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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.

 

Sleepwear for Newborns, Infants and Toddlers

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Photo Credit: Sarah Rodenbush

Although it might not always seem like it, babies spend the first few years of life sleeping about 12 to 14 hours per day. That’s a lot of down time, and many new parents face the constant worry (no matter what the season) of whether their baby is warm/cold/dry enough while snoozing.

The American Association of Pediatricians recommends that babies/infants be dressed in only one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same temperature.

 

How Many Sleepwear Layers Do Babies Need?

In warm weather-say, over 75 degrees Fahrenheit- one layer should be enough (although it’s important to note that a diaper/underwear is not counted as a layer) for a comfortable night sleep. Anything less than 75 degrees might need an additional layer, but nothing especially heavy. There are several quality sleep sacks and baby pjs available to ward off cooler temperatures.

 

Sleepwear for Newborns

For younger babies, a receiving blanket can be used as a swaddle, over a onesie. The swaddle usually keeps baby’s arms snug against his/her body, a position that many infants find comforting. Pajamas or swaddle blankets with snaps or zippers are a must to make diaper changes easier in the middle of the night.

It is recommended that pacifiers (and/or anything that can come loose) are not attached to swaddle blankets or pajamas. You always want to make sure that no material can pull loose to gather around the face.

 

Sleepwear for Infants

For babies older than 6 months, swaddling isn’t as comforting and doesn’t really work anymore. As babies learn to roll and squirm, their sleepwear needs change. Wearable blankets, like the ones from our friends at Goumikids, are a great option for older babies, keeping them comfortable and allowing for their new-found mobility.

Loose blankets and toys are still discouraged in cribs for children. It is still too dangerous to have extra objects in the crib that might get in the way during the night.

 

Sleepwear for Toddlers

 By the time your baby is a toddler, you are dealing with opinions- namely, theirs. Having several safe options for them to choose from is a smart way to make sure everyone is happy. All children’s pajamas must comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s ruling that the material be either snug-fitting or made with materials that pass specific flammability tests.

Two-piece pajama sets are a good bet here, as toddlers are starting to lean towards potty-training. Footed-pajamas are an easy, comfortable way to ensure your toddler stays warm when the covers get kicked off in the winter.

 

Can Babies and Toddlers Get Too Hot at Night?

The short answer is yes. Any time there are too many layers, babies and toddlers can get uncomfortably hot while sleeping. Generally, this is when you would fall back on the rule of not dressing babies in anything more than one layer beyond what an adult would need. Also, check to make sure the temperature in the nursery isn’t significantly different than in your bedroom. Adding a hat or head covering of any kind is not recommended.

If you are worried about your baby getting too hot while sleeping, going with a pajama material like bamboo-derived viscose, cotton or muslin are great, breathable choices. You can feel your baby’s neck or upper back to see if they feel overly hot or clammy to the touch. If they feel hot, that means a layer likely needs to be removed.

 

Parents Know Best

You know your baby best. If s/he is constantly waking up with damp hair or a hot neck, consider choosing a lighter set of pajamas, no matter what the season. Learning your baby’s signals is truly the best way to figure out what will keep him/her comfortable.