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When it comes to your baby’s sleep there are a variety of choices new parents face every day. We are sure you have been warned of the dangers of loose blankets in cribs, but how do you decide between a swaddle sack or a wearable sleep blanket?
According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) both swaddle and sleep sacks help reduce the risk of SIDS. The AAP does not recommend loose blankets in the crib until the baby is at least 1 year old.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, the AAP recommends:
- Having infants sleep on their backs on a firm breathable mattress free of any loose sheets
- It is strongly discouraged to bedshare with your infant
- It is ideal to room share for first six months, up to a year if possible
- Maintaining an ideal room temperature of 68° and 72°F (20° to 22.2°C)
- Removing any loose blankets or toys from the bed
This is where sleep sacks and swaddle blankets come into play. In order to keep your baby warm and safe. Knowing the difference between a wearable blanket and a swaddle sack can help you make the best and informed decision.
Let’s start with the swaddle.
A swaddle blanket is ideal for babies up to 6 months of age, or until they can roll over, whichever comes first. Swaddling your baby means wrapping the blanket securely around their arms and legs so they are unable to wriggle out.
Here are some tips when using swaddle blankets:
- Always keep baby on their back
- The swaddle needs to be snug and sized correctly to reduce the risk of material coming loose and covering the baby’s mouth or nose.
- Do not tightly swaddle your baby’s hips. They should have full range of motion to move their legs to help with proper hip development.
Why swaddles are a good option:
- The security of a swaddle mimics the snugness of the womb. This is comforting for newborns and helps them sleep longer.
- Helps prevent the startle reflex in newborns which can cause them to wake up.
- Keeps babies warm and cozy without using loose blankets.
How Long Should Babies Need a Swaddle:
When it comes to newborns, swaddling is the best way to go. This can be done from day 1 and helps them sleep securely and safely. Especially comforting for fussy newborns.
Even though swaddling has many benefits, it’s important to understand some drawbacks. There comes a time that swaddles can become dangerous for babies, when they start to roll over. This is why it is crucial to stop using them and transition to a wearable sack when this happens.
Typically around 4 months, sometimes earlier or later since every baby has their own development schedule, this milestone happens. While exciting, it’s important to discontinue the swaddle. Babies can roll over on their face and since their movement is restricted this can lead to grave danger. Even if your baby hasn’t rolled over yet, but you notice that they are getting close, it’s best to transition them to a wearable sleep sack.
Wearable Blanket
Wearable blankets also known as “wearable sleepers or blanket sleepers” are bodysuits made of a blanket-like material with a hole for your baby’s head and 2 holes for each arm. The loose fitting “sack” lets your baby move their legs, but still restricts mobility somewhat.
Sleep sacks vary, some come with zippers, others with velcro and snaps or a combination of those options. Just like a swaddle, a sleep sack helps to keep your baby warm and safe as it eliminates the need for loose blankets.
Are Sleep Sacks Safe?
This is a common question we get asked. The answer is YES! When used properly, sleep sacks are actually the safest way to keep babies warm and reduce the risk of SIDS. They eliminate the needs for loose blankets, allowing babies to sleep safely and stay cozy.
Are Sleep Sacks Safe For Newborns?
Deciding whether or not to use a swaddle or sleep sack for a newborn, it’s important to know where your baby is developmentally. If they’re showing signs of rolling over, a sleep sack is the way to go.
Until your baby is rolling over on their own, it’s safe to use a swaddle. Practicing safe swaddle habits and making sure your baby isn’t showing signs of rolling over, swaddling is a great choice.
How Long Do Babies Use Sleep Sacks?
When it comes to deciding on a wearable blanket or a swaddle, it’s imperative to know that parents are usually able to get more use out of sleep sacks. That is because swaddles are unsafe once the baby is rolling over, which happens around 4 months of age. Whereas sleep sacks can be worn as long as 24 months old and into toddlerhood.
Keep in mind that as babies develop more and learn how to roll over, crawl and pull up, they will most likely start testing these new skills in their bed. Which may make them frustrated by having their legs confined and make it difficult for them to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Another thing to note, if they’re climbing out of their crib the sleep sack will make it difficult and unsafe for them to walk. At this point they shouldn’t be wearing the sleep sack.
When this transition happens, it’s time to determine if your child is ready for a loose blanket. The AAP does not recommend using a loose blanket for your baby until they are at least 1 year old.
How Many Sleep Sacks Do I Need?
Sleep sacks can be worn for much longer than a swaddle, making sure you have enough is important. Each family’s needs are different, so we can’t give an exact number.
If you do laundry regularly, keeping 3-5 on hand is helpful. Babies may spit up or leak through their diaper onto the sleep sack, so having some as backup is helpful. If you only do laundry once a week or less you may want 5-7 to ensure you have a clean one on hand at all times.
It also can vary by climate. In areas where temperatures go from hot to cold, it’s important to have some warmer and thicker wearable sleep sacks for chilly nights, while also having lightweight ones on hotter nights. Check out our blog on TOG ratings here.
After educating yourself on safe sleep practices and your options of the safe sleep products on the market, you are ready to make the most informed decision for your child. We hope we took away some of your stress!
