Learn why a weighted sleep sack can be a gamechanger for you and your baby’s sleep
When it comes to products to help baby sleep, an item on almost every parent's must-have list is a sleep sack, and usually more than one! Why? Because sleep sacks, often called wearable blankets, are used to keep your baby comfortable, warm, and cozy. But more than that, sleep sacks eliminate the need for traditional blankets. According to safe sleep guidelines, loose blankets should never be used in your baby's sleep space. It's important to remember that "bare is best," - meaning there should be nothing in the crib, bassinet, or co-sleeper other than a baby! A sleep sack makes that easier as it can help regulate body temperature, reducing the risk of SIDS while giving your baby the same sense of security they experienced in the womb. So, now that we've established that sleep sacks are a comfortable way for your baby to sleep let's move on to the added benefits of a weighted sleep sack.
Why Your Baby Needs a Weighted Sleep Sack
A weighted sleep sack works much like a non-weighted sack with some significant additional features and benefits. A weighted sack, such as our Dream Weighted Sleep Sack, is designed to help your baby feel calm, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer. Our proprietary CoverCalm™ Technology, evenly distributed weight from your baby's shoulders to toes, makes the Dream Weighted Sleep Sack unique. This even weight distribution naturally reduces stress and gives your baby the feeling of security and comfort – much like a hug! So why does your baby need a weighted sleep sack? So, they can drift off to dreamland, at naptime and nighttime, as if they are in the comfort of your arms.
Do weighted sleep sacks help babies sleep better?
Much like a weighted blanket for adults, weighted sleep sacks were created to help babies sleep better. The secret is in the science of weighted sleep products. Weighted sleep sacks harness the power of deep touch stimulation and gentle pressure that can bring on feelings of calm and reduce anxiety. A weighted sleep sack can help your baby sleep better by decreasing irritability and promoting self-soothing. It's important to note that the weight in our Dream Sack is very gentle and not intended to restrict movement.
Why do weighted sleep sacks or blankets help enhance sleep?
Weighted sleep sacks and blankets help enhance sleep because of deep pressure stimulation. This therapeutic technique helps bring on a feeling of calm so that falling asleep and staying asleep is achieved more easily. We all know how good a hug feels, and a weighted sleep sack or blanket is designed to bring on that same sense of snug security. And when you feel secure, stress is reduced, and sleep is enhanced.
Why are weighted sleep sacks worth it for newborns?
The number one issue new parents face is lack of sleep. Sleep sacks can help newborns maintain the security and comfort they felt in the womb and help them develop healthy sleep patterns. All parents can use a little extra help getting their newborn to sleep. A weighted sleep sack for newborns is a budget-friendly way to set your infant up for sleep success without the need for fancy or expensive gadgets.
What are the advantages of weighted sleep sacks over regular sleep sacks?
There are many advantages to using a weighted sleep sack over a regular sleep sack! While they both provide a safe way to put your baby to sleep, a weighted sack has the additional benefit of helping to ensure that baby feels calm and comforted. The evenly distributed weight can help your baby doze off more quickly, something many new parents struggle to get their infants to do. The weighted sack can also help babies sleep for longer stretches, as the deep touch stimulation allows them to self-soothe. A weighted sack can also be a part of a successful sleep routine, so your baby learns that when the sack is worn, the feeling of the gentle weight indicates it is time to sleep. The Dream Weighted Sacks also have the additional benefit of super-soft 100% natural cotton that provides temperature regulation and won't irritate a baby's delicate skin. They also feature a reversible neckline for tummy sleepers and a two-way zipper for fuss-free diaper changes.
When can you start using a weighted sleep sack?
You can start using a gently weighted sleep sack for your newborn as long you follow the sizing recommendations and never size up. Studies done in NICUs with NAS babies have shown that wearable weighted blankets are safe and significantly calmed infants compared to when non-weighted blankets were used. Due to the calming benefits, NICUs across the country are now utilizing Dreamland Baby's weighted swaddles and sacks.
Ultimately, when you decide to start using a weighted sleep sack is up to you and your baby's specific needs. Some parents find starting with a weighted sleep sack immediately after birth helps them develop a consistent sleep routine. Many others start once their baby begins experiencing sleep disruptions from the Moro reflex to teething and sleep regressions. What's important to remember is that no matter when you start using a weighted sleep sack, consistency and patience are both keys to ensuring sleep success.
Do pediatricians recommend weighted sleep sacks?
Dr. Jonathan Jassey, a board-certified pediatrician, calls our Dream Weighted Sleep Sack, “a common-sense and safe sleep aid for families struggling to get their little ones to sleep.” Dreamland Baby works closely with pediatricians, NICU nurses, and pediatric sleep consultants to help ensure that we provide our customers with safe, effective products. In 2022, the AAP issued a statement regarding weighted sleepwear and currently does not recommend them. However, Dreamland Baby is working with a U.S.-based research university on a comprehensive sleep study and is hopeful that the AAP will reverse its 2022 recommendations on weighted sleepwear.
