Do Babies Need Sleep Sacks?

Diving into why we think all babies need sleep sacks.

Sleep sacks are a staple on most baby registries because they are a popular bedtime option for when a baby outgrows, or never takes to swaddling. A sleep sack is a wearable, usually zippered blanket for baby that copies the benefits of swaddling which helps baby sleep better. A sleep sack should help your little one stay warm and comfortable during every sleep as sleep sacks help regulate your infant’s body temperature. That means they are kept 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 according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), helps keep baby’s sleep-space safe. If you find that your newborn is fussy or uncomfortable in a swaddle, that is when you use sleep sacks or consider sleep sack use in addition to using a swaddle.

Are baby sleep sacks necessary?

If you’re wondering do babies need sleep sacks, the direct answer would probably be no. However, a sleep sack could really help your baby sleep more comfortably, and when that happens, so does everyone else under the same roof. That’s because sleep sacks help regulate baby’s body temperature creating a comfortable sleep for naps and nighttime. They also eliminate the need for extra blankets in baby’s sleep-space which is what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend for the safest sleep possible. If you or your baby seems particularly fussy in a sleep sack, footie pajamas could do the trick, too. That said, Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sacks offers evenly distributed, gentle weight from shoulders to toes which helps baby feel calm, fall asleep faster & stay asleep longer. 

What are the advantages of sleep sacks?

Sleep sacks are a safe way for baby to sleep because they eliminate the need for blankets or anything else in their sleep space. According to the AAP, “bare is best” - meaning nothing in the crib, bassinet or co-sleeper other than baby in a swaddle or sleep sack.  If your baby doesn’t quite come around to swaddling, it may be when you need a sleep sack for baby.

 

What are the disadvantages of sleep sacks?

Because every baby is different and some babies run warmer than others, it’s possible that in the summer months, a sleep sack might just be too warm for some babies. No one knows your baby better than you do so always trust your gut when it comes to their comfort and safety.

Do newborns like sleep sacks?

Some newborns love their sleep sacks and will use them all the way through toddlerhood. The consistency of using a sleep sack for all sleeps (nighttime and naptime) helps to establish a familiar sleep routine which can be handy when it’s time for those longer stretches of sleep.

When should you transition to a sleep sack?

Once baby shows signs of fussiness in the swaddle, or is constantly breaking out of the swaddle, and/or is starting to roll onto their tummy independently, that’s when it’s time to transition to a sleep sack. Like a swaddle wrap, sleep sacks help babies maintain the correct body temperature, reduce the risks of SIDS, and give your baby the same sense of security they had in the womb.

Are sleep sacks worth it?

Sleep sacks are more than worth the expense if they help your baby sleep through the night and for longer stretches of time. Safety reasons alone make sleep sacks worth the purchase as they can help reduce the risks of SIDS by eliminating the need for any other blankets in the crib.

What is the best sleep sack for a baby?

As with all things relating to your baby, the best sleep sack is the one that works best for your family and lifestyle. So when it comes to a sleep sack, the one that helps your baby sleep safely and comfortably is the best sleep sack. The Dreamland Baby Weighted sleep sack is designed to help your baby feel calm, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer. It features our exclusive CoverCalm™ Technology which evenly distributes weight from your baby’s shoulders to toes. This naturally reduces stress and gives your baby the feeling of security and comfort – helping them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. There’s also a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes which makes those middle of the night changes super easy.

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In June 2022, the AAP updated its sleep guidelines and is currently not recommending weighted sleep solutions. You can read the full report here. Please note that this is not a recall. Dreamland Baby is in ongoing dialogue with the AAP regarding its stance on weighted sleepwear and hopes it will result in the statement being retracted.