How Should A Sleep Sack Fit?

How Should A Sleep Sack Fit?

When it comes to baby sleep sacks – even weighted baby sleep sacks – they are a fave on baby registries everywhere! Why? Because they’re easy to use and give your little one a sense of comfort while they sleep. Essentially, a sleep sack is a wearable blanket that helps to regulate baby’s temperature without the need for anything extra in their crib. Just baby, in her sleep sack, nice and snuggly and perfectly content!


The weight of a sleep sack – also known as a TOG rating – indicates the warmth of the sleep sack. The higher the rating, the warmer the sack. Most manufacturers offer TOG recommendations to easily determine which tog makes sense for you, taking into consideration climate and room temperature.

Sleep sacks are also a great indicator (or sleep cue) that it’s time for sleep! They can be used for naps and bedtimes and are a great part of your sleep time routine.

If you still have questions about the best baby sleep sacks, keep reading! We answer some here:

How should a sleep sack fit?

While a sleep sack that is too large could pose suffocation risks, a sleep sack that fits too tightly could also be hazardous. A sleep sack that’s too tight could cause discomfort and restrict breathing. Therefore, finding the perfect fit is critical. Afterall, sleep and safety are two things most of us don’t want to mess with. A sleep sack that fits just right allows baby’s legs and hips to move freely, without leaving large gaps at the arm and neck holes. When choosing the right Dreamland sleep solutions, refer to the size chart linked to each product page. Here are some tricks that can help you determine if the sleep sack is fitting properly. 

  • Make sure the arm holes are tight enough that baby cannot slip their arms back into the sack.
  • Ensure that baby can kick their legs. 
  • Double check the fit around the neck by pulling the neckline up towards the baby's nose. If it stays covering their mouth and/or nose, it is likely too large. 

How does baby sleep sack sizing work?

When checking manufacturer guidelines for sleep sack sizing, always go by weight and/or height recommendations before basing a purchase on any age guidelines. Babies come in all shapes and sizes, and for this reason, most manufacturers will include a size chart with height and weight ranges that may be safe within their labeled sizes or recommendations. 

Should a weighted sleep sack fit differently than a regular sleep sack?

The actual fit of a weighted sleep sack should be similar to a regular sleep sack. In addition to the “usual” considerations when checking for a proper fit, weighted sleep sacks should also be constructed in a breathable fabric such as cotton or bamboo. By following guidelines for proper weight distribution and fit, you can help your baby receive the invaluable benefits of weighted sleep solutions while prioritizing safety and comfort. .Our weighted sleep sacks are thermal regulating with a Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) rating of 1.0, making them ideal for 68-73°F.

Dream Weighted Sleep Swaddle, 0-6 months

Dream Weighted Sleep Sack

$89.00

 

What do babies wear under a sleep sack?

There are many factors that should be considered when determining how to dress a baby underneath a sleep sack. Here are some questions to reflect on before dressing your baby for bed. 

  • What TOG rating is the sleep sack? The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the sleep sack will be. 1.0 TOG is fairly common among many sleep sack manufacturers, which is perfect for temperatures that fall between 68-73°F. 
  • What temperature is the sleep space? The ideal comfortable sleeping temperature for babies is between 68-72°F. If your baby’s sleep space is cooler than that, a higher TOG sleep sack or warmer pajamas underneath their sleep sack may be necessary. Alternatively, if their room is warmer than 72°F, a diaper or onesie underneath their sleep sack can achieve the optimal sleeping temperature. 
  • What material is the sleep sack constructed of? As previously stated, weighted sleep sacks should be made with breathable fabrics for comfortability and safety. Cotton and bamboo are ideal weighted sleep materials. These fabrics allow for thermal regulation, which is important for more easily maintaining ideal temperatures - regardless of what baby’s attire is.
  • How long do babies wear sleep sacks?

    At Dreamland Baby, our sleep sacks are sized from 0-36 months. Remember to follow height and weight recommendations according to our size chart for the best fit. If you started your baby in a swaddle, you can ease the transition with our Dream Weighted Transition Swaddle.

    Should a sleep sack have room for the baby to grow into?

    The short answer is. . .no. When it comes to safe sleep, it’s important to ensure that all clothing (including sleep sacks) fit appropriately for your baby’s current size. 

    How do I know if my baby's sleep sack fits?

    A common way for parents to “fit check” their babies sleep sack is the “snap back” test. To do this, pull your baby’s sleep sack up and over their chin very briefly. If it “snaps back” down immediately, that may be a good indicator that their sleep sack fits well. If it remains hovered over any part of their face, the sleep sack may be too big. Remember to check other sizing indicators such as room to kick their feet and well-fitting arm holes. 

    What happens if a sleep sack is too big or too small?

    In the event that a newly purchased sleep sack is too big or too small, Dreamland Baby offers easy and eco-friendly 30 day returns. The product being returned must be in New (unworn, unwashed) condition with the tags attached.  For more information, see our full return policy

    Is Arm Freedom Necessary in a Sleep Sack?

    For babies that can roll over, or that show signs of readiness to roll over, arm freedom is important. Arm freedom helps your baby push up or away from their mattress and/or side walls when necessary. For infants who are not yet mobile, weighted swaddles are fantastic for keeping that Moro reflex at bay and helping baby get the sleep that they need to grow and develop. 

    How Do I Know if the Sleep Sack Is Too Tight?

    One of the many amazing things about babies is that they will usually let you know if they’re uncomfortable. One of the amazing things about becoming a parent is that you learn to decode what they are trying to tell you fairly quickly. If your baby cries in their sleep sack, seems uncomfortable, restless, or overall just isn’t sleeping well in their sleep sack, it could be too tight. Otherwise there are other fit checks you can use, or enlist your best judgment based on what you know. Remember, your doctor can always help confirm safety measures for baby, such as confirming the fit of a sleep sack. 

    How can I get the right size sleep sack for my baby?

    Following the size chart is the best way to achieve just the right fit for your baby. For product related questions, including sizing, we have a team of customer service agents who are happy to help via chat

    Can a Sleep Sack Replace Traditional Swaddling?

    A traditional sleeveless sleep sack does not replace traditional swaddling. Our swaddles are excellent for providing that same Moro reflex suppression as a traditional blanket swaddle - without all the extra folding and wrapping. For babies who are too mature for arms-in sleep but still like some sort of arm coverage, transitional swaddles are a great in-between. 

    Should Feet Be Covered or Exposed in a Sleep Sack?

    The choice is yours, or should we say, your baby’s. You can base your decision to dress your baby in socks or footie pajamas based upon their sleep space temperature. 

    How Do Seasonal Changes Affect the Choice of a Sleep Sack?

    Seasonal changes can affect the temperature in your baby’s sleep space, unless you maintain a consistent thermostat temperature setting. In this case, your baby should be comfortable and safe in the same sleep sack all year round.

    What is the best baby sleep sack?

    Dreamland Baby has options when it comes to choosing the best sleep sack for your baby. We offer sleep sacks made from either 100% cotton or ultra soft viscose from bamboo material - as well as weighted and non-weighted options. Our weighted sleep solutions are proven to help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Featuring our CoverCalm® technology, the baby’s weight is evenly distributed from shoulders to toes, naturally reducing stress.  

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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.