sack Benefits for Baby

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baby with a pacifier laying down wearing a sleep sack

Sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets or baby sleeping bags, have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional blankets for babies. There are many benefits to using a sleep sack for your infant. Sleep sacks are safer than quilts or other coverings; they help your baby sleep better and are easy to use. Sleep sacks work by applying warmth and very gentle pressure over your infant’s body for better sleep.

A sleep sack may be the answer if you’re looking for a way to help your baby sleep better. To help you better understand if you should use a sleep sack, we summarized the key benefits of using a sleep sack for your infant, which may surprise you!

  1. Safety: Sleep sacks eliminate the need for loose blankets in the crib, which can be a suffocation hazard for infants. They also prevent the baby from getting tangled up in the blanket or pulling it over their face.
  2. Comfort: Sleep sacks are designed to keep babies warm and cozy, without the risk of overheating. They provide a comfortable sleeping environment and help to regulate the baby’s body temperature.
  3. Convenience: Sleep sacks are easy to use and require no folding or tucking. They are also adjustable, so they can accommodate a growing baby.
  4. Better sleep: Sleep sacks can help babies feel secure and comfortable, which can lead to longer and more restful sleep. They also prevent the baby from waking up due to discomfort caused by a shifting or kicked off blanket.
  5. Mobility: Sleep sacks allow babies to move their legs freely and kick, which is important for their development.

Overall, sleep sacks are a safe, convenient, and comfortable option for baby sleepwear that can help promote healthy sleep habits for infants. They can be used from birth until the child is able to climb out of their crib, which typically happens between 8 and 24 months. However, the exact age at which a baby can climb out of their crib can vary, so it’s important to monitor your child’s development and adjust accordingly.

Below are some general guidelines for using a sleep sack:

  • Newborns: Sleep sacks can be used from birth, as they provide a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for infants.
  • Infants: Sleep sacks can be used until the child is able to roll over, at which point they should no longer be swaddled. At this point, you can transition to a sleep sack that allows for more movement.
  • Toddlers: Sleep sacks can be used until the child is able to climb out of their crib. Once this happens, it’s time to switch to a regular blanket and ensure that the crib is free of any other items that could pose a safety hazard.

It’s important to note that every child is different, and you should adjust your use of a sleep sack based on your child’s development and individual needs. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper use of the sleep sack, and consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s sleep habits.

 

5 Ways to Improve Baby’s Summer Slumber

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The temperatures are rising, and summer is officially here. Summer is a great time of the year – being outside, swimming and enjoying more sunshine! But, many parents don’t realize that high temperatures and daylight savings time may pose problems for their baby’s summertime sleep. 

 

Here are a few tips to help keep your baby sleeping well during the summer months:

 

  1. Stick To Your Schedule

These months, we all love fun in the sun. But it’s still important to keep your sleep schedule consistent even in the summer. Vacations can throw everyone off schedule. Try to establish some structure to your days and create a summertime routine that lines up as closely as possible with your regular schedule. Keep wake time, bedtime and nap times the same.

 

  1. Limit Sunlight Close To Bedtime 

The longer hours of light may affect your baby’s sleep patterns. Spend some time inside, out of the sun, before bed. Coming inside and having about 30-minutes of cool, quiet pre-sleep activities will also help your baby to fall asleep easier. Also, consider closing the blinds at least an hour before bedtime, and putting room-darkening shades or curtains in the nursery.  Helps with nap time, too! Doing this will help your baby begin to relax and fall to sleep easier.

 

  1. Keep it Cool

Babies’ bodies do not regulate temperature as well as adults do. Did you know that the optimal temperature for sleep is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit? During the summer months, many of us have our air conditioners working overtime, but this may not be enough to help encourage sleep. You may want to keep the shades in the room drawn during hot days to reduce room temperature. Using a fan inside the room before bedtime will help cool it down.

 

  1. Limit Pajamas  

Dress baby in minimal clothing for sleep during the summer. Try a tee shirt or short sleeve onesie, or even just a diaper for your baby if it’s really hot. Switch to a lightweight cotton swaddle blanket or cotton jersey sleep sack. As always, no bumpers, blankets, stuffed animals, etc. in the crib. Not only are they unsafe, they can be stifling when temperatures are high.

 

  1. Use a Firm Mattress

To keep your baby’s crib cool from underside, use a firm crib mattress covered with a high-quality, fitted and waterproof mattress cover. Soft mattresses can increase the chance of suffocation and put your little one at risk. Babies should always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. 

 

As parents, we will do anything to protect and bring comfort to our new bundle of joy. That’s why Colgate Mattress created DREAM SAFE. Through practical tips and expert advice, our goal is to educate and encourage caregivers to adopt lifesaving safe sleep practices. Together, we can ensure both you and baby enjoy sweet dreams.

 

Continue to make safe sleep a priority for your family so everyone can enjoy a wonderful summer!