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We can all agree that keeping your baby safe and comfortable is pretty high up there on the list of priorities — especially when they’re dreaming away. There’s one product out there that’s manages to accomplish both at the same time, making it a front runner to become your new best friend come sleepy time: Parents, say hello to the sleep sack!
Not only will these handy little accessories keep your little one warm and cozy in their crib, they’ll also reduce a baby’s risk of suffocation, giving you peace of mind that they’ll be protected all night long.
What is a sleep sack?
A sleep sack is essentially a thick, wearable blanket-type bodysuit that comes in different colors, fabrics, and designs. Some work with zippers that go around the bottom, while others button baby up. Sleeveless versions are also available for older babies, who need a little more freedom to move about.
Why should babies use a sleep sack?
While cozy blankets and throws may look adorable in the crib, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)’ safe sleep guidelines, they’re also potentially hazardous, as babies can roll over and get caught up in them as they move about. Per 2016 stats from the AAP, roughly 3,500 infants die each year in the United States from sleep-related deaths, including accidental suffocation and strangulation due to sheets, blankets, and other bedding.
What’s more, Arnold Palmer Hospital states on its website that “infants who are exposed to soft sleep surfaces such as these are five times more likely to die of SIDS, regardless of their sleep position.”
In addition to their safety benefits, sleep sacks can also be beneficial emotionally, as their swaddling give babies a sense of added security not unlike what a baby might feel from a mother’s womb.
Sleep sacks make for a safe choice to use from the moment you bring your new bundle of joy home through to the time your child can safely roll over on his or her own, according to the AAP.
How to Choose the Best Sleep Sack for Your Baby
There’s no shortage of great options out there to see your bouncing babe through all of his or her developmental stage. You’ll want to look for a sleep sack that fits snugly — it should never be loose enough to cover your child’s face.
You’ll probably also want to op for a more plush, fleece-like fabric during chillier winter months, while lightweight fabrics, such as muslin, will make for a better choice once it starts to warm up.
We’ve rounded up a selection that will check all of your boxes in your hunt for the perfect pick for your little one. Keep reading for Woman’s World’s picks for the best sleep sacks to help your baby sleep comfortably — and safely! — all through the night.
We already know that weighted blankets can be a Godsend for getting quality shut-eye, so it makes perfect sense that a weighted sleep sack would go a long way toward making you're baby feel as cozy as if they were nestled up in your arms — surely their favorite place to be! Nested Bean's version is lightly-weighted with non-toxic poly beads that mimic the feeling of being wrapped in a warm hug with a soft, 100 percent cotton exterior. It's machine washer- and dryer- safe and free of BPAs, toxins and phthalates, plus, the two-way zipper system makes those middle-of-the-night diaper changes as disruption-free as possible. A lifesaver, indeed!
Where to buy: From $12.95 (Originally $34.99), Amazon
The SwaddleMe serves as a mix between a sleep sack and a swaddling blanket (a large, thin blanket that wraps a child up like a burrito), making your baby feel ultra-secure as they drift off to dreamland. Parents love its intuitive wing-wrap design and easy-to-use hook and loop fasteners, as well as the adorable prints, patterns, and colors that come in cozy 100 percent cotton. Whether you buy a single SwaddleMe or a three-pack, this is a tool you’ll definitely want on hand during baby’s first weeks at home.
This large sleep sack by Baby Deedee is ideal for bigger kids who need more mobility, since it's arms- and hands-free. It's breathable enough to adjust for temperature changes in the night and has a dual cotton layer that makes it extra soft. Snaps and zippers come on the shoulders and a zipper to make it easy to take it off with snaps, so quick changes are easy, whether baby is fast asleep or standing up. Better yet, it's every bit as adorable as it is functional, coming in 12 fun colors and patterns that include bubble gum pink, heather blue, and lime green.
Yes, this sleeveless sleep sack has a higher price tag than some of the others on our list, but with good reason: It's designed to fit babies from 2 months to 2 years old, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll covered through to the toddler years. It also works for all seasons, due to its temperature-regulating merino wool, which is also hypoallergenic, making it a great pick for baby’s sensitive skin. Featuring double shoulder snaps and a two-way zipper system for quick changes, it has closable seat belt slots that will make transferring your child from the carseat to the stroller to the bouncer to the crib as seamless as can be. Underarm snaps ensure the perfect fit even as baby grows, and it comes in 13 cute-as-can-be colors and prints, so you’re sure to find one you love.
As seen on the hit ABC series Shark Tank, these wearable blankets feature a unique starfish-esque design that encases a baby’s hands and feet, making them feel secure and comfy while also allowing for movement. The closed-off arms will also prevent baby from scratching. They come in a wide range of fun prints and patterns, and zippers make dressing and undressing a breeze.
As one recent buyer boasted, “This is the perfect transition from a swaddle. My son loves it and we had a lot of success with sleep training because of the Zipadee Zip!”
Your little one might resemble the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man while wearing this Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit, but trust us — if you’ve got a light sleeper on your hands, this is the sleep sack you’ll need to get you through those long, sleepless nights. It’s specially-designed to muffle sounds that might otherwise wake baby up, which means your little love can enjoy an undisturbed slumber. Still, it's light enough to give some freedom of movement, making it the stuff parents' dreams are made of. Four classic colors (cream, blue, pink, and yellow) seal the deal.
If you’re taking your baby on a trip or they're spending the weekend at grandma and grandpa’s house, you'll probably want a few sleep sacks on hand for travel. This value pack of three boasts more than 800 five-star reviews online from happy parents who can’t live without these in their arsenal. Featuring a variety of prints and patterns, they come in both sleeveless sleeved options to suit your needs, with a zipper front for easy changing. Plus, the worry-free safety tab keeps the zipper away from baby's chin and neck, so they’ll be protected from all angles.
To keep your babe cool and comfy during the hottest months of the year, reach for this Aden + Anais sleep sack. It's made with two layers of breathable, 100 percent cotton muslin, which will help to regulate your little one's core temperature to keep him or her sleeping soundly, even during summer's most brutal temps. It's available in 13 seriously cute patterns that range from tiny hedgehogs to darling elephantsit’s and comes in sizes small to extra-large.
Where to buy: From $21.99 (Originally $25.99), Amazon
Plenty of reviewers gush about this snuggly sleeper from HALO, praising its ability to keep babies toasty without overheating them: A rare — but important — feat, indeed! It comes in (small, medium, and large) and three colors (cream, pink, and blue) and is made from a 100 percent polyester micro-fleece, so it’ll keep winter chills at bay in any weather conditions.
If you want an organic option that will protect your baby’s sensitive skin, this one from Burt's Bees Babyis your best bet. It’s made of 100 percent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic cotton, which means that it meets the organization's standards of manufacturing to be adequately regulated every step of the way until it gets to your baby. With a bottom zipper for speedy diaper changes, it also has an interior zipper guard and a snap tab zipper pull cover for added safety. Sized to give baby freedom to move to their heart's content while still keeping them safe, it comes in 12 elegant colors, prints, and patterns (we’re partial to honey bee cloud and rosy spring, if we do say so ourselves!) that's you’ll you'll want one of each of.
Parents everywhere can’t live without the original HALO SleepSack, which also just so happens to be our pick for best overall. With a two-way zipper for easy changing, it offers enough room for easy movement, but it’s still snug enough to promise protection. It also comes with a stamp of approval from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, which recognizes it as a “hip-healthy product." Available in a dizzying 35 colors, patterns, and prints, this 100 percent cotton micro-fleece is sleeveless, lightweight, and labeled with embroidery that reminds caregivers to place baby on their backs.
Wrote one happy buyer: "I can't say enough about these sleep sacks. They are my favorite. I now own five of them. They are great for diaper changes at night. They zip from the top down. So you only have to unzip the bottom by the legs for a diaper change. They are a quality cotton material. I recommend them to all of my friends."
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