Learn the Purpose, Usage & Benefits of Sleep Sacks for Babies
Good sleep is essential for everyone, especially baby, as it helps with brain and body development, overall health, and of course, mood. With so much information out there about getting a good night’s sleep, it’s important to understand what products might help your little one fall asleep, and stay asleep, because chances are, if baby sleeps well, so will you!
Enter the sleep sack! Sleep sacks are pretty much a staple on every parents ‘must have’ list, but what is a sleep sack, you ask? Sleep sacks are a popular bedtime option for parents when their little one outgrows swaddling. Essentially a wearable, zippered blanket for baby, sleep sacks mimic swaddling, which helps baby sleep better for longer periods of time. See below for more frequently asked Qs:
What is the purpose of a sleep sack for babies?
The purpose of a sleep sack for babies is multi-faceted, but mainly, sleep sacks help your little one stay warm and comfortable, which translates to better sleep for all of you!
What do sleep sacks do?
Sleep sacks help regulate your infant’s body temperature which keeps them 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.
Do sleep sacks help babies sleep?
In a word, they should… okay, that’s two words! Of course, every baby is different, but Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sacks work for infants who like the sensation of being touched. Weighted sleep sacks are good for baby because they help them feel secure and “held” - like a hug - which can also help calm a fussy baby.
Keep in mind, weighted sleep sacks are considered safe as long as the weight of the sleep sack is no more than 10% of your baby’s body weight. So a 10-pound baby should wear a sleep sack weighing no more than one pound. A 20- pound baby should wear a sleep sack no more than 2 pounds, and so on.
What are the benefits of a sleep sack for babies?
Now that you know what’s a sleep sack, you may be wondering what are sleep sacks good for? The benefits are many. Sleep sacks work because they help regulate baby’s body temperature creating a comfortable night (or naptime) sleep. They also eliminate the need for extra blankets in baby’s sleep-space (which is always a safe choice). Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sacks offers our unique features of evenly distributed weight from shoulders to toes which helps baby feel calm, fall asleep faster, & stay asleep longer.
Why do sleep sacks work for babies?
Sleep sacks work because they keep your infant safe, warm, and comfortable so they can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
What are baby sleep sacks used for and how do I know if my baby needs one?
A sleep sack is like a wearable blanket for your infant. They help regulate body temperature providing a warm and comfortable slumber. Sleep sacks are a safe way for baby to catch some Zzz’s by eliminating the need for blankets in their sleep space. Remember, according to the AAP, “bare is best” - meaning nothing in the crib, bassinet or co-sleeper other than baby. If your baby prefers to sleep “arms up” and/or doesn’t quite come around to the sleep swaddle, it may be time to consider a sleep sack.
When should a baby use a sleep sack?
Sleep sacks are good for newborns through toddlerhood, although every baby is different. Using your sleep sack for nighttime and naptime also helps establish a pattern and becomes a familiar “sleep time” routine.
How to choose a sleep sack for babies?
There are plenty of sleep sack options out there from colors and patterns to sizes… but of course, we’re partial to our Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sack. Ours has a detachable swaddle wing so it can be used as either a swaddle or a sleep sack. It is designed to help your baby feel calm, fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The gentle weight naturally reduces stress and increases relaxation through deep-pressure stimulation to give your baby feelings of security and comfort.
What is the best sleep sack to buy for babies?
The best sleep sacks to buy for baby are 100% cotton, provide room for baby to kick and move their legs, and follow all AAP safety regulations. We may be biased but our favorite sleep sack for babies is our Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sack that baby can use starting at 8lbs through toddlerhood. They are designed to help baby feel calm, fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The gentle weight naturally reduces stress and increases relaxation through deep-pressure stimulation to give baby feelings of security and comfort - like a hug! This deep-touch pressure can help soothe anxiety and encourage calming sleep. We also have a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes making middle of the night changes easy so everyone gets back to sleep faster.
How does a sleep sack work?
A sleep sack is like a sleep bag, but for babies. It keeps them snug, warm, and safe all night long, thus promoting safe and healthy sleep. Its fit is important. Your baby should not be able to remove the sleep sack. The idea is that a sleep sack keeps your baby warm, cozy, and asleep all night long since it won’t fall off like a blanket does.
Sleep sacks function as a wearable blanket that zips up and has openings for your baby’s head and arms. Just like a swaddle blanket, a sleep sack gives your little one the comforting experience of a gentle, warm hug. However, unlike a swaddle, sleep sacks give your baby the freedom of being able to move their arms.
Swaddling becomes unsafe once your baby begins to roll over, leaving many parents searching for a safe alternative to using a blanket. Sleep sacks help babies transition from being completely swaddled at night to eventually sleeping with a blanket when it is safe to do so. With a sleep sack, your baby’s legs will still be somewhat contained, which can help prevent them from trying to climb out of their crib in the middle of the night.
While some parents choose to use a sleep sack from the beginning, others will swaddle and then transition to a sleep sack. For a smooth transition, try Dreamland's patent-pending Weighted Transition Swaddle designed to help your baby safely transition to arms-out sleep with a sleep sack. Our sleep sack features 3/4 length weighted arms help reduce the Moro (startle) reflex while also providing your little one with range of motion. With this swaddle, your baby can safely roll over, allowing them to get used to sleeping with their arms out and get ready for the next stage of safe sleep products.
What is a sleep sack made out of?
Sleep sacks come in a variety of materials, but typically are made from lightweight cotton, linen, or muslin for maximum breathability and comfort. You may also find sleep sacks made from synthetic blends such as polyester or rayon. Cotton is the most durable and suitable for infants with sensitive skin.
Depending on the season and your local climate, you may need a thicker sleep sack with long sleeves, typically made with fleece or wool. These materials will help your baby stay cozy and warm even in the coldest weather, without the need for layering several blankets.
Do sleep sacks have different sizes?
In order to accommodate your growing little one, sleep sacks are available in several different sizes ranging from newborn to extra large for toddlers. Our bestselling Dream Weighted Sleep Sack is available in 4 different sizes ranging from 0-6 months to 24-36 months.
In addition to coming in different sizes, sleep sacks may come with long sleeves or be sleeveless to accommodate different sleeping environments and temperatures.
What is a weighted sleep sack?
A weighted sleep sack functions just like a regular sleep sack with the benefit of deep pressure stimulation. Weighted sleep sacks provide additional comfort and security designed to help your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Your little one can do everything they would do in a non-weighted sleep sack including roll over, sit, and even stand up.
It’s important to note that weighted sleep sacks are safe as long as they are within the recommended weight limits. Dreamland Baby has worked closely with pediatricians, NICU nurses, and pediatric sleep consultants to help ensure that our weighted sleep sack is both safe and effective for your little one.
What are the advantages of weighted sleep sacks?
While both sleep sacks and weighted sleep sacks help provide better sleep for your little one, there are some added advantages of using a weighted sleep sack.
Once your little one starts rolling over on their own or breaking free of the swaddle, swaddling is no longer considered safe. This is where sleep sacks and weighted sleep sacks come in. If your baby is missing the restriction and comfort that comes with swaddling, a weighted sleep sack can provide a safe alternative for your baby. Weighted sleep sacks help your baby feel safe and secure during the night, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. They can help your baby begin to develop healthy sleep patterns and positive sleep associations.
In fact, NICU studies have proven that weighted blankets help babies sleep more calmly than non-weighted blankets.
In addition, Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sacks have been designated as “hip-healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. The advantages don’t stop there…sleep sacks and weighted sleep sacks also have the benefit of helping your little one regulate their body temperature while they are asleep. All of these perks make sleep sacks and weighted sleep sacks a must-have item for new parents.
Is a sleep sack the same as a wearable blanket?
A sleep sack is also commonly referred to as a wearable blanket or a blanket sleeper. They are essentially bodysuits made of the same material as a blanket with an opening for your child's head as well as their arms. If your child truly enjoys sleeping with a sleep sack rather than a blanket, you should be able to find wearable blankets for children and even adults for sale.
When do babies outgrow sleep sacks?
Sleep sacks can be safely used from birth until they no longer fit properly. Depending on your child’s height and weight, they will probably begin to outgrow their sleep sack around the age of 2 or 3. Most larger sleep sacks will accommodate toddlers up to 30 pounds / 40 inches tall.
Sleep sacks are designed to help you create a healthy sleep environment for your baby until they have reached the recommended age to sleep with loose blankets according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP suggests that all soft bedding be kept out of your child’s crib until they are at least 12 months old. This helps to prevent SIDS and other sleep dangers.
