A sleep sack, also known as a wearable blanket, is a specially designed garment that provides warmth and comfort to infants while they sleep. These sacks often feature a zipper that secures the baby within the sack, preventing them from kicking it off during sleep.
There are two types of sleep sacks available in the market – sleeveless and those with removable sleeves. The latter can be used as a traditional swaddle, where the baby’s arms are wrapped tightly, or as a wearable blanket, where the arms are free.
Sleep sacks are a safer option than blankets or quilts as loose bedding can pose a suffocation hazard. However, it is essential to choose the appropriate size and weight of the sleep sack to ensure the baby’s comfort and safety.
In recent years, the idea of weighted sleep sacks gained traction as they are said to apply gentle pressure on your baby’s body, simulating the feeling of being hugged. This sensation, in turn, helps your baby sleep better and sleep longer.
In this article, we will be covering the key considerations when choosing a sleep sack before sharing some of the best weighted sleep sacks on the market. We will also discuss the alternatives to weighted sleep sacks before answering some of the common questions about this type of sleep sack.
The main difference between normal and weighted sleep sacks is the weighted feature.
While both types of sleep sacks are aimed at providing warmth and a safe sleeping environment for babies, weighted sleep sacks contain small weights distributed evenly throughout the sleep sack. The weight creates a gentle and calming pressure on the baby’s body, simulating the feeling of being cradled.
It is important to note, however, that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend using a weighted sleep sack.
Why You Should Trust Me
Hello! I’m a mom of one, and I’ve only used a normal sleep sack for my daughter when we were in Germany, fighting the cold winter. Back in Singapore, I did not use a sleep sack as I personally did not see a need to. However, in Germany, the cold winter meant a really cold room, and I felt the need to get my daughter a wearable blanket to keep her warm at night.
Since I did not use a weighted sleep sack, I sought help from 24 fellow mommies who did! Out of 24 mommies, only two used weighted sleep sacks, while the others used lightweight ones.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sleep Sack
The top three considerations when mommies choose a sleep sack are:
- TOG rating
- If it regulates the baby’s temperature
- Whether it is soft and cool to touch
Other considerations include brand, design, long mileage and price.
Top #1 Consideration: TOG Rating
Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) rating is a universally recognized measurement used to evaluate the thermal insulation and warmth characteristics of fabrics and clothing. A lower TOG rating indicates a thinner material, which is more appropriate for warmer temperatures, and vice versa.
According to Love to Dream, a sleep sack with a 0.2 TOG rating is suitable for room temperatures between 24°C to 27°C, while a sleep sack with a 3.5 TOG rating is suitable for room temperatures below 16°C.
Material & Washability
Lightweight or summer sleep sacks are better for warmer seasons. On the other hand, warmer sleep sacks that are thicker would be more comfortable for your little one during winter.
Additionally, mommies whom we surveyed mentioned that they prefer sleep sacks that are breathable and gentle on the baby’s skin. They also mentioned that easy-to-clean, machine-washable sleep sacks are ideal since they would help save a lot of time.
Brand
Reputable brands have made it their top priority to ensure that your little one is always safe and comfortable, giving you the peace of mind that you need as a parent. Moreover, these brands are often highly reviewed and recommended by other mommies who have already experienced the benefits of their products.
Design & Ease of Use
Design may not be the primary concern when it comes to baby products, but it should not be overlooked. Opting for visually appealing designs can add a touch of joy to your daily routine with your little one. Furthermore, sleep sacks with zippers make diaper changes a breeze, saving you time and hassle.
Size
Investing in a sleep sack that fits snugly around your baby’s shoulders and arms is crucial for their safety and comfort. With a properly fitting sleep sack, you can rest easy knowing that your little one won’t slip inside and potentially suffocate. Hence, when choosing a sleep sack for your baby, it is important to ensure that the sleep sack is snug but not too tight.
Weight
If you prefer a weighted sleep sack, it is important to choose one with the appropriate weight for your baby’s size and age since many sleep sacks come in different weight options. You should also follow the weight guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the sleep sack.
Moreover, you should opt for a sleep sack where the weight is evenly distributed and the pressure is applied gently to your baby’s body without causing discomfort or restricting movement.
Best Weighted Sleep Sacks
Scientific research on the efficacy and safety of weighted sleep sacks for infants is limited. Additionally, the AAP does not recommend weighted sleep sacks for babies. Hence, it is crucial for you to weigh the pros and cons of a weighted sleep sack before purchasing one.
Moreover, it is recommended to monitor your child regularly to ensure your child is doing fine with a weighted sleep sack.
92% of our mommies chose not to use weighted sleep sacks mainly for the following reasons:
- Heard they are unsafe
- Did not see the need to use one
In the market, there are two well-known weighted sleep sacks that claim to be safe for babies.
Dream Weighted Sleep Sack
The Dream Weighted Sleep Sack has been designed to provide a calming and restful sleep for your little one. Their exclusive CoverCalm® Technology ensures that the weight is evenly distributed from your baby’s shoulders to toes. As such, there is a natural reduction of stress and an increased sense of security and comfort, akin to a warm embrace.
One of the mommies we surveyed shared that her baby experienced severe sleep regression, resulting in difficulties managing their sleep patterns. However, with the use of the Dream Weighted Sleep Sack, her baby was able to sleep better.
Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack
The Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack is crafted from 100% breathable cotton and has been scientifically designed to promote self-soothing and improve sleep quality. This weighted sleep sack is made to mimic the comforting pressure of a parent’s embrace, providing a calming effect that is only applied to the areas where babies are naturally held. Additionally, it is machine-washable, making the upkeep of this sleep sack both easy and convenient.
Best Alternatives to Weighted Sleep Sacks
Based on our survey, here is the list of non-weighted sleep sacks that mommies trust. These sleep sacks are the perfect alternative for those who have reservations about weighted sleep sacks but still want to try using one to help their child sleep better.
Top Favourite: Kyte Baby Sleep Bag
The Kyte Baby Sleep Bag is a top-selling sleep sack that is adored by parents for its ability to help babies fall and stay asleep, giving you the rest you need. Not only does it promote safe sleep practices, but it also makes diaper changes a breeze and regulates your baby’s temperature. And let’s not forget about the incredibly soft texture!
Out of 24 moms, 5 of them have used the Kyte Baby Sleep Bag. They raved about how it kept their baby warm in a room with an average temperature of 21°C, and how easy it was to wear. Plus, transitioning from a swaddle to this sleep sack was a breeze for most mommies.
While 2 mommies considered the Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Sacks, they ultimately chose the Kyte Baby Sleep Bag because they did not want to deal with complicated washing instructions and preferred having different sleep sacks with varying TOG ratings.
Top Favourite: Love To Dream Swaddle Up
The Love To Dream Swaddle Up is a popular sleep sack among mommies – out of 24 mommies, 5 of them use this sleep sack for their little ones. This sleep sack has the ability to keep your baby warm in a room with an average temperature of 25.5°C and can help your baby sleep longer.
Additionally, the patented ‘wing tips’ of the Love To Dream Swaddle Up allow your baby to sleep in a natural position with their arms up. This gives them access to their hands and promotes better sleep.
One of the mommies we surveyed shared that she used the Love to Dream Swaddle Up Transition Bag, and its removable sleeves allowed her baby to adapt to the use of a sleep sack from birth.
Love To Dream Swaddle Up Transition Bag
Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Sacks
The Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleeping Bag is a carefully crafted product made from the finest Australian merino wool. It has been designed to provide your little one with the most restful and peaceful slumber possible.
Not only is the Woolino sleep sack exceptionally cozy, but it also ensures that your baby remains at an optimal body temperature throughout the year. With Woolino’s innovative one-size-fits-all approach, you will not have to worry about constantly buying new sleep sacks as your child grows. This sleep sack will accommodate your baby for up to two years of age!
From our survey, 3 out of 24 mommies have used the Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Sack. They love it for its long mileage and the fact that it can be worn throughout all 4 seasons. One mom even mentioned that it helps her baby get comfortable with the sleep sack and eliminates the need to constantly change it as temperatures fluctuate.
HALO Sleep Sack
The HALO Sleep Sack is an innovative product that creates a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your little one. It has been used by many hospitals due to its design which eliminates the potential hazards associated with sleep-related accidents.
With its sleeveless design, the HALO Sleep Sack effectively minimizes the risk of overheating, ensuring your baby stays comfortable and safe throughout the night. Moreover, it can be worn over regular sleepwear, making it a convenient and affordable option for parents.
Out of 24 mommies, 3 of them opted for the HALO Sleep Sack due to its ease of wearing and affordability. In fact, one mommy considered the Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Sack but eventually decided on the HALO Sleep Sack due to its price.
ergoPouch Cocoon Sleep Swaddle Sack
With its simple zip-up feature, the Cocoon Swaddle Sack eliminates the need for any complicated swaddling techniques. This sleep sack keeps your baby snug and secure from day one, and you will not have to worry about your baby escaping from it.
Additionally, the Cocoon Swaddle Sack has a 1.0 TOG rating, ensuring your little one stays warm and cozy all night long.
Baa Baa Sheepz Wearable Blanket
Made from bamboo fibers, the Baa Baa Sheepz wearable blanket is crafted to provide optimal comfort for your little one, no matter the time of day or weather conditions. It is able to maintain a temperature that is 2 – 3 degrees cooler in warm weather, and 2 – 3 degrees warmer in cold weather. This means that your baby will always be snug and cozy, without the discomfort of overheating or feeling too cold.
Furthermore, being made with 5% spandex, this sleep sack features a unique stretchiness that mimics the sensation of a deep hug. This promotes a sense of security and relaxation for your baby, helping them sleep better and longer.
Other Contenders
Our sample size did not include parents who used the following sleep sacks, but we feel they are suitable sleep sacks, which you might want to consider.
Burt's Bees Beekeeper Wearable Blanket
The Burt’s Bees Beekeeper Wearable Blanket has been meticulously crafted to offer sufficient space for your baby’s hips and legs to move freely while keeping their head and arms outside the blanket. It provides a cozy and protected space for your baby and serves as a suitable replacement for loose blankets in the crib.
Carter’s Baby Wearable Blanket
Carter’s soft and comfortable wearable blanket offers a peaceful bedtime routine that ensures the utmost comfort, safety, and snugness for your little one. It has been thoughtfully designed with a two-way zip, making nighttime changes a breeze.
Additionally, it has been certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and boasts a 1.0 TOG thermal overall grade, ensuring that your baby is kept at the perfect temperature.
Hudson Baby Unisex Plush Sleeping Sack
The Hudson Baby Plush Sleeping Sack is the ideal choice for chilly evenings as your little one will be comfortably nestled and secure in this sleeveless wearable blanket. It features an inverted zipper for added convenience during diaper changes and is crafted from plush material to offer a warm, cozy and gentle touch.
Final Thoughts on Weighted Sleep Sacks
Weighted sleep sacks come with their own risks and the AAP recommends against using them. Should you choose to use a weighted sleep sack, it would be recommended for you to weigh the pros and cons, and constantly monitor your child while they are sleeping before trusting the sleep sack.
We hope that through this article, you are able to find a sleep sack that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Sacks
Are sleep sacks or swaddles better?
A swaddle is a thin or light blanket aimed at wrapping a baby’s body snugly. Swaddles, that restrict the movement of babies’ arms and legs, should be discontinued the moment babies show signs of attempting to roll over independently (around 2 months of age).
Swaddles also pose the following concerns:
- Suffocation: When swaddles come loose
- Overheating: When blankets are added on top of being swaddled
- Sudden and unexpected death: Inability to flip over when they roll on their stomachs
- Developmental hip dysplasia: Babies’ knees and hips are straight and squeezed together so that increases the risk for hip dysplasia
Sleep sacks are preferred as they allow babies’ arms to be free and hips and legs to move once they start to roll over. It addresses the concern of suffocation as babies can push themselves up when they start to roll over on their own.
Are sleep sacks safe?
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, sleep sacks are an acceptable and safe alternative to swaddling because they can reduce babies’ risk of suffocation and entrapment. An appropriate sleep sack is one that allows for an infant’s arms and legs to move freely. However, it is good to note that weighted sleep sacks are not recommended by the AAP.
When can my baby use a sleep sack?
It depends on the sleep sack you are buying. Some sleep sacks are suitable for newborns so it is recommended that you check the product description.
To end off this post, I would like to give thanks to the sweetest mommies, who completed the survey amidst their busy schedules to make this review possible:
- iamgnitnuy
- Luxiz
- Meisloved
- _AshONeil
- My_torontolife
- Samaevra
- Kirsten.joy.flynn
- kas_hoff
- Tanaibrittany24
- saraxjanelle
- Christineleahshea
- jessie_hhm
- sindhurkj
Disclaimer: Nuevamae is not sponsored by any of the mentioned brands or platforms. This article expresses our honest opinion based on our experience and research. Read more about our mission. This article includes affiliate links so we may earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase via the link.
