Sleep sacks for babies! No, we’re not going camping, although that sounds really fun right now (can’t wait for summer to come back!), but we are talking about safe, easy, and excellent ways to help your newborn baby get to sleep using these wondrous sleeping contraptions. Sleep sacks and swaddles really are worth their weight in gold when they work as intended. Sleeping aids like sacks and swaddles can help your infant sleep more soundly (aka longer!) and can help them go down faster and more efficiently as well. They are an important part of any parent’s kit and in today’s article we’re going to go over our favorite recommendations for specific models including direct links for you to buy them as soon as humanly possible!
Safety First!
Swaddling products should only be used if your child is not able to intentionally roll from back to tummy or vice versa as this can lead to accidental suffocation. If your baby can roll back to tummy, full arms in swaddling should be stopped immediately, regardless of your baby’s age. At that time you may use a SLEEP SACK where both of your baby’s arms are able to move freely. When in doubt, call your baby’s pediatrician and ask for their recommendations on the exact steps on how to progress from full swaddle (both arms in) to partial or no swaddle as your child grows older and bigger. Most primary care practitioners can even help you with fitting your child with the right swaddle if you want to bring it into your next appointment.
Additionally, Please make sure you are swaddling snugly across your baby’s chest. A loose swaddle is an unsafe swaddle as well as a suffocation risk to your baby. The fabric should NOT be moving up towards your baby’s face. If it is, you are swaddling incorrectly, too loosely or using a swaddle that is not right for your baby. Try to aim for a “V” in the front, at your baby’s chest.
When in doubt, please reach out to us. We are happy to guide you.
Step 1: Swaddling With Both Arms In (birth to 4 or 6 weeks)
Now, on to the product recommendations! For all of your swaddling needs between the ages of zero months and up to 4 months, we like to recommend the Swaddle Me swaddle blanket system. They have sturdy velcro attachments and are very comfortable and washable and most importantly, easy to get your child wrapped up in. Link here: https://amzn.to/3UGhRwf
Step 2: Intermediate Swaddle 4+ weeks
The Halo “Sleepsack Swaddle” which is a transitional swaddle and sleepsack combination piece. This can help keep your baby warm and swaddled all night long and if they are showing signs of rolling over, then you can easily take one or both arms out of the product as they transition to needing less of a tight swaddle to sleep comfortably.
There are different sizes of the Halo, so make sure you check their weight. Some babies do really will in the Halo early on and others like a little more confinement for longer. Generally, I find that most babies do well in the Halo beginning at 6-8 weeks of age.
Must be done snuggly and appropriately to make sure baby is safe! Purchase the Halo sack here: https://amzn.to/3GDzZmj
Step 3: Transition Piece
Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit is an excellent transition piece that will help get your baby out of the swaddle stage. The Magic Sleepsuit is designed to be introduced at approximately three months of age when babies are transitioning from the swaddle or smaller sleep space. Babies should be transitioned out of the Magic Sleepsuit when they roll over or try to roll over in it and are ready for more freedom of movement in their sleep which occurs around 4-5 months of age. Purchase here: https://amzn.to/3GrsDSN
Stage 4: Sleep Sacks
After about 4 months, your child will need to transition yet again to a sleep sack. They are an excellent middle ground between swaddle and just plain ol’ pajamas. They provide warmth and comfort in allowing your baby to turn and reposition during sleep while also being safe and secure. Pretty much like a wearable, secure blanket. They can be used from 4 months all the way up to 2 years! When shopping, we recommend looking for a TOG rating of 1 or 1.5. Here are a few of our favorites:
Woolino – https://amzn.to/3AnFph7
Kyte – https://amzn.to/3EBL8SR
Parting Thoughts
Getting the perfect sleeping accessories and clothing for your child can be difficult, but it’s not impossible! We hope these tips have helped you along your journey. If you have any questions about helping your baby to sleep better, or about your baby in general, please reach out to us HERE. We are experts in all things baby and sleep and would love to help!
If you have questions about your child, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to help. Please reach out to us here! We always look forward to hearing from you.
