Welcome to the world of baby sleep! As a parent, ensuring your little one gets a peaceful and safe night’s rest is essential for their well-being and your sanity. You’ve come to the right place if you’re navigating the transition from swaddling to sleep sacks. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of baby sleep sacks; from transitioning out of a swaddle to the best baby sleep suit options on the market, we’ve got you covered!
Just a heads up, this page may contain Amazon, Etsy, and other affiliate links. We may make a small commission from any clicks at no expense to you. Head over to our disclosure policy for more information.
When to Transition Out of the Swaddle
Swaddling is a tried-and-true technique for keeping newborns snug and secure, mimicking the feeling of being in the womb. However, as your baby grows, there comes a time when they are ready to transition out of a swaddle and into a sleepsuit. Here are some signs that it may be time to make the switch:
- Rolling Over: Once your baby starts rolling from back to tummy or vice versa, it’s important to discontinue swaddling. Rolled-over swaddled babies can face suffocation hazards.
- Restless Sleep: If your little one starts resisting the swaddle or seems uncomfortable during sleep, it may be a sign that they are ready for more freedom of movement.
- Age and Development: Around 3 to 6 months, babies develop stronger motor skills, such as bringing their hands to their mouths and grabbing objects. This indicates a need for more movement and exploration, making swaddling less suitable.
- Breaking Free: If your baby constantly wriggles out of their swaddle, they are telling you they are ready to have more freedom during sleep.
- Startle Reflex Diminishes: As your baby’s startle reflex diminishes around 3 to 4 months, they may no longer require the tight confinement provided by swaddling.
Every baby is unique, so be observant of their cues and readiness to transition to sleep sacks.
[Related post: Best First Birthday Gifts for Boys]
Tips for Transitioning to a Sleep Sack
Transitioning from a swaddle to a sleep sack can be a smooth and positive experience with the right approach. Here are some tips on how to transition out of a swaddle and into sleep sacks:
- Gradual Adjustment: Before introducing the sleep sack, start by swaddling with one arm out of the swaddle while keeping the other arm tucked in. After a few nights, allow both arms to be free. Then transition to the sleep sack. This step-by-step process helps your baby adjust to the new sensation and promotes a sense of security.
- Start with Naps: Introduce the sleep sack during daytime naps to familiarize your baby with the new sleep environment. This allows them to associate the sleep sack with a positive experience.
- Familiarity and Comfort: If your baby has developed an attachment to their swaddle, consider using a sleep sack that offers a similar snug feeling around the torso while allowing freedom of movement for the arms and legs. Look for sleep sacks with adjustable features for a customizable fit.
- Bedtime Routine: Establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes putting your baby into the sleep sack. A predictable routine helps signal your little one that it’s time for sleep and creates a sense of security.
- Comfort and Soothing Techniques: If your baby struggles with the transition, provide additional comfort by incorporating soothing techniques such as gentle rocking, singing, or a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Or, for parents who decide to sleep train, go cold turkey from swaddle to sleep sack.
Patience is key during this transition period. Be prepared for a few rough nights as your baby adjusts to the new sleep arrangement. With time and consistency, they will embrace their sleep sack and enjoy a restful slumber.
[Related post: Is the SNOO worth it?]
Benefits of Using a Sleep Sack
Sleep sacks offer numerous benefits for both babies and parents. Here are a few reasons why sleep sacks are a popular choice:
- Safe Sleep Environment: Sleep sacks eliminate the need for loose blankets in the crib, reducing the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). They provide a cozy and secure sleep environment.
- Regulates Body Temperature: Sleep sacks help regulate your baby’s body temperature, keeping them comfortably warm throughout the night without the risk of overheating.
- Promotes Healthy Hip Development: Opt for sleep sacks with ample room for leg movement, allowing your baby’s hips to fall into a healthy position naturally. Look for designs that are recognized as “hip-healthy” by pediatric associations.
- Easier Nighttime Diaper Changes: Sleep sacks with bottom openings or zippered designs make diaper changes a breeze without entirely removing the entire sleep sack. This ensures minimal disruption during nighttime diaper changes.
- Sleep Association: Sleep sacks become a consistent part of your baby’s sleep routine, creating a sleep association that signals it’s time for restful slumber.
What Should a Baby Wear Under a Sleep Sack
Choosing the right clothing layers underneath a sleep sack is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and safe sleep environment.
- Room Temperature: Consider the temperature of your baby’s sleeping environment. Ideally, the baby’s room should be between 68-72F at night. If it’s more on the chilly side, dress baby in a long-sleeved onesie with pants or footed pajamas under their sleep sack. In warmer conditions, a short-sleeved onesie or just a diaper may suffice.
- Fabric Type: Choose breathable, natural fibers like cotton or bamboo pajamas (read all about our favorite bamboo brands) to promote air circulation and prevent overheating. Avoid dressing your baby in excessive layers that could cause them to become too warm.
- Baby’s Comfort: Check your baby’s body temperature by feeling their chest or back. Adjust the clothing layers accordingly to ensure they are neither too hot nor too cold. However, don’t base it off their fingers or toes – baby extremities can get cold, but that does not mean the room temperature or clothing needs to be changed!
Understanding the Sleep Sack TOG Rating
When it comes to ensuring your baby’s comfort during sleep, understanding the concept of a baby sleep suit tog is essential. A tog stands for “thermal overall grade” and is a measurement used to indicate the warmth or insulation provided by a sleep suit or sleep sack. This rating helps you determine the appropriate sleepwear for different seasons or specific room temperatures.
The tog rating system typically ranges from 0.5 to 3.5, with higher numbers indicating a higher level of insulation. For example, a lower tog rating is best for warmer weather or warm room temperatures, while a higher tog rating is best for colder climates or colder rooms.
To find the right tog for your baby’s sleep suit, consider the following factors:
- Room Temperature: Measure the temperature of your baby’s sleeping environment using a reliable thermometer. This will help you determine whether to opt for a lower-tog or higher-tog sleep suit. We always keep a thermometer in our baby’s nursery to help ensure her room is always at a safe temperature!
- Seasonal Considerations: Consider the season and weather conditions. In warmer months, a lower tog sleep suit (around 0.5 to 1 tog) is normally best, while colder seasons may require a higher tog sleep suit (around 2.5 to 3.5 tog).
- Layering Possibilities: Take into account the layering options available to you. For instance, you can adjust the clothing worn underneath the sleep suit based on the tog rating.
- Personal Preference: Each baby is unique, and some may prefer slightly more or less insulation. Monitor your baby’s comfort level by feeling their neck or back to ensure they are not too hot or too cold.
When selecting a sleep suit tog, you want to avoid overdressing or overheating, as it can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Keep the sleep environment comfortable, ensuring proper air circulation and ventilation.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that manufacturers may provide guidelines on the appropriate tog rating for their sleep suits. Always follow their recommendations and refer to their size and tog charts when making a purchase.
Best Baby Sleep Sack Reviews
Now, let’s explore some of the most popular sleep sack options. Here are a few standout choices, along with their pros and cons:
1. Dreamland Baby Sleep Sack Review ($89):
Rating: 4.3/5 stars
Sizes: Comes in 4 sizes ranging from 0-36 months (up to 35 pounds)
Material: 100% natural cotton
Pros: Gently weighted, lightweight with a 1.2 TOG rating, machine washable, two-way zipper
Cons: Expensive, some babies don’t like the weight
2. Magic Merlin Suit Review ($39.95):
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
Sizes: Comes in 2 sizes. 3-6 months and 6-9 months
Material: Microfleece
Pros: Great way to transition out of a swaddle for babies who still have a startle reflex. Reasonably priced. Machine washable.
Cons: Designed for back sleeping only. Baby grows out of it quickly.
3. Love to Dream Sleep Sack Review ($32.95):
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
Sizes: Comes in 4 sizes from newborn to large
Material: 93% cotton and 7% elastane
Pros: Allows babies arms to be up instead of tucked which is more natural. Babies can use their hands to self soothe without being woken by the startle reflex. Reasonably priced. Two-way zipper. Machine washable.
Cons: Runs slightly small and is tight around the belly.
4. Nested Bean Sleep Sack Review ($51.99):
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Sizes: Comes in 3 sizes from 0-6 months, 6-15 months, and 15-24 months
Material: 100% cotton
Pros: Can be used for back, belly, side, or tummy sleepers. Is reversible. Has an adjustable snap to grow with your baby. Two-way zipper. Machine washable.
Cons: Runs slightly large. Weight is not distributed evenly.
5. Woolino Sleep Sack Review ($99.99):
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
Sizes: One size fits all 2-24 months
Material: 100% organic cotton
Pros: Highest rated sleep sack on Amazon. Only need one for all ages as baby grows. Double should snaps and two-way zipper. Seat belt slots for transfer to and from car seat so you don’t have to wake and change baby.
Cons: More expensive investment up-front.
6. Carters Sleep Sack Review (3 pack for $28.50):
Rating:4.8/5 stars
Sizes: Comes in 3 sizes from 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-9 months
Material: 100% polyester
Pros: Good value for the money.
Cons: Top-to-bottom zipper only. Lower quality.
7. Kyte Baby Sleep Sack Review ($54.99):
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
Sizes: Comes in 3 sizes from 0-6 months, 6-18 months, and 18-36 months
Material: Rayon Bamboo
Pros: Super soft bamboo material. Double zipper. Eco friendly. Great for sensitive skin or eczema.
Cons: More expensive.
8. Halo Sleep Sack Review (29.99):
Rating: 4.7/5 stars
Sizes: Comes in 4 sizes from Preemie, Newborn, Small, and Medium
Material: 100% cotton
Pros: Velcro wrap around the chest for snug, hug-like fit. Reasonably priced. Comes in a variety of colors and prints. 3 ways to swaddle.
Cons: Can ride up towards baby’s chin if not put on correctly.
9. Zipadee Sleep Sack Review ($39.95):
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Sizes: Comes in 5 sizes from 4month to 4T
Material: polyester and spandex
Pros: Large variety of prints and colors. Can use for your child until they are into their toddler years. Starfish design for keeping arms and hands warm and allowing for self-soothing.
Cons: No two-way zipper. Very lightweight.
10. Ergo Baby Sleep Sack Review ($40.00):
Rating:4.6/5 stars
Sizes: Comes in 3 sizes from small, medium, and large
Material: Cotton
Pros: Tuck-away feet holes to transition from play to bed. Machine washable. Two-way zipper.
Cons: More expensive.
11. Hudson Baby Sleep Sack Review (two pack for $20.99):
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Sizes: Comes in 4 sizes from 0-3 months, 3-9 months, 12-18 months, and 18-24 months
Material: 100% cotton
Pros: Budget-friendly. Soft and breathable.
Cons: Not as widely tested for quality reviews. Shorter in length than other sleep sacks.
12. Burt’s Bees Baby Sleep Sack Review ($32.95):
Rating: 4.7/5 stars
Sizes: Comes in 4 sizes from small, medium, large, and s-large
Material: cotton
Pros: Zipper cover at bottom for safety. Certified organic. Comes in two TOGs. Variety of cute prints to choose from.
Cons: Common complaints of defective zippers.
Transitioning from a swaddle to a sleep sack can be a positive experience for both you and your little one. Remember to watch for signs of readiness, approach the transition gradually, and choose a sleep sack that offers comfort and safety. Try out two or three sleepsuits and then determine the best sleep sack for your baby! With the benefits of sleep sacks and the guidance in this blog post, you can create a cozy and secure sleep environment for your baby, ensuring restful nights and peaceful dreams for all.
Sleep tight, little one!
Jess
