When To Use a Weighted Sleep Sack

When to Put Your Baby in a Sleep Sack

Ask any new parent their #1 priority when it comes to their newborn and most likely you’ll get the same answer: sleep! But with so much information about sleep and the multitude of products meant for infant and baby sleep, it’s hard to know what to get and when, and to know what will help your baby sleep, and help them get quality sleep, too. All of which means better sleep for parents, too.

All babies and newborns should be placed to sleep on their backs – always – for naps and bedtime. They also recommend that nothing should be in the crib (or co-sleeper or bassinet, etc.) other than a firm mattress and a fitted mattress sheet designed for that particular mattress. That means no bumpers, no toys, no extra blankets, just the mattress, mattress sheet and baby. This is what makes swaddling is a great option for newborns – and adorable since your baby will look like a little burrito all bundled up! Swaddling eliminates the need for any “extras” in baby’s sleep space. Just make sure the swaddle isn’t too tight and that baby can move their little legs. Swaddling helps soothe, provides comfort as it feels like the womb, and ensures that baby will fall asleep on their back. It’s time to stop swaddling however, when baby looks like he is trying to roll over (which could be as early as two months…) and that’s when it’s time for the sleep sack!

The thing is, so many parents are curious about when to use sleep sack and when to start using a sleep sack, so see below for some FAQs about the how’s and when’s of sleep sacks!

What Is a Weighted Sleep Sack?

A weighted sleep sack is a wearable blanket with an added gentle weight to promote better sleep. The added weight is distributed evenly throughout the sleep sack so babies can benefit from shoulder-to-toe deep pressure stimulation.
What is deep pressure stimulation, you ask? Deep pressure stimulation (DPS) is a therapy method that utilizes a gently weighted touch to relax the central nervous system. This is beneficial for everyone - young and old - but especially for young babies and children whose bodies are still learning to regulate that nervous system on their own.

As babies grow, they experience a multitude of milestones and learning opportunities. Their minds and bodies are constantly rapid-firing information to learn how to operate outside the womb. Until young children reach the age of 3 or so, they need assistance to reset their nervous system.

Resetting your baby’s nervous system can be done in many ways including shushing, going for a walk outside, a quick bath, and anything else that helps your baby to calm down. When it’s time for bed, especially if you’re tired too, a weighted sleep sack and the right sleeping environment can help your baby relax. Dysregulated nervous systems can significantly impact a baby’s sleep, digestive system, mood, and behavior. Help your baby achieve the calmness and comfort they need to sleep longer and better.

How does deep pressure stimulation help babies sleep?

Deep pressure stimulation (DPS), or deep pressure sensory input, is a therapy method that utilizes a gently weighted touch to relax the central nervous system. This can be a hand gently pressing on your baby as they fall asleep or a weighted sleep solution. DPS can help babies calm down and prepare them for sleep by releasing neurochemicals that help to regulate emotions, feel calm, and relax.

Gentle deep-pressure stimulation sends cues in the body to release and produce dopamine and serotonin - happy chemicals. These happy chemicals decrease the body’s fight or flight responses, or overactive nervous systems. They can also stimulate the areas of the brain that are responsible for melatonin production - the sleep chemical. Think of a big tight hug from someone you love. That feeling comes with waves of calm that kind of make you want to snuggle up and take a nap, doesn’t it? Essentially, the same response can happen in your baby when you tuck them in with a weighted sleep sack.

Deep pressure stimulation is beneficial for more than just sleep, but general mood improvement as well. If your little (or big) one is having a hard time regulating emotions during the day, you can use the same general strategy to help calm their nervous system. You can do this with gentle massage, gentle compression of joints on arms and legs, bear hugs, or other forms of gentle pressure. This can work for grown-ups, too!

Are weighted sleep sacks worth it for babies?

Weighted sleep sacks are worth it- when used appropriately and purchased from a reputable brand that performs rigorous testing. At Dreamland Baby, we consider safety our number one priority. With a specialty in products that help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, we partner with pediatricians, NICU nurses and certified sleep consultants to deliver high quality, safe sleep solutions. Our collection of weighted sleep solutions can grow with your baby. Watch them grow from the weighted swaddle to transition swaddle to sleep sack, and finally a toddler blanket. The idea of a weight on a baby can intimidate some, but rest assured it’s baby safe. Let’s address some possible concerns with weighted sleep sack safety - and explain how we can avoid those concerns.

Overheating: Overheating may be a concern when using any sleep sack, swaddle, blanket, or pajamas. The best way to avoid overheating is by dressing your baby appropriately for the weather. You should also consider the fabrics of the sleep sack, swaddle, or blanket, and clothing on your baby. Some materials, such as cotton and bamboo, are more breathable than others. All of our products are made with breathable materials to help keep baby safe and cozy. When it comes to choosing a sleep sack or swaddle, look for the Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) that indicates the appropriate temperature for use. For example, during warmer months, your baby can wear just a diaper under their weighted sleep sack. During colder months, you could pair a weighted sleep sack with our Baby Bamboo Pajamas w/DreamCuffs. We take the safety of fabric composition into consideration when considering all of our products, which is why we only use 100% cotton and a luxurious viscose from bamboo. Natural, breathable fibers greatly reduce the risk of overheating in a weighted sleep sack.
Breathing interruptions: While this would be a valid concern if too much weight was in a weighted sleep sack, there are serious measures taken to ensure that properly fitted sleepsacks are only gently weighted. Use our size chart to determine which size is safest for your baby.

What age is a weighted sleep sack for?

Weighted sleep sacks are designed for newborns all the way into toddlerhood. Newborns 8 lbs and up can safely use a weighted sleep sack and benefit from the effects of deep pressure stimulation. It cannot be overstated that a weighted sleep sack is safest when sized correctly. Before using a weighted sleep sack, check product recommendations. Our sizes are listed as 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months, and 24-36 months. However, we recognize that babies grow and develop at different rates and their weight and length will matter more when determining the right size for them. You can reference our sleep sack size chart to ensure you select the perfect fit for your baby.

Here is a quick overview of our weighted sleep size chart.

“0-6 M” is designed for babies 8-16 lbs whose length falls between 12-26 inches.
“6-12 M” is designed for babies 15-24 lbs whose height falls between 26-30 inches.
“12-24 M” is designed for babies 20-28 lbs whose height falls between 30-35 inches.
“24-36 M” is designed for toddlers 25 lbs and up whose height falls between 35-40 inches.

For toddlers at least 3 years of age and older and at least 30 lbs, consider transitioning from a weighted sleep sack to a weighted toddler blanket. The gentle 4lb weight of our weighted toddler blankets provide the same deep pressure stimulation to help naturally reduce anxiety, alleviate sensory overload and promote healthy sleep patterns.

What is a sleep sack and when can a baby use a sleep sack?

Sleep sacks are a popular bedtime option for parents when their little one outgrows swaddling. Essentially a wearable, zippered blanket for babies, sleep sacks mimic swaddling, which helps babies sleep better for longer periods of time.

When should I start using a sleep sack?

If you’re wondering when to put baby in a sleep sack, they are good for newborns through toddlerhood, although every baby is different. Once your baby starts rolling over on their own, or is breaking free of the swaddle, it’s a good idea to introduce the sleep sack.

When do sleep sacks work best?

Sleep sacks work best when baby no longer enjoys the soothing benefits of swaddling. A sleep sack can keep baby at just the right temperature, so no need for any extra anything in his sleep space.

Why are sleep sacks better for babies?

The Dreamland Baby sleep sacks are better for babies as they are made from 100% natural, soft cotton, and provide room for baby to kick and move their legs. It can be used starting at 8lbs through toddlerhood. The gentle weight naturally reduces stress and increases relaxation through deep-pressure stimulation to give baby feelings of security and comfort - like a hug! They are designed to help baby feel calm, fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. 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.

When do you use sleep sacks and do you use a sleep sack for naps?

The good news is, baby can use his/her sleep sack anytime you put baby to sleep. It will soon become a comfort object, something familiar that triggers “it’s time for bed” which should help your little one sleep like a pro. Nap times are often used to transition babies from a swaddle (non-weighted) or weighted swaddle to a sleep sack (non-weighted) or weighted sleep sack to help ease the transition, you can also use a transition swaddle. Afterall, who wants to lose sleep if it can be avoided? Not us!

When can a baby use a blanket?

It’s best not to put anything to sleep with your baby until they are at least 12 months old. That means no blankets, no toys, no bumpers anywhere in their sleep space but baby by him/herself (in a swaddle or sleep sack, of course). Once your baby reaches 18 months, it’s generally fine for them to sleep with a blanket or comfort object. That said, by the time your little one is 3 years old (and/or 30+ pounds), they will probably love the 4-lb Dream Weighted Toddler Blanket. Our premium quality weighted blanket is designed to deliver calming comfort and security while promoting healthy sleep patterns. The satin edge is a luxurious touch and serves as an extra layer of comfort and security for little ones who love to rub something soft on their face. Plus, the evenly distributed, gentle pressure mimics the feeling of being hugged and encourages comfort and relaxation during nighttime or naptime. Just make sure that baby can remove the blanket if needed and remember that weighted blankets for kids should be worn below shoulders and never cover her face or head.

When should you start sleep training?

The good news is, when it comes to sleep training, it’s never too late to develop healthy habits. Generally speaking, when your little one is between four and six months old, they are “ready” to start, but as with everything related to your baby, you know best! So trust your instincts, speak with your pediatrician, and understand that every baby has their own timeline. That said, establishing sleep routines early on (bath, bottle (or boob!), before bed, or when baby is older (bath, books, bed, etc.) can help when it comes time for baby to learn to sleep on their own. Weighted sleep sacks can be a very helpful part of sleep training. When used consistently, getting into their weighted sleep sack can become a sleep cue that signals to baby that it is time to drift off to Dreamland.