A sleep sack, commonly known as a wearable blanket, is designed to keep an infant warm and comfortable while sleeping. Sleep sacks typically come with a zip to keep the babies secured within the sack and prevent them from kicking it off while sleeping.
Some sleep sacks are sleeveless, while others come with removable sleeves. Those that come with removable sleeves can be used like a traditional swaddle, where babies’ arms are wrapped tightly, or they can be used like a wearable blanket, where the arms are free.
Sleep sacks are a safer alternative to blankets or quilts in a baby’s crib. The latter could pose a suffocation hazard as babies might get entangled in loose bedding. However, it is crucial to choose the appropriate size and weight of sleep sacks to ensure a baby’s comfort and safety.
During summer and in countries with tropical warm climates, a sleep sack sounds warm so that’s where lightweight sleep sacks come into play. Lightweight sleep sacks usually are made of:
- Cooling material that’s cool to touch
- Lighter fabric that provides less insulation to prevent baby from overheating
In this article, we will be talking about some of the tested lightweight sleep sacks by our mommies and recommend some others that we deem suitable too.
Why You Should Trust Me
Hello! I’m a mom of one, and I’ve only used a regular 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 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.
We surveyed 24 mommies who used sleep sacks, including weighted sleep sacks, and found that 92% of mommies used lightweight sleep sacks for several reasons:
- Keep baby warm (when sleeping in an air-conditioned room)
- Helps baby to sleep longer
- Transitioning out of a swaddle (taking 1 arm out at a time)
- Used as a sleeping cue
All About Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) Rating
Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) rating is a standardized measurement used to assess the warmth and insulation properties of fabrics and clothing. The lower the TOG rating, the thinner it is, and more suitable for warmer temperatures.
According to Love to Dream, a 0.2 TOG rating sleep sack is ideal for warm room temperatures between 24°C to 27°C whereas a sleep sack with a 3.5 TOG rating is ideal for cool room temperatures below 16°C.
It is essential for parents to take extra note of TOG ratings as babies are not good at regulating their body temperatures so overheating is a possibility. Hence, when buying sleep sacks, parents should check the sleep sack’s manufacturer’s guide to buy a sleep sack with the appropriate TOG rating for their baby’s sleeping environment.
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.
Material and Washability
Lightweight sleep sacks are better than warmer sleep sacks. Mommies mentioned that they prefer sleep sacks which are breathable, lightweight and gentle on the baby’s skin. It would be great if the sleep sack was easy to clean and machine-washable. That would save you a lot of time!
Brand
Trusted and reputable brands give you peace of mind as they have prioritized safety and comfort for your baby. Moreover, they tend to be reviewed and recommended by many mommies.
Design and Ease of Use
Although design is secondary to safety, choosing aesthetically pleasing designs can brighten up your and your baby’s day. Moreover, sleep sacks with zipper closures allow for easy diaper changes.
Size
A sleep sack should fit snugly around the shoulders and arms. This prevents the baby from slipping inside the sack. Sleep sacks differ by size and one should choose mindfully for a snug, but not too tight sleep sack.
Best Lightweight Sleep Sacks Below 0.6 TOG
These are sleep sacks with a TOG rating below 0.6, meaning they are suitable only for summer.
Based on our survey, here is the list of lightweight sleep sacks that mommies trust. These sleep sacks are great alternatives when you have reservations about weighted sleep sacks, but would still like to try using a sleep sack to help your child sleep better.
Top Favorite: Kyte Baby Sleep Bag
TOG rating: 0.5 TOG
The Kyte Baby Sleep Bag is a highly adored and top-selling sleep sack. This wearable blanket is thoughtfully crafted to assist babies in falling and remaining asleep, thereby ensuring that you are not deprived of your much-needed rest. It is designed to promote safe sleep practices, facilitate easy diaper changes, and regulate babies’ temperature. Additionally, it boasts an incredibly soft texture!
Out of 24 mommies, 5 of them used a Kyte Baby Sleep Bag. Mommies loved it for being able to keep the baby warm in a room, with an average temperature of 21°C. They loved it for the ease of wearing and did not seem to have any problems transitioning from a swaddle to this sleep sack. Some mentioned that they slowly transitioned their baby from having 1 arm out to 2 arms out in a swaddle and finally in this sleep sack.
2 of the mommies mentioned that they considered Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Sacks but eventually went for Kyte Baby Sleep Bag as:
- They did not want to deal with the washing instructions
- Preferred different sleep sacks with differing TOG ratings, instead of an all-in-one
Top Favorite: Love To Dream Swaddle Up
TOG rating: 0.2 TOG
The Love To Dream Swaddle Up is the first and only zip-up swaddle that features patented ‘wing tips’ designed to enable your baby to sleep in a natural position with their arms up. This allows your baby to access their hands, instead of having their hands bound by their sides or across their chest.
Out of 24 mommies, 5 of them used the Love To Dream Swaddle Up. Mommies loved it for its ability to warm the baby in a room, with an average temperature of 25.5°C. They also loved it for being able to help the baby sleep longer. A mommy mentioned that she bought the Love to Dream Swaddle Up Transition Bag, and the removable sleeves helped the baby use a sleep sack from birth.
HALO Sleep Sack
TOG rating: 0.5 TOG
The HALO Sleep Sack creates a gentle and safe sleeping environment for babies by eliminating the potential hazards associated with sleep-related incidents. For example, the sleeveless design effectively minimizes the risk of overheating.
This sleep sack is widely adopted by hospitals and is recommended as a substitute for loose blankets. Additionally, it can be worn over regular sleepwear to keep your baby cozy.
Out of 24 mommies, 3 of them used a HALO Sleep Sack. Mommies loved it for its ease of wearing and affordability. One mommy considered Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Sacks but eventually went for the HALO sleep sack as it was more affordable.
ergoPouch Cocoon Sleep Swaddle Sack
TOG rating: 0.2 TOG
The Cocoon Swaddle Bag is designed with armhole snaps that can be conveniently adjusted to transform it from a swaddle to an arm-out style sleeping bag. Additionally, it features a 2-way zipper that facilitates easy diaper changes during nighttime. Their swaddle sacks are versatile and can be worn with or without pajamas, ensuring your child remains comfortable and warm throughout the night.
Baa Baa Sheepz Wearable Blanket
The Baa Baa Sheepz wearable blanket is designed to provide optimal comfort for babies, regardless of the time of day or weather. The bamboo fibers utilized in their products have been shown to maintain a temperature that is 2 – 3 degrees cooler in warm weather and warmer in cold weather.
Additionally, the unique stretchiness of the blanket and wrap, which is derived from its 5% spandex composition, mimics the sensation of a deep hug. This, therefore, promotes a sense of security and relaxation for your baby.
Best Lightweight Sleep Sacks Without TOG Rating
These sleep sacks do not have a TOG rating but they are still suitable for summer and hotter temperatures. Some mommies have mentioned that they preferred such sleep sacks for a longer mileage whereas others preferred to have different sleep sacks with differing TOG ratings.
Whatever works for your family!
Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Sacks
Crafted from the finest Australian merino wool, the Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleeping Bag has been thoughtfully designed to provide infants with a restful and peaceful slumber. This sleep sack is exceptionally cozy and ensures that your precious little one remains at an optimal body temperature throughout the year.
Moreover, Woolino’s innovative one-size-fits-all approach guarantees that the sleep sack will accommodate your baby for up to two years, eliminating the need to acquire multiple sleep sacks as your child grows.
Out of 24 mommies, 3 of them used a Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Sack. Mommies loved it for its long mileage – fits from 2 months old to 24 months old. A mommy mentioned that being able to wear this sleep sack throughout the 4 seasons helps her baby get comfortable with the sleep sack. Plus, she does not need to change the sleep sack through differing temperatures.
Zipadee-Zip Transition Swaddle
The Zipadee-Zip transition swaddle is a highly comfortable wearable blanket that brings warmth and coziness to your baby while also facilitating a smooth transition from swaddling. Its distinctive starfish design provides a sense of comfort and security akin to that of a swaddle while allowing your baby to move freely without any restrictions.
Other Contenders
Our sample size did not include parents who used the following sleep sacks, but we feel they are suitable lightweight sleep sacks, which you might want to consider.
SwaddleDesign Muslin Sleeping Sacks
TOG rating: 0.3 TOG
The 100% cotton muslin zzZipMeSack, with its breathable and open weave design, is an excellent choice for warmer sleep environments. The premium cotton muslin used in this sleep sack becomes softer with each wash, adding to its comfort. Additionally, the 2-way zipper is a convenient feature that allows for easy wearing and facilitates diaper changes.
Burt's Bees Beekeeper Wearable Blanket
TOG rating: 0.5 TOG
Burt’s Bees Beekeeper Wearable Blanket has been thoughtfully designed to provide ample space for your baby’s hips and legs to move freely, while ensuring that their head and arms remain outside the blanket. It was created as a suitable alternative to loose blankets in the crib, as advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The Beekeeper offers a snug and secure environment for your baby, ensuring that they remain warm and comfortable throughout the night. Thus, you can rest easy knowing that your little one is safe.
Ely’s & Co. Baby Sleep Bag
TOG rating: 0.5 TOG
The Baby Sleep Bag by Ely’s & Co. is crafted from 100% high-quality knit cotton with a TOG rating of 0.5. This machine-washable and dryer-safe sleep bag has been carefully crafted to provide a comfortable sleeping experience for your little one, while also minimizing the risk of overheating.
With this sleep solution, you can promote a longer and more restful night’s sleep for your precious baby, all while ensuring their safety.
Nest Designs Bamboo Sleeveless Sleep Bag
TOG rating: 0.5 TOG
With its 0.5 TOG rating, the Nest Designs Bamboo Jersey Sleeveless Sleep Bag is an ideal choice for warm summer days. It features a convenient 2-way zipper for effortless diaper changes.
This sleep sack is crafted from Nest Designs’ Signature Avo Fabric, which is a blend of bamboo rayon, avocado, and cotton. This results in a luxuriously soft, breathable, and comfortable sleep sack that is gentle on your baby’s delicate skin.
TILLYOU Sleep Sack
TOG rating: 0.5 TOG
The TILLYOU Sleep Sack is crafted from premium quality, 100% natural cotton, offering an ultra-soft and comfortable hand feel. This product is particularly suitable for warmer seasons or climates, providing a spacious yet cozy sleeping environment for your baby.
Baby Deedee Sleep Nest Lite
TOG rating: 0.6 TOG
The Baby Deedee Sleep Nest Lite boasts a soft and cozy fabric made of 100% cotton. Its breathable and lightweight design and cocoon shape offer a comfortable sleeping environment for your little one. Additionally, it features a 0.6 TOG rating, making it the ideal sack for use in summer or warm climates.
Final Thoughts on Lightweight Sleep Sacks
A sleep sack has great benefits for your baby, one of which is how it can help your baby sleep better and longer. We hope that through this article, you can find a sleep sack that suits your needs, and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lightweight Sleep Sacks
Can sleep sacks cause overheating?
There is a possibility. Babies can overheat when sleeping in a sleep sack if:
- The room is too hot
- The sleep sack is too heavy or warm
- They are dressed too warmly inside the sleep sack
- The sleep sack is too big – your baby can slip down inside the sack, which can make your baby overheat or suffocate
Does my baby need a sleep sack in summer?
Yes, it is good to use a sleep sack even in summer. Sleep sacks can be used as a sleeping cue together with a consistent sleeping environment. All of the mommies we surveyed chose to use a sleep sack during summer because their babies sleep with air conditioning and a sleep sack is a safer alternative to loose blankets.
Are lightweight 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 allows an infant’s arms and legs to move freely.
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.
