Find the Best Sleep Sack for Your Baby and How it's Different than Swaddling

As a new parent, figuring out your baby’s sleep schedule and habits can be extremely intimidating. Sleep sacks are one thing you shouldn’t have to think too hard about, though. They prevent the need to use any loose blankets (which can be unsafe according to the AAP) and add comfort to your baby’s sleep routine. They also come in handy when your baby is ready to transition away from swaddling. Check out our reviews below to find the best sleep sack for your baby!

The Best Sleep Sack for Baby and How it’s Different than Swaddling

What’s the difference between a swaddle and a baby sleep sack?

Traditionally newborn babies are swaddled, that is they are wrapped tightly in a blanket to help soothe them. A swaddle can be done with almost any blanket, but the technique can be a little tricky. Swaddles are usually used from newborn to around 3 months, which is right around the time that most babies start to break out of the swaddle.

Sleep sacks eliminate the need for learning any swaddling technique, as they usually can just be zipped up or velcroed. The styles vary but basically, it’s like a wearable sleeping bag that keeps babies warm and cozy without the need to wrap them up in blankets. It is a safer alternative to loose blankets. Plus, if you can no longer safely swaddle because your baby is rolling over, a sleep sack with open arms can still be used.

Swaddle

Extends the feeling of the womb
Promotes sleep
Creates calm
Reduces the startle reflex
Used with newborns to 3 months
Should discontinue use once baby can roll over
Can’t change diaper without removing

Questions on your baby’s sleep needs? Check out our Baby Sleep Chart – A guide to Everything about Your Baby’s Sleep Needs.

Sleep Sack

Promotes sleep
Creates calm
Reduces the startle reflex
Safe alternative to blankets the crib
Ideal for when baby outgrows the swaddle
Swaddle alternative
Most allow for diaper changes while wearing
Doesn’t restrict natural hip movement

Traditional Baby Sleep Sacks

HALO Sleep Sack – The Original

The HALO Sleep Sack is the original “wearable blanket” and is one of the best sleep sack options on the market. This sleep sack has a wide neck with a tank top upper portion to be worn over your baby’s usual sleep clothing. This will prevent your baby from getting too warm and gives their arms a free range of motion. The wide bottom also gives the baby a full range of motion in their hips.

One of my favorite things is that the inverted zipper allows for easy diaper changes throughout the night.

Halo has several different options available depending on your baby’s age:

Shop HALO Here

Nested Bean Zen Sack – A Great Weighted Baby Sack Option!

The Nested Bean Zen Sack offers a unique twist on the traditional sleep sack by adding a weighted component on the chest. The weight is to add comfortable pressure, much like that of a parent’s hand which is said to help the baby sleep more soundly.

The tank top upper portion has two sets of buttons for adjusting the size and easy on and off. The bottom portion has a zipper along the bottom edge which opens to easily accommodate a diaper change or when getting baby dressed. Made of 100% cotton this is also a more breathable or lighter alternative to microfleece, and with several designs, there’s an opportunity to choose a fun print.

You can check all of Nested Beans different SleepSacks Here!

Shop Nested Bean Here

Kyte Sleep Bag

The Kyte Sleep Bags are made from rayon of bamboo and are some of the softest sleep sacks ever! Plus, this material is gentle on delicate skin. They offer more than just comfort, with a double zipper for easy diaper changes, these sleep sacks are also convenient.

They come in sizes S, M, and L ranging from 0-36 months.

Shop Here

Carter’s Baby Microfleece Sleepbag

Some sleep sacks have the traditional long sleeve onesie style, like the Microfleece Sleep bag by Carter’s. The fabric is soft, warm, and offered in multiple sizes and patterns. The long sleeves will keep your baby warmer than a tank-top style sleep sack.

Features include a long front zipper which makes diaper changing easy and the top button flap keeps the baby comfortable. There’s room in the hips for movement and the arms are free in case of rollovers. This is a good choice for those looking for something styled like traditional baby onesie pajamas but includes the sleeping bag style of a sleep sack.

Check it out here!

Dreamland Baby Dream Weighted Sleep Sack

*Rookie Mom Squad Reviewed by Gabriela!

I was so excited to try out this sleep sack from Dreamland and see the difference in my baby girl’s sleep! The Dreamland Sleep Sack is weighted along the front which provides comfort and helps babies relax quicker and fall asleep smoother.

I like that the weight in this sack is evenly distributed in little pockets throughout the front because it seems to provide all-over comfort rather than just one spot. After just one use, I could tell my baby was able to fall asleep more independently than in the traditional sleep sack we had been using.

This sleep sack comes in 3 different sizes; 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-24 months providing your baby with comfort from the newborn days into the toddler years.

These swaddles help parents and babies get the most out of their sleep which is well worth the investment!

Shop Here

Swaddle Sleep Sack Hybrids

To save time and add comfort there are several swaddle sleep sack hybrid options currently on the market. These products merge the benefits of a swaddle and the structure of a sleep sack to provide the benefits of both styles.

Love to Dream Swaddle Up

Similar to a traditional sleep sack the Love to Dream Swaddle Up pairs the benefits of a swaddle with the convenience and security of a sleep sack. The design allows your baby to sleep in the arms up position while the sleep sack bottom has plenty of room for hip movement. The front zipper makes dressing and undressing a breeze and the cotton material is breathable yet warm. This option is ideal for babies from 3 to 6 months, before they can turn over unassisted, and is a great mix of swaddle and sleep sack.

Shop Here

HALO Sleep Sack Swaddle

The HALO Sleep Sack Swaddle is another great hybrid because of its 3 in 1 functionality. This sleep sack offers sleeping positions with arms in, arms out, or a mix of the two to cater to your baby’s favorite position. As with all the styles of the HALO Sleep Sack, it features roomy hip space, an inverted zipper, and breathable material.

Check out how to use the Halo SleepSack swaddle here.

This is great for use with younger babies to make the transition to a full sleep sack easier as they grow.

Shop the HALO Swaddle

Frequently Asked Questions

When should babies stop wearing sleep sacks?

There is no set age that you need to stop using the sleep sack, but there will be a point that your child no longer fits in the biggest size available. You will want to make sure your baby has a complete range of motion of their arms while in their sleep sack once they learn to roll over as well.

What are the best sleep sacks for winter?

The HALO Fleece Sleep Sack is a great option for winter.

How do I choose a sleep sack?

There are a couple of different factors to consider like age range the sleep sack can be worn, price, material (depending on if your weather is warm or cold), and size.

Have any more questions about Baby Sleep Sacks? Ask below in the comments or in our Rookie Moms Facebook Group!