Swaddle vs. Sleep Sack: Benefits, Drawbacks, Risks - Parents

Many parents turn to either swaddles or sleep sacks to keep their baby comfortable while sleeping. Swaddling also is used as a way to soothe a fussy newborn and promote sleep—especially as they adjust to life outside the womb.

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“Swaddling is a traditional practice of wrapping a baby gently in a light blanket in a way that mimics the womb,” says Jessica Morse, MD, a newborn medicine pediatrician at Children's Health and assistant professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, adding that there are different types of swaddle blankets, including breathable muslin or cotton blankets.

A sleep sack, on the other hand, is an alternative to traditional swaddling and is a specially-designed baby garment for secure sleeping. But deciding which is best for your baby isn't always simple. For this reason, we spoke with pediatric experts to find out the benefits and risks of swaddles vs. sleep sacks and how to determine which is right for you. 

What Is a Swaddle?

Swaddling refers to snugly wrapping your baby’s arms near their chest to recreate the sensation they had in the womb, explains Stephanie Napolitano, MD, a neonatologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Swaddling your infant can help soothe them by giving them boundaries that they developed inside the birthing parent.”

Traditionally, swaddling is done with a blanket, says Dr. Napolitano. “However, when we swaddle with a blanket and leave infants unobserved during sleep, it can become loose and unwrap as the baby moves, and the loose blanket can create a suffocation risk for an infant.”

For this reason, pre-made swaddles or wearable blankets were developed to provide infants that containment but with blankets that will wrap and secure, generally with wings or straps and Velcro.

“A pre-made swaddle is generally more convenient than using a blanket that needs to be specially wrapped and folded, but both serve the same purpose,” adds Rebekah Diamond, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University, and the author of Parent Like a Pediatrician. 

Pros and Cons of Using a Swaddle

Swaddling an infant provides that tactile feedback needed to soothe or calm them in the safest way during sleep, says Dr. Napolitano. That said, there are some drawbacks to using a swaddle as well. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of swaddling.

Benefits of Swaddling

• Provides tactile feedback
• Can be soothing and calming
• Creates sensation of being in the womb
• Promotes sleep

Drawbacks of Swaddling

• Can pose challenges in trying to wake your baby from a deeper sleep
• Increases risk of overheating
• May interfere with breastfeeding if baby sleeps too long
• Can be difficult to use correctly

Safety Considerations for Using a Swaddle

Typically, it’s recommended that you stop swaddling your baby when they show signs of being ready to roll over. Generally, this occurs around 3 to 4 months of age or older—though every infant is different.

“Once this is the case, babies should never be swaddled with their arms inside,” says Dr. Diamond. “Swaddles can still be used after this age if both of the baby's arms are free."

When you are using a swaddle, also make sure that the swaddle isn’t near your baby’s face or too tight around their chest or hips, adds Dr. Napolitano. “[Their] hips should have ample space to move and develop.”

There also is some evidence that swaddling may make it more challenging for babies to wake from a deeper sleep. And, while this extended snoozing may be attractive for sleep-deprived parents, this can interfere with breastfeeding and nutrition, as well as increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). There also is a risk of overheating–especially if you notice damp hair, flushed cheeks, or even a heat rash.

You can reduce the risk of overheating by dressing your baby appropriately, says Dr. Napolitano. “A good rule of thumb is generally what you’re comfortable wearing, plus one layer.”

What Is a Sleep Sack?

A sleep sack is similar to a swaddle, but much less restrictive, explains Robert Quillin, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group. “Sleep sacks have unrestricted arm movement, which can be sleeved or sleeveless [and] the lower portion is looser and allows your baby to move their legs more freely.”

Sleep sacks also don’t have the same ability to wrap tightly around a baby's torso and arms but instead has a pouch-like shape that babies can be zipped into, says Dr. Diamond. "A blanket or any loose cloth is unsafe for infant sleep, so sleep sacks replace blankets for added warmth and comfort."

Pros and Cons of Using a Sleep Sack

Because blankets pose a risk of suffocation for babies younger than 24 months, a sleep sack is a safer option, says Maria Lopez, a sleep expert and director of Sleep Sense en Espanol. “A sleep sack also keeps your child warm all night.” 

Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of using a sleep sack:

Benefits of Using a Sleep Sack

• Can be used even when your baby can roll
• Safe for newborns
• May be easier to use than a swaddle

Drawbacks of Using a Sleep Sack

• Comes in limited sizes
• May not be useful or safe once a baby can stand or becomes mobile
  

Safety Considerations When Using a Sleep Sack

According to Dr. Quillin, the same safety considerations that apply to a swaddle also apply to a sleep sack. “The weight or thickness of the blanket may really be the only potential safety concern when used correctly.” 

That said, when you choose a sleep sack, make sure that it's roomy enough for free movement, especially if your child can sit or stand up, says Lopez. “As with swaddles, do not use weighted sleep sacks, and avoid overdressing your child when using one. Make sure the fabric is appropriate for the weather to prevent overheating.”

How to Decide Between a Swaddle or Sleep Sack 

Choosing between a swaddle and a sleep sack when your baby is under 3 to 4 months of age—and they’re not yet rolling over—really comes down to personal preference and your goals. 

If you have a fussy baby who needs comfort and security during naps, you may want to swaddle them from time to time. But if your baby enjoys moving their arms and kicking their legs—even if they can’t roll over—they may prefer a sleep sack.

The weather and temperature of the room also should be considered. Swaddling in a warm room or during hot weather may cause your baby to overheat due to the restrictive nature of the swaddle. In these situations, a lightweight sleep sack might be a better option for nighttime sleeping—as long as you don’t overdress them.

Ultimately, though, Lopez recommends using age as the primary decision maker. “I do not recommend swaddling babies over 4 months, regardless of whether or not they have learned to roll over.” 

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Updated Feb 03,

If you’re not familiar with a baby sleep bag it's probably because you've heard it referred to as a sleep sack. We have 4 reasons you’ll want to try using a baby sleeping bag, especially as colder weather approaches.

Featuring toddler girl sleeping bag from Lana Leopard Collection

What is a Sleep Sack Exactly?

A sleep sack is essentially a baby blanket that zippers up and around and is worn at nap time or bedtime. The baby’s feet are warm and cozy inside while the arms remain free, just like yours would be if you slept in a sleeping bag. Most sleep bags are sleeveless for optimal air circulation.

Why Use a Sleep Sack for Baby?

So, why do babies need sleep sacks? Aside from being adorable, sleep sacks have many benefits for your baby. These wearable blankets, like mini-infant sleeping bags, are adored among parents. Babies' sleep sacks are famous for their safety, security, and overall sleep time satisfaction. Our Posh Peanut baby sleep sacks are gentle on skin yet durable and long-lasting.

Posh Peanut apparel is made from viscose from bamboo fabric which is incredibly soft, silky, breathable, and moisture-wicking. This makes our baby sleep sacks especially appealing.
How many sleep sacks should I have? Owning 2 or 3 baby sleep sacks at a time should be sufficient, but you can always have more on hand for variety. One sleep sack will not be enough if you have it in the wash and the baby needs to wear it.

Featuring toddler sleep bag from Cadet Collection

The 4 Baby Sleep Sack Benefits

1. Sleep Sacks Work Towards Injury Prevention

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a whopping 10,000 infants and toddlers get injured in their crib and playpen This number is likely even higher due to incidents that go unreported. This statistic is a crucial concern for parents. We only want to protect our babies from the moment they are born…even before.

One of the benefits of sleep sacks is that they allow you to be proactive in your safety approach, as safe sleep habits are essential. Any injury prevention measures you can take will give you peace of mind while your baby sleeps peacefully. Your baby’s mobility will be limited inside their sleeping sack, which is a good thing while they are in the crib. With their feet nestled inside the sleep sack, they will not be able to get a leg wedged between crib slats or rails.

Your baby can still kick their legs around inside the sleeping sack. This way, they will not feel stifled while asleep, but they cannot become uncovered during the night. A properly fitting sleep sack will not slide up over your baby’s face no matter how much they fidget or fuss.

2. Sleep Sacks Support Ideal Temperature Regulation

Ensuring your baby is comfortably toasty but not too hot while sleeping is essential.
Baby sleep sacks help regulate your baby’s temperature while they are calm and comfortable in their crib. Using the Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) unit of measurement, our sleep sacks work with the room temperature of the baby’s nursery. The sleep sack’s TOG determines the thermal insulation of the fabric.

Posh Peanut’s sleep sacks for babies come in three different TOGs:

If you keep your house or nursery between 23 - 26 °C / 74 - 78 °F, we suggest the .5 TOG.
If you keep your house or nursery between 21 - 23 °C / 69 - 73 °F, we suggest the 1.0 TOG.
If you keep your house or nursery between 16 - 20 °C / 61 - 68 °F, we suggest the 2.5 TOG.

Which baby sleep sacks are best for colder seasons? Go for the 2.5 TOG sleep sack. This TOG level will keep your baby feeling warm all winter during the extra-cold months without overheating. A TOG measure of .5 is the best choice for year-round wear if the weather doesn’t change much where you live. 1.0 TOG is perfect for those in-between temperatures. You may need different sleep sacks at different stages and seasons.

3. Sleep Sacks are Better Than Baby Blankets

When you swaddle your baby, a regular blanket is not necessary. Your little one will be snug in their tight swaddle. Once your baby has grown out of the swaddle stage, they still need to stay nice and warm while they sleep. Naturally, we think of baby blankets to provide warmth when babies are no longer being swaddled. While a blanket keeps your baby warm, it can be unsafe.

Infants can suffocate by rolling over or inside the loose blanket, getting caught up in the material. This can become a real risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). While this is an uncommon occurrence, it is something to take seriously. Using a baby sleep sack eliminates the need for a baby blanket while still providing the comfort your baby requires for a good night’s sleep. Having nothing else in the crib with your baby is the best bet, and a baby sleep sack solves that problem!

4. Sleep Sacks are the Next Best Step After Swaddling

If you have started swaddling, a baby sleep sack is the next natural step for your little one. A sleep sack will give your baby the security of a swaddle, with more room to wriggle around. After all, time flies and your baby will be moving more and more every day. The swaddling stage is sweet and sentimental but short-lived.

When to Transition to a Sleep Sack?

Generally speaking, infants can move from a swaddle blanket to a baby sleep sack at around eight weeks old or when they start showing signs of trying to roll over. Naturally, every baby is different developmentally. Some babies may need more time with the swaddle. Infants who can fit into a sleep sack right away and prefer to have their hands free to self-soothe can safely sleep in one from the very start. Wait and see!
As you learn your baby’s sleep habits, you will soon find out what works best for you and your baby. Remember, the better your baby sleeps, the more sleep you will get. And you both need plenty of rest! Can you relate?

Your baby’s sleep sacks can last for years. They are long and roomy, with plenty of sleep space as your baby gets bigger.

When to stop using a baby sleep sack? You can continue to use a sleep sack until your baby grows out of it or begins walking as a toddler. As a parent, you will know when to ditch the sleep sack, and when it is time to pick out some adorable baby pajamas!

What Should Your Baby Wear Underneath Their Sleep Sack?

You shouldn’t put your baby in their sleep sack without comfortable clothing underneath. Naked is a no-no! So, what should a baby wear under a sleep sack? A one-piece outfit, a bodysuit, or something similar is ideal for your baby to wear underneath their sleep sack.

Depending upon the weather where you live and your home/nursery room temperature, select baby sleepwear that will be the most comfortable. You can choose clothing with short sleeves, long sleeves, footed pajamas, etc., combined with the TOG of the sleep sack as appropriate.

Final thoughts

Do you use a sleep sack for your baby? How is it going? If you have not yet used a baby sleep sack, will you try one after you are done with swaddling?Sleep sacks make great baby shower gifts too. Plus, they coordinate with our other Posh Peanut clothing and cute accessories.

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