Sleep Sacks - Taking Cara Babies

Let’s talk about sleep sacks and wearable blankets for babies. I’ll tell you all about the purpose of sleep sacks, how to choose the best option for your baby or toddler, what sleep sack TOG ratings mean, and when to stop using them.

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What is the purpose of a sleep sack? What are the benefits of a sleep sack?#anchor

A sleep sack is simply a zip up “bag” that your baby or toddler can wear as an alternative to a blanket.

Why would you want to use a sleep sack or wearable blanket?

1. Promotes safety. Loose bedding in your baby’s crib or bassinet simply isn’t safe. (Check out The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe-sleep recommendations.). I also have a safe sleep checklist that you can download.

2. Provides warmth all night. Many little ones are active sleepers. Even if your child is old enough for blankets (12 months or older), these blankets rarely stay in place during sleep. Using a sleep sack instead ensures that your baby can stay warm all night long.

3. Cues the brain for sleep. Did you know that when you get into your bed at night, the act of pulling your sheet up tells your brain that sleep is coming? The same thing applies to your baby. When you zip up that sleep sack, it sends a message to their little brain “Oh, it’s time to go to sleep.”  

4. Discourages climbing. If you have a little one who is trying to crawl out of the crib, a sleep sack discourages climbing and makes it much harder to swing a leg up over the side of the crib and crawl out.  

Are sleep sacks safe?#anchor

Yes! Sleep sacks are safe for your baby to wear for sleep.

Even if my baby rolls onto their tummy? Yep, sleep sacks are still safe for babies who can roll to their tummies because they have their hands and arms free!

Are weighted sleep sacks safe?#anchor

No, they’re not. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), weighted sleep sacks and weighted swaddles are not safe for sleep and should not be used. 

Can I use a sleep sack for a newborn?#anchor

You can use a sleep sack for a newborn, as long as it fits properly. However, I want you to know that most newborns sleep best with their arms swaddled. Swaddling calms newborns by keeping them snug like they were in the womb. This gives them a feeling of comfort and security. If your newborn hates the swaddle or you’re wondering how to swaddle a newborn, my blogs can help.

When should I start using a sleep sack?#anchor

A great time to start using a wearable blanket is when your baby shows signs of rolling and it’s time to transition from the swaddle. If you have a baby who has already transitioned out of the swaddle but isn’t using a sleep sack yet, that’s okay! You can introduce one now; it’s not too late. 

How do I transition to a sleep sack?#anchor

Here are things to keep in mind when transitioning from a swaddle to a sleep sack:

1. Transition when your baby is ready. Most babies will be ready to transition from a swaddle to a wearable blanket once they show signs of rolling. 

2. Choose the right sleep sack. Find a sleep sack that fits your baby well and has a TOG rating appropriate for your baby’s room temperature. 

3. Swap the swaddle for a sleep sack. If your baby is used to a swaddle or transitional item (like the Swaddle Sleeves), you can switch to the sleep sack instead of these items. I have a step-by-step guide on how to transition out of the swaddle that can help if you want more ideas.

4. Add the sleep sack to your routine. If you’ve never used a sleep sack and want to start using one, you can start by adding it as one of the last steps in your bedtime routine. It can help to use the sleep sack for the first time at bedtime and then start using it for naps the next day. 

When do you stop using a sleep sack?#anchor

I recommend using a sleep sack until it’s time to transition to a toddler bed, which is often around 3 years old. When you're ready, simply trade your toddler's sleep sack for a blanket.

What should my baby wear under a sleep sack?#anchor

What your baby or toddler wears under their sleep sack depends on the temperature of the room, the TOG rating of their sleep sack, and your baby’s comfort. 

Here’s my motto: “Assess, don't obsess.” What does that mean? I want you to assess how your baby looks and feels so that you can make an adjustment if needed. Let me show you some examples:

Your little one may be too hot if their cheeks are flushed and their back or neck is sweaty. Simply switch to a lighter sleep sack or remove a layer of clothing from under the sleep sack. 

Your baby may be too cold if the trunk of their body (chest, back, and belly) feels cool/cold to the touch. Rather than adding a blanket (which isn't safe for little ones under 12 months old), try a sleep sack with a higher TOG rating or add a layer of clothing under the sleep sack.

Want to see a few examples of this? I’ll show you here in this video. 

Does my baby need a sleep sack in the summer?#anchor

If your baby uses a wearable blanket, you can continue to use one during the summer. You may need to choose a different sleep sack or adjust what your baby wears underneath the sleep sack based on the temperature of your baby’s room.

For example, if your baby typically uses a 1.0 TOG sleep sack, you might change their clothes to be just a onesie or a diaper in the summer, or you might switch to a .5 TOG sleep sack. 

How many sleep sacks do I need?#anchor

I usually recommend having at least 2-3 sleep sacks on hand. If one gets dirty, you have a backup. If your home has different temperatures during different seasons, it’s also nice to have a few different fabrics or TOG ratings. 

What is the best sleep sack for my baby or toddler? #anchor

Finding the best sleep sack for your baby or toddler often depends on what you’re looking for in a sleep sack. There are so many options on the market. Let me share some of my favorites with you:

Best lightweight sleep sack for summer or warmer climates#anchor

Look for a .5-.8 TOG sleep sack with a breathable material. Kyte, Halo, Lou Lou Lollipop, and PurComfy all have great options for these lightweight sleep sacks. 

Best sleep sack for winter or colder climates#anchor

Consider a 2.5 TOG sleep sack. Kyte, Lou Lou Lollipop, Mosebears, Purcomfy, and Woolino are great choices. Gunamuna even has an option with long sleeves.

Best sleep sack for toddlers#anchor

Lou Lou Lollipop and Gunamuna have sleep sacks in sizing up to 36 months that are perfect for toddlers or really tall babies!

Best sleep sack for walkers #anchor

Gunamuna, Halo, Kyte, and Nyte Nyte Baby all have sleep sacks that allow your toddler’s feet to be free. 

With competitive price and timely delivery, FINOHOPE sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Best transition sleep sack#anchor

Swaddle Sleeves (Use code Cara10) is a fantastic transitional product that can help with the transition out of the swaddle. Some parents also love Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit (Use code CARA15).

Best sleep sack for newborns#anchor

Truly, most newborns will do best with a swaddle. If your newborn can no longer be safely swaddled, then the best sleep sack for them will be based on their size to ensure proper fit. 

Learn the Purpose, Usage & Benefits of Sleep Sacks for Babies

Good sleep is essential for everyone, especially baby, as it helps with brain and body development, overall health, and of course, mood. With so much information out there about getting a good night’s sleep, it’s important to understand what products might help your little one fall asleep, and stay asleep, because chances are, if baby sleeps well, so will you! 

Enter the sleep sack! Sleep sacks are pretty much a staple on every parents ‘must have’ list, but what is a sleep sack, you ask? Sleep sacks are a popular bedtime option for parents when their little one outgrows swaddling. Essentially a wearable, zippered blanket for baby, sleep sacks mimic swaddling, which helps baby sleep better for longer periods of time. See below for more frequently asked Qs:

What is the purpose of a sleep sack for babies?

The purpose of a sleep sack for babies is multi-faceted, but mainly, sleep sacks help your little one stay warm and comfortable, which translates to better sleep for all of you!

What do sleep sacks do?

Sleep sacks help regulate your infant’s body temperature which keeps them from being too cold, too hot, and makes their sleep just right! A sleep sack also eliminates the need for extra blankets in their crib, co-sleeper, or bassinet, which  helps keep baby’s sleep-space safe.

Do sleep sacks help babies sleep?

In a word, they should… okay, that’s two words! Of course, every baby is different, but Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sacks work for infants who like the sensation of being touched. Weighted sleep sacks are good for baby because they help them feel secure and “held” - like a hug - which can also help calm a fussy baby.

Keep in mind, weighted sleep sacks are considered safe as long as the weight of the sleep sack is no more than 10% of your baby’s body weight. So a 10-pound baby should wear a sleep sack weighing no more than one pound. A 20- pound baby should wear a sleep sack no more than 2 pounds, and so on.

What are the benefits of a sleep sack for babies?

Now that  you know what’s a sleep sack, you may be wondering what are sleep sacks good for? The benefits are many. Sleep sacks work because they help regulate baby’s body temperature creating a comfortable night (or naptime) sleep. They also eliminate the need for extra blankets in baby’s sleep-space (which is always a safe choice). Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sacks offers our unique features of evenly distributed weight from shoulders to toes which helps baby feel calm, fall asleep faster, & stay asleep longer. 

Why do sleep sacks work for babies?

Sleep sacks work because they keep your infant safe, warm, and comfortable so they can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.  

What are baby sleep sacks used for and how do I know if my baby needs one?

 A sleep sack is like a wearable blanket for your infant. They help regulate body temperature providing a warm and comfortable slumber. Sleep sacks are a safe way for baby to catch some Zzz’s by eliminating the need for blankets in their sleep space. If your baby prefers to sleep “arms up” and/or doesn’t quite come around to the sleep swaddle, it may be time to consider a sleep sack.  

When should a baby use a sleep sack?

Sleep sacks are good for newborns through toddlerhood, although every baby is different. Using your sleep sack for nighttime and naptime also helps establish a pattern and becomes a familiar “sleep time” routine.

How to choose a sleep sack for babies?

There are plenty of sleep sack options out there from colors and patterns to sizes… but of course, we’re partial to our Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sack. Ours has a detachable swaddle wing so it can be used as either a swaddle or a sleep sack. It is designed to help your baby feel calm, fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The gentle weight naturally reduces stress and increases relaxation through deep-pressure stimulation to give your baby feelings of security and comfort. 

What is the best sleep sack to buy for babies?

The best sleep sacks to buy for baby are 100% cotton, provide room for baby to kick and move their legs. We may be biased but our favorite sleep sack for babies is our Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sack that baby can use starting at 8lbs through toddlerhood. They are  designed to help baby feel calm, fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The gentle weight naturally reduces stress and increases relaxation through deep-pressure stimulation to give baby feelings of security and comfort - like a hug! This deep-touch pressure can help soothe anxiety and encourage calming sleep.  We also have a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes making middle of the night changes easy so everyone gets back to sleep faster.

How does a sleep sack work?

A sleep sack is like a sleep bag, but for babies. It keeps them snug, warm, and safe all night long, thus promoting safe and healthy sleep. Its fit is important. Your baby should not be able to remove the sleep sack. The idea is that a sleep sack keeps your baby warm, cozy, and asleep all night long since it won’t fall off like a blanket does.

Sleep sacks function as a wearable blanket that zips up and has openings for your baby’s head and arms. Just like a swaddle blanket, a sleep sack gives your little one the comforting experience of a gentle, warm hug. However, unlike a swaddle, sleep sacks give your baby the freedom of being able to move their arms.

Swaddling becomes unsafe once your baby begins to roll over, leaving many parents searching for a safe alternative to using a blanket. Sleep sacks help babies transition from being completely swaddled at night to eventually sleeping with a blanket when it is safe to do so. With a sleep sack, your baby’s legs will still be somewhat contained, which can help prevent them from trying to climb out of their crib in the middle of the night.

While some parents choose to use a sleep sack from the beginning, others will swaddle and then transition to a sleep sack. For a smooth transition, try Dreamland's patent-pending Weighted Transition Swaddle designed to help your baby safely transition to arms-out sleep with a sleep sack. Our sleep sack features 3/4 length weighted arms help reduce the Moro (startle) reflex while also providing your little one with range of motion. With this swaddle, your baby can safely roll over, allowing them to get used to sleeping with their arms out and get ready for the next stage of safe sleep products.

What is a sleep sack made out of?

Sleep sacks come in a variety of materials, but typically are made from lightweight cotton, linen, or muslin for maximum breathability and comfort. You may also find sleep sacks made from synthetic blends such as polyester or rayon. Cotton is the most durable and suitable for infants with sensitive skin.

Depending on the season and your local climate, you may need a thicker sleep sack with long sleeves, typically made with fleece or wool. These materials will help your baby stay cozy and warm even in the coldest weather, without the need for layering several blankets.

Do sleep sacks have different sizes?

In order to accommodate your growing little one, sleep sacks are available in several different sizes ranging from newborn to extra large for toddlers. Our bestselling Dream Weighted Sleep Sack is available in 4 different sizes ranging from 0-6 months to 24-36 months.

In addition to coming in different sizes, sleep sacks may come with long sleeves or be sleeveless to accommodate different sleeping environments and temperatures.

What is a weighted sleep sack?

A weighted sleep sack functions just like a regular sleep sack with the benefit of deep pressure stimulation. Weighted sleep sacks provide additional comfort and security designed to help your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Your little one can do everything they would do in a non-weighted sleep sack including roll over, sit, and even stand up.

It’s important to note that weighted sleep sacks are safe as long as they are within the recommended weight limits. 

What are the advantages of weighted sleep sacks?

While both sleep sacks and weighted sleep sacks help provide better sleep for your little one, there are some added advantages of using a weighted sleep sack.

Once your little one starts rolling over on their own or breaking free of the swaddle, swaddling is no longer considered safe. This is where sleep sacks and weighted sleep sacks come in. If your baby is missing the restriction and comfort that comes with swaddling, a weighted sleep sack can provide a safe alternative for your baby. Weighted sleep sacks help your baby feel safe and secure during the night, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. They can help your baby begin to develop healthy sleep patterns and positive sleep associations.

In fact, NICU studies have proven that weighted blankets help babies sleep more calmly than non-weighted blankets.

In addition, Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sacks have been designated as “hip-healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. The advantages don’t stop there…sleep sacks and weighted sleep sacks also have the benefit of helping your little one regulate their body temperature while they are asleep. All of these perks make sleep sacks and weighted sleep sacks a must-have item for new parents.

Is a sleep sack the same as a wearable blanket?

A sleep sack is also commonly referred to as a wearable blanket or a blanket sleeper. They are essentially bodysuits made of the same material as a blanket with an opening for your child's head as well as their arms. If your child truly enjoys sleeping with a sleep sack rather than a blanket, you should be able to find wearable blankets for children and even adults for sale.

When do babies outgrow sleep sacks?

Sleep sacks can be safely used from birth until they no longer fit properly. Depending on your child’s height and weight, they will probably begin to outgrow their sleep sack around the age of 2 or 3. Most larger sleep sacks will accommodate toddlers up to 30 pounds / 40 inches tall.

Sleep sacks are designed to help you create a healthy sleep environment for your baby until they have reached the recommended age to sleep with loose blankets. It's suggested that all soft bedding be kept out of your child’s crib until they are at least 12 months old.

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