As you tuck your little one into bed, ensuring they’re comfortable and secure is essential. This is where a sleep sack can come in handy!
A sleep sack is a cozy, wearable blanket designed to keep babies warm and safe through the night. In this guide, we’ve outlined the top reasons you should use a sleep sack for your baby.
Reduced Risk of Suffocation
Medical experts at Cleveland Clinic advise against allowing your baby to sleep with a blanket until they are at least 12 months old. A blanket can pose as a suffocation risk to infants since they cannot remove it themselves if they get tangled up in their sleep.
Unlike traditional blankets, baby sleep sacks fit snugly around the baby’s body without covering their face. Moreover, a sleep sack isn’t as snug as swaddling, so babies old enough to roll onto their tummies can still safely move around in their crib without the risk of suffocation.
Increased Comfort
Sleep sacks offer unparalleled comfort to your little one, enveloping them in a cozy cocoon. The snug fit mimics the feeling of being swaddled, providing a soothing sensation that helps babies feel at ease. This design element is particularly beneficial for infants transitioning from swaddling to sleeping independently.
Moreover, the plush materials used in sleep sacks add comfort and help keep your baby cozy throughout the night. Keeping your baby toasty is especially important since newborns cannot regulate their body temperature.
Helps Babies Feel Secure
Sleep sacks and swaddling give your little one a sense of security because they wrap their body in warmth and mimic the feeling of being held. This gives your baby a sense of reassurance and helps relax them as they lay down for bed.
This is particularly helpful during the transition from being held and rocked to sleep to sleeping on their own. As your little one adjusts to a new sleeping environment, having something familiar and comforting, such as a sleep sack, can help make this change easier.
Improves Sleep
The cozier your baby feels, the more likely they are to get a restful night of sleep. As mentioned earlier, the snug fit of a sleep sack mimics the feeling of being swaddled, which is known to help babies sleep better.
Additionally, using a sleep sack can help prevent the startle reflex, a sudden, involuntary movement that can startle your baby and disrupt their sleep. Keeping the arms and legs snugly wrapped in the sleep sack can help minimize this reflex, allowing your infant to rest comfortably in their crib.
Why It Matters
Babies need a substantial amount of sleep so their little bodies can develop and grow. Quality sleep promotes healthy brain development, proper motor skills, and a strong immune system.
Easy To Use
Using a sleep sack is far easier than swaddling your baby because you don’t have to spend time figuring out the perfect way to wrap your little one up. Most sleep sacks have zippers, so you can easily get your baby in and out of them. This makes those late-night diaper changes a breeze while keeping your baby warm and cozy.
Tips for Buying a Sleep Sack
In addition to knowing the reasons you should use a sleep sack for your baby, you should also know what to look for in one so your little one can reap the full benefits. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Size
Sleep sacks keep your baby comfortable and help restrict too much movement, reducing suffocation risks. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for sizing based on your baby’s weight and height. Like baby clothes, sleep sacks are usually sized according to an infant’s age, which can range from newborn to toddlerhood.
While newborns should have a snug fit, toddlers benefit from sleep sacks with more space for movement. Choose options with ample legroom and comfort so your child always enjoys a cozy snooze.
Pro Tip
As you shop for a sleep sack, consult with your pediatrician to ensure you choose the safest option for your baby. They can help determine the right size and provide additional recommendations based on your baby’s specific needs.
Material Used
Newborns have sensitive skin, and some fabrics can cause irritation that can interrupt their sleep. Ensure your chosen sleep sack is made of soft, breathable material to ensure maximum comfort for your little one.
Viscose bamboo is a beloved choice for baby essentials because it’s a natural fabric that’s temperature-regulating, safe for sensitive skin, and incredibly soft. Plus, viscose bamboo is highly durable, so it will remain snuggly for years to come. Since viscose bamboo is temperature-regulating, you can also use the sleep sack throughout the year without worrying about your baby becoming too hot or cold.
Pro Tip
Buying clothing and bedding made from natural fabrics is vital because many synthetic materials contain harmful chemicals that can irritate your baby’s skin and compromise their respiratory health.
Quality Construction
Sleep sacks with quality construction are vital for creating a safe sleeping environment. Make sure the sleep sack you choose has sturdy zippers that will not snag or break, keeping your baby comfortably secured throughout the night.
To learn more about a product’s quality, read past customer reviews and check for any safety certifications. You want to make sure you’re investing in a safe and reliable product for your baby.
Care Requirements
Purchase a sleep sack that you can easily clean and maintain. Buying a sleep sack with difficult care instructions, such as handwashing only, can be time-consuming and may not fit into your busy schedule.
The sleep sack you buy should be washing machine safe so you can keep it clean and fresh for your baby. Knowing you can quickly refresh the sleep sack without hassle makes it easier to use daily.
Order Cozy Sleep Sacks
Dream Big Little Co. sells bamboo baby sleep sacks in a wide array of patterns so every parent can find the cutest option for their little one. All our viscose bamboo sleep sacks meet CPSC compliance and are available in three sizes—0/6 M, 6/18M, and 18/36M. Keep your little one feeling snug and secure all night long with our soft, breathable sleep sacks.