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Expert Reviewed By - How we dress our newborns for sleeping is essential to our peace of mind and their safety and comfort during those first precious months of life.
Over the years sleep sacks, essentially wearable blankets, have emerged as a popular choice among parents and caregivers seeking to keep infants warm and secure through the night.
Unlike traditional blankets, which can be unwieldy and pose a risk of covering a baby’s face, newborn sleep sacks are designed to stay in place, providing a cozy but safe sleeping environment.
With such a vast range of options, featuring different materials, sizes, and designs it can be rather overwhelming for you to know which is the best product for your baby’s needs.
With over 40 years of childcare experience as a Norland Nanny, in today’s article, I will share with you the best newborn sleep sack choices for your little one to keep them warm, cozy, and most importantly, safe.
Table of Contents
The Best Newborn Sleep Sacks
Newborn sleep sacks are a wonderful alternative to traditional blankets, blankets which over the years have been proven to pose a suffocation risk as baby wriggles, as they keep your baby’s arms and legs cozily wrapped up mimicking the comfort of the womb.
Today’s selection of newborn sleep sacks features only the best options on the market and I have considered factors like material quality, ease of use, size, and safety features:
- Top of the list of considerations is the sleep sack’s material, as it needs to be soft and breathable to help regulate the baby’s temperature.
- In addition, it is hugely important that the size and fit are correct to ensure your little one cannot slip inside the sack but also allow freedom of movement.
- I always check for safety certification and ease of use… including how simple it is to change a diaper while your newborn is in the sleep sack!
All in all these factors can make a huge difference in your newborn’s sleep quality. So trust my choices to guide you toward the perfect sleep sack for your little one!
1. Burt’s Bees Baby Wearable Blanket
I have always been a fan of Burts Bees products and this sleep sack is no exception. With its range of tog weights and made from organic cotton you will be able to find a sleep sack that is perfect for your little one no matter what time of year they are born.
This sleep sack is a favorite of mine for many reasons. I love the variety of fabrics and tog weights which ensure that you can always find the right one to suit your baby’s specific needs no matter what the time of year.
Ease of use is a significant advantage of Burt's Bees' Sleep Sacks. Diaper changes, often a hassle in the early hours, become more manageable, thanks to the thoughtfully designed bottom-size opening!
The fabric's quality also ensures that the sleep sack withstands the wear and tear of regular use and there is a wide range of colors to choose from all made from wonderfully soft 100% organic cotton. Being machine washable adds to its practicality and appeal to modern families!
- Promotes a snug and secure feeling
- Great design with an interior zipper guard
- Simplifies diaper changes with bottom opening zipper
- Machine washable on a cold wash and gentle tumble dry
- Large variety of sizes and tog weights
- 100% cotton - perfect for soft sensitive skin
- Some people have reported zipper issues after a while
- Sizing can come up quite long so may not fit all newborns perfectly
2. HALO Micro-Fleece Sleepsack Swaddle
Finding the perfect sleep environment for a newborn can be challenging, but the HALO Micro-Fleece Sleepsack Swaddle is designed to ease that transition.
And for parents living in cooler environments looking for a warm, adjustable sleep solution for their newborn, the Halo micro-fleece swaddle is one that I would highly recommend.
With soft, plush micro-fleece, this HALO Sleepsack wraps 0 to 3-month-olds in just the right amount of warmth, offering both comfort and safe sleep practices with its arm immobilization feature.
The innovative 3-way swaddling system adapts to a baby's sleep style, a crucial feature for those restless nights. Whether it's arms in, hands-to-face, or arms out, it grows with the baby's swaddling needs.
Meanwhile, the bottom zipper makes midnight diaper changes a breeze.
Safety is paramount when it comes to infant sleep products, and hospitals acclaim this swaddle as a safer alternative to loose crib blankets.
- Customizable swaddling options to help your baby transition from swaddle to sleeping sack
- Bottom zipper for convenient diaper changes
- Recognized as "Hip Healthy" by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute
- Can be too warm for hotter climates
- The velcro fastener can wear over time
- Only suitable until baby begins rolling
NOTE: This sleep sack is not recommended for babies once they have learned to roll over but the transitional style of HALO’s sleep sack means that moving onto a more conventional sleep sack is made easier. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute also recognizes it, so you can rest assured of your baby’s comfort and safety in the early weeks.
3. Love to Dream Swaddle UP Baby Sleepsack
If you’re looking for a sleep sack that supports baby’s natural sleeping positions, the Love to Dream Swaddle Up is a great choice. With its unique arms-up design, many parents find that their newborns sleep better and for longer in this cozy sleep sack.
The combination of comfort, ease of use, and focus on safety makes this product a popular pick among many new parents and is definitely worthy of being on my best newborn sleep sack list!
The Love to Dream Swaddle UP's patented design allows infants to sleep with their arms up, which is a natural sleep position promoting self-soothing. Babies can gently touch their face and suck on their hands, a behavior that is often observed even before birth.
It has a snug but stretchy fit (helped by the materials 93% cotton and 7% elastane blend) that mimics a parent's embrace, intended to calm the startle reflex that can wake a sleeping baby.
Many swaddles require intricate folding and wrapping, but this clever design simplifies the process with a two-way zipper, which is a blessing for midnight diaper changes.
- Supports baby's self-soothing by allowing arms up position
- Swift diaper changes due to two-way zipper design
- Recognized by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as hip-healthy
- Comes in different tog weights
- Will not suit babies who prefer to sleep with their arms down
- Higher price point than average swaddle
- Limited use, as babies outgrow swaddling
4. Happiest Baby Snoo Sleep Sack
Despite being slightly on the pricey side, I cannot ignore this sleep sack on my list of best newborn sleep sacks to consider. Designed by the famous pediatrician and hip-safe expert Dr. Harvy Karp who designed the
If you have a SNOO Bassinet... or are considering buying one... These Happiest Baby Sleep Sacks are the perfect transitional swaddle that can take your newborn from full swaddling to arms out in readiness for a conventional sleep sack.
They have been proven to help with self-soothing and keep baby sleeping longer than other swaddles.
The patented wings can be attached to the SNOO Bassinet to help keep baby in place while they are sleeping and the inner arm and leg bands help to keep baby safely in position all night long.
- Made of 100% organic cotton
- Approved by the Hip Dysplasia Institute
- Has a unique breathable shoulder mesh to prevent overheating
- It is designed to interface with the Snoo Bassinet which not all parents will have.
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Buying Guide When Choosing Newborn Sleep Sacks
If my newborn sleep sacks are not quite what you are looking for, or if you decide to do a bit more digging to find your perfect newborn sleep sack, it’s important to examine certain features before making a purchase:
- Material is key; it should be soft, breathable, and appropriate for the climate. I suggest materials like cotton or a cotton blend for most environments and a brand that offers various tog ratings is also important.
- Size is another crucial factor. A sleep sack should offer enough room for the baby to move their legs. But it should not be overly large, as excess material could pose a suffocation risk.
- Check for Certifications and endorsements that prove the product has been tested. Labels and tags should indicate this information. Sleep sacks that are recognized by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute are also highly recommended to maintain your newborn’s hip health.
- Fastenings should be secure and durable. Zippers, snaps, or velcro are common fastenings found on sleep sacks. They should be sturdy enough to withstand multiple months of intense use.
- Additional Features. Some sleep sacks come with extra features such as swaddle wings or adjustable armholes which can be perfect for newborns and can adapt to your baby’s growing sleep needs over the first couple of months. While these additions can enhance the comfort of the baby it is important to make sure they do not complicate the use of the sack or pose any safety risks.
By considering these aspects, you can make an informed choice for a newborn’s restful sleep.
Remember that in addition to choosing the right sleep sack having a consistent and recognizable sleep routine in an environment that is conducive to sleep will go a long way to ensuring your baby sleeps well.
Tog Guide For Sleep Sacks
The ideal room temperature for your baby’s sleep space is between 16-20°C (60-68°F) combined with light bedding or a lightweight well-fitting baby sleep bag, to offer a comfortable and safe sleeping environment.
If your baby’s room is cooler or warmer, you will need to add or remove layers to ensure your baby is comfortable. Here is a handy guide to dress your baby appropriately for bed:
Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing Newborn Sleep Sacks
Choosing the right sleep sack for your newborn is essential for comfort and safety. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process.
Q: How do I choose the right-sized sleep sack for my newborn?
A: When selecting a sleep sack size, look at your baby’s weight and length. Manufacturers provide size charts, which you can follow to find the best fit. The sack must be neither too tight nor too loose. If you’re ever unsure, you can buy multiple sizes online and return the ones that do not fit properly.
Q: What are the safety considerations when using a sleep sack for a newborn?
A: Safety always comes first with your newborn, so ensure the sleep sack fits properly without being too restrictive. The neck and arm openings should be the right size to prevent slipping. Also, choose sleep sacks with no loose parts or hazardous materials.
Q: Can a sleep sack help my newborn sleep better through the night?
A: A sleep sack can provide a cozy and secure environment akin to the womb. This comfort often leads to better sleep. However, you must ensure a consistent sleep routine to promote a full night’s sleep too.
Q: What is the difference between a sleep sack and a swaddle?
A: Swaddles are tightly wrapped blankets that soothe newborns by preventing the startle reflex, typically used until baby is 3 months old. Sleep sacks are wearable blankets (which look like sacks!) that allow for more movement and can be used from infancy into toddlerhood, providing warmth and safety without the risks of loose bedding.
Q: What are the best materials for newborn sleep sacks for optimal comfort and safety?
A: I prefer sleep sacks made from breathable materials like cotton, bamboo, or merino wool. These fabrics promote temperature regulation and are soft on delicate skin. Avoid materials that can overheat or irritate our newborn’s skin.
Q: How do I transition my newborn from a swaddle to a sleep sack?
A: To transition a newborn from a swaddle to a sleep sack, first allow one arm out of the swaddle for a few nights, then the other. Some transitional swaddles on the market can make the transition to a sleep sack go more smoothly. After that, introduce the sleep sack, which still offers a snug feeling but more freedom. This step-by-step approach eases your baby into the change.
Need More Parenting Help?
- Download our FREE Perfect Sleep Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use and proven formula designed for parents of 0-5 year olds to master the art of consistently undisturbed and restful sleep without the yelling, nagging or exhausting long-winded evenings.
- Check out our Parenting Toolbox. You’ll get access to expertly-chosen products that you can guarantee are the best for your little one and your wallet.
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A bedtime & nap cheat sheet so good your little one will ask you to put them to bed...
Laura Williams "This is a life saver! I'm so glad I downloaded your bedtime & nap cheat sheet. My little one actually asked me to put him to bed last night! Unbelievable! Thank you so much!"
Click Here For The FREE Cheat Sheet
