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The Best Sleep Sacks, Tested by Our Own Babies and Toddlers

These soft, wearable blankets keep our littles warm and safe

The Best Sleep Sacks, Tested by Our Own Babies and Toddlers

Parents / Tamara Staples

It can seem difficult to make babies comfortable and cozy in their crib when safe sleep guidelines dictate that they shouldn’t be using any loose blankets for warmth. That’s where sleep sacks come in. These wearable blankets can give babies and toddlers an extra (and safe!) layer of comfort throughout the night, whether they’re transitioning out of a swaddle or simply need something they won’t kick off in their sleep. To help you sort through the many sleep sacks on the market, we tested 18 of them on our own babies at home.

Typically, we find that the best sleep sacks are made of a lightweight and soft material, are uncomplicated to put on and take off, and are easy to wash (since frequent cleaning will be necessary). It doesn’t hurt if they also offer convenient features that make things like middle-of-the night diaper changes a little simpler. In addition to testing, we spoke to Nilong Vyas, M.D., board-certified pediatrician and sleep consultant at Sleepless in NOLA, as well as Alyssa Veneklase, a certified sleep consultant and bed rest and postpartum doula, about safety recommendations.  

Always keep the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) safe sleep guidelines in mind when looking for sleep sacks, and be sure to find an option that fits your budget and makes your little one happy.

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How to Select and Use Sleep Sacks Safely

When selecting a safe sleep sack, Dr. Vyas recommends choosing a breathable option that has a low Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) level and leaves plenty of wiggle room. “If the fabric of the sleep sack is high TOG, it may overheat the infant, which is not conducive to sleep and can be dangerous and increase the likelihood of SIDS,” she says. 

While some sleep sacks have the option of being used as a swaddle, Veneklase stresses the importance of letting a baby’s arms be free once they can roll. “If they roll onto their stomachs and their arms are inside a sleep sack or swaddle, they may not be able to roll back,” she explains. “We never want a baby to be face down on a mattress with their arms strapped inside something.” Sleeveless sleep sacks are the safest option for babies attempting to roll over.

Safe Sleep Guidelines

When using a sleep sack, it’s important to always keep the AAP safe sleep guidelines in mind when putting your little one to bed. These include: 

  • Lay babies down on their back on a firm, flat, not-inclined surface. 
  • Only put babies to sleep in a sleep space that meets federal safety requirements. Car seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers, and infant slings are not recommended for routine sleep. 
  • Room share with babies for at least the first six months, but do not bed share. 
  • Avoid the use of commercial devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths. 
  • Do not swaddle babies who are attempting to roll over or who are able to roll over. 
  • Weighted swaddles, clothing, or blanks are not recommended.

Best Overall: HALO Sleepsack 100% Cotton Swaddle

HALO 100% Cotton Sleepsack Swaddle, 3-Way Adjustable Wearable Blanket, TOG 1.5, Lamb Scribble White, Small, 3-6 Months

Amazon

Why We Like It: This is a versatile product that can be used as a swaddle, transitional swaddle, and a sleep sack. It is also easy to use and has no irritating tags. 

But Take Note: Pay close attention to the TOG rating to make sure you’re not buying one that’s too heavy or too light for the weather. 

The versatile, simple HALO Sleepsack Baby Swaddle was our top pick after testing it out. It’s got convenient features, offers a comfortable fit, and is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Halo offers this 100% cotton version (TOG rating 1.5), as well as heavier micro-fleece versions for cooler climates.

One thing that we really love about this sleep sack is that it grows with your little one and can be used in three different ways: as a swaddle for newborns, a transitional swaddle that allows babies to have one arm out, and a full sleep sack. The 6-month-old baby testing this started out using it as a transitional swaddle, and the thick velcro held their one arm in place so well that they were never able to break out of it. This makes it more than worth the $30 price point, since it’s something you’ll likely use for several months. 

It’s very easy to use, with virtually no learning curve. If you ever forget exactly what you’re supposed to do, a silky instructional diagram is printed on the inside of one of the flaps to walk you through it. It also features an inverted zipper that makes for easy diaper changes. The roomy design at the bottom allows babies to move their legs around and has been recognized by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as promoting healthy hip development.  The fabric feels soft and comfortable, with no tags that could be irritating. It’s also worth noting that we found this to be slightly small, meaning that as your baby grows, you may need to purchase a larger size. 

The Details: 

  • Materials: Cotton
  • Sizes available: Preemie, newborn, small, small/medium 
  • Care instructions: Machine wash
HALO Sleepsack Baby Swaddle
The Halo Sleepsack is versatile and can be used as a swaddle, a transitional swaddle, and a full sleep sack.

Parents / Tamara Staples

Cutest: Primary Muslin Sleep Sack

Primary Muslin Sleep Sack

Primary

Why We Like It: It’s lightweight, comes in bright and fun colors, and is easy to put on, even with a wriggly toddler.  

But Take Note: It runs a little small and also may be too lightweight for really cold weather. 

If aesthetics are as important to you as comfort, then this Primary sack is the way to go. Available in rainbow stripes and a rainbow heart pattern, it couldn’t be more bright and colorful. In fact, the toddler who wore this throughout testing was always excited to wear his rainbow colored sleep sack for bed, and anything that can get a toddler to look forward to bedtime is a winner in our book. 

This is also a really comfortable option, especially for the warmer months. Made of 100% cotton muslin, this sleep sack never feels bulky or too heavy. During testing, we love how soft it felt, even after being washed multiple times. We also loved the fabric cover on the inside of the zipper that ensures it won’t snare on a baby’s sensitive skin. It couldn’t be easier to put on: Simply lay babies down on the sleep sack and zip it up, or put it on older babies and toddlers like a jacket before zipping it up. And since the zipper opens from bottom to top, diaper changes are easy, even in the middle of the night. 

All of that being said, keep in mind that this is a very lightweight option. If you live in a colder climate or want a sleep sack that keeps your little one extra warm, this may not be the right fit for you. 

The Details: 

  • Materials: 100% Cotton muslin
  • Sizes available: 0-6M, 6-12M, 12-18M, 18-24M 
  • Care instructions: Machine wash
Primary Sleep Sack
The Primary Muslin Sleep Sack is a lightweight, bright, colorful, and fun option that is soft and comfortable for babies and toddlers to wear while they sleep.

Parents / Tamara Staples

Best for Light Sleepers: baby deedee Sleep Nest Lite Sleeping Bag Sack

Baby Deedee Sleep Nest Lite Sleeping Bag Sack

Amazon

Why We Like It: The super quiet snaps on the shoulders allow you to place a sleeping baby inside without waking them, and it’s available in sizes larger than 24 months. 

But Take Note: Sizes run a little large.. 

The unique shoulder snaps on this baby deedee sleep sack is what makes it stand out from all the rest. The patented snap design was made with light sleepers in mind, eliminating the usual step of wrangling tiny arms through small holes and making it much more feasible to place a sleeping baby into the sack without waking them. You also don’t need to stress that the sound of the snap or zipper might disturb them. In our testing process, we found that both were extremely quiet and neither woke up the 10-month-old sleeping in this at any point. 

This sleep sack is made of lightweight and breathable cotton, with a soft and cushiony feel that is similar to something like a comforter. It’s not too heavy or too light, and babies should be comfortable in it in any climate. We also liked the large toothed reverse zipper, which was easier to deal with in the middle of the night, especially in dark nurseries. It comes in a variety of fun colors, and the cocoon shape acts as a safe blanket while still allowing babies to move their legs around.

Another plus is that this one is available in sizes that go up to 36 months, for larger babies or toddlers who aren’t ready to give up their sleep sack. Just be aware that some parents find that the brand’s sizing runs a little too big, especially for smaller babies. 

The Details: 

  • Materials: Cotton 
  • Sizes available: S(0-6M), M(6-18M), L(18-36M) 
  • Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry on low heat
Baby Deedee Sleep Nest Lite Sleeping Bag Sack
Baby Deedee Sleep Nest Lite Sleeping Bag Sack is lightweight, soft, and has shoulder snaps that quietly snap without waking a sleeping baby.

Parents / Tamara Staples

Best for Warm Months: ergoPouch Swaddle Sack 0.2 TOG

ergoPouch Cocoon Organic Cotton Wearable Blanket

Amazon

Why We Like It: This is a breathable and versatile option that can be used in three different ways: as a swaddle, transitional swaddle, or sleep sack. 

But Take Note: The largest size available is 6-12M, so you likely won’t be able to use this with a toddler. 

For warmer climates or summer months, you really want a sleep sack that doesn’t leave your little one feeling overheated. The Ergopouch Cocoon takes temperature into consideration and is made with three different TOG ratings. The 0.2 TOG sack is ideal for temperatures between 70-75 degrees and higher, making it a great choice for summer heat. In our testing process, we found it to be incredibly lightweight and breathable, made of a soft organic cotton that stood up to the washing machine without a dip in quality. 

We also love the versatility of the Ergopouch. Snaps at the armholes allow you to use this as a swaddle for infants, a transitional swaddle with the ability to leave one arm out and one in, or a full sleep sack. We found that the material was both stretchy and snug, with a tight fit that almost feels like a hug for your little one. It’s meant to be tighter around the chest and arm area to keep your baby tucked in with that classic swaddled feel, while the cocoon shape gives plenty of room for their legs to move around. 

The stretchy feel of the fabric means that this one isn’t super restricting, so it’s great for babies who need to be able to move around a little. The 6-month-old who wore this during testing was able to roll over easily in the middle of the night while wearing this. One thing to note: The largest size is 6-12 months, which means that it’s not something you can use with a toddler. 

The Details: 

  • Materials: Organic cotton
  • Sizes available: 0000M, 0-3M, 3-6M, 6-12M 
  • Care instructions: Machine wash cold, low tumble dry
Ergopouch Cocoon Swaddle Bag
The ErgoPouch Swaddle Sack is lightweight, breathable, and soft organic cotton that is ideal for the summer as your baby doesn’t feel overheated.

Parents / Tamara Staples

Softest: Copper Pearl Sleep Bag

Copper Pearl Sleep Bag

Amazon

Why We Like It: This was extremely soft to the touch, even after washing and drying, and the generous size range means you may get a little more use out of each.   

But Take Note: A limited amount of sizes available means this one can’t be used for toddlers, and the price point is a little high. 

Since a sleep sack is meant to replace a blanket, it’s important for it to be soft and comforting. This Copper Pearl Sleep Bag is exactly that, and we found it to be the softest sleep sack we tested throughout the entire process. Made of a polyester/rayon blend, it’s breathable and just stretchy enough.  Not only did it up well during washing, it ended up feeling even a little bit softer once it was out of the dryer, with no pilling or shrinkage. 

These sleep bags have a 1.25 TOG rating, making them ideal for temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees. While we did think they felt a bit warm, this means they should work for most temperatures. We also loved the fact that the zipper goes from the bottom up for easy middle-of-the-night diaper changes, and that the design is so uncomplicated to use. Simply slip the baby into it, zip it up, and you’re good to go. And it’s available in over 120 different colors and patterns, so there is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a solid hue or a fun dinosaur print. And while it’s more expensive then many other sacks on this list, those attractive color choices make the Copper Pearl a very good gift for expecting parents.

The limited size range of this option is worth taking note of. The larger range means you can use one size for longer than you would be able to use, say, a 0-3M size. However, it is not available in sizes over 12M, meaning this isn’t an option for toddlers or larger babies. 

The Details: 

  • Materials: Polyester/rayon blend 
  • Sizes available: 0-6M, 6-12M 
  • Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Easiest On and Off: baby deedee Sleep Nest Sleeping Bag

Baby Deedee Sleep Nest Warm Baby Sleeping Bag

Amazon

Why We Like It: The patented shoulder snaps allow you to put babies into this without contorting their arms into snug holes. 

But Take Note: It’s pretty warm and may not be ideal for higher temperatures, and the price point is also a little higher than some.  

Like the Sleep Nest Lite mentioned above, the baby deedee Sleep Nest was the one of the easiest sleep sacks we used during the testing process. This is all thanks to the patented shoulder snaps that make it so convenient to get your baby in and out. Instead of wrangling their little arms around to get them into a small arm hole, you can use the shoulder snaps. This is ideal whether you’re putting it on an active toddler or a sleeping baby. 

Made of cotton with a polyester fill, this sleep sack is extremely cozy and warm (with a 2.5 TOG), and feels more like a blanket than most other options. It holds up well in the washing machine and dryer, coming out just as soft, with no pilling. We love that these run a little large, with wide size ranges. They allow your baby or toddler to really move around and sleep in whatever position they prefer, and your little one is going to wear it longer before they size out of it. 

However, that soft and cozy material does mean that this one might be a little too heavy for the warmer months (that’s where the Sleep Nest Lite comes in handy). The price point is also a little higher than some other options, although it still feels reasonable, especially if you can use it for several months. 

The Details: 

  • Materials: 100% cotton
  • Sizes available: 0-6M, 6-18M, 18-36M
  • Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry low
Deedee Sleep Sleeping Bag
The baby deedee Sleep Nest has shoulder snaps that make it easy to slip your baby in and out without wrangling their arms into an armhole.

Parents / Tamara Staples

Best Medium Weight: HALO Sleepsack Blanket

HALO Sleepsack Micro-Fleece Wearable Blanket

Amazon

Why We Like It: It has a super soft and plush feel that keeps little ones cozy and warm. 

But Take Note: It might be too roomy for babies under 6 months old. 

A heavier sleep sack may be necessary to keep babies cozy during chilly weather. The HALO Sleepsack Wearable Blanket is made of a super soft micro-fleece fabric that we found softer with each wash. The 1.0 TOG makes it a great choice for moderate climates, so it’s fairly versatile in terms of temperature. 

This option features a basic, uncomplicated design that just requires you to place your baby in the sleep sack and zipper it up. The inverted zipper makes for easy diaper changes and also prevents older babies and toddlers from being able to unzip it themselves throughout the night. We love how cozy this one feels without ever being too heavy. It’s not constrictive at all and simply feels like another layer to keep little ones comfortable throughout naptime or nighttime. 

While we appreciate that this sleep sack goes up to 24M and has a roomy fit that gives babies a little space to grow and move around, we did note that it might be a little too roomy for small babies under 6 months old. 

The Details: 

  • Materials: Micro-fleece
  • Sizes available: S (0-6M), M (6-12M), L (12-18M), XL (18-24M)
  • Care instructions: Machine wash
Halo SleepSack Microfleece Wearable Blanket
The Halo Sleepsack is made of a micro-fleece fabric and provides a cozy and warm place for your baby to stay warm in colder weather.

Parents / Tamara Staples

Best Bamboo: Gunamuna Sleep Sack

Gunamuna Sleep Sack

Amazon

Why We Like It: Made of breathable bamboo rayon, this comes in a wide range of sizes and has plenty of room to grow. 

But Take Note: It is more costly than other options and might also be a little too heavy for hot weather. 

The Gunamuna Sleep Sack was easily one of the softest sleep sacks we tested. It’s covered in buttery soft, bamboo rayon, which is hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and breathable. The down alternative fill makes this look and feel like a tiny duvet, and keeps it cozy and warm, with a luxurious feel that holds up even after multiple washes. 

A unique feature of this option is the diaper zipper. Instead of unzipping from the bottom up, these sleep sacks feature an asymmetrical zipper so that when it comes time for a diaper change, you only have to unzip the bottom part. That means less manipulating baby’s legs out of a sleep sack, which equals less disturbances if they’re still half-asleep. The 16-month-old we tested this with seemed to really enjoy it as well. “To say my son loves this sleep sack would be an understatement,” our editor raved. “It has become his security blanket! He carries it around the house and wants to take it wherever he goes.” We loved how roomy it was around the legs and how the arm holes didn’t seem uncomfortably snug. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, the arm holes don’t seem uncomfortably snug, and the baby has plenty of room to grow and move around with ease. 

It’s worth pointing out that this sleep sack is a bit of a splurge at a price point that is almost double that of comparable options. It also may be too heavy for warmer temperatures, which is something to think about if you plan on using it during the summer. It also shouldn’t be put in the dryer, making cleaning (which will happen often) a little less convenient. 

The Details: 

  • Materials: Bamboo
  • Sizes available: 3-9M, 9-18M, 18-24M, 24-36M 
  • Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry with similar fabrics, air dry preferred

Best Splurge: Little Giraffe Stretch Chenille Dreamsack

Little Giraffe Stretch Chenille Sleep Sack

Bloomindale's

Why We Like It: Made of a luxurious chenille fabric, this is a cozy option that holds up well in the wash. 

But Take Note: It’s pricey and the snaps at the top are a little frustrating to use. It also comes in only one size. 

For those willing and able to splurge, the Little Giraffe sleep sack is a beautiful option. It’s made of a plush chenille fabric that is buttery soft and cozy. The sleep sack feels durable and well-made, and in testing, it still felt exactly the same after being washed.

This one zips up from the bottom for easy diaper changes, and it also features four snaps at the top. However, during the testing process, we found them to be frustrating to use. The snaps stay closed a little too well and are difficult to open without feeling like you’re almost ripping the fabric apart. We felt that the sleep sack would have been just as great without them. 

Still, this is a gorgeous, high-quality sleep sack with a luxe feel. The price is considerably higher than other options, but it’s meant to last a long time (in baby terms, that is). That said, it only comes in one size—0-6 months—so it really won’t grow with your little one. 

The Details: 

  • Materials: Chenille and velvet
  • Sizes available: 0-6M
  • Care instructions: Machine wash separately, hang dry
Little Giraffe Stretch Chenille Sleep Sack
This Little Giraffe Dreamsack is pricey, but a worthwhile option as its plush chenille fabric is very soft and cozy for your baby to snuggle in when sleeping.

Parents / Tamara Staples

Best for Toddlers: Burt's Bees Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket

Burt's Bees Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket

Amazon

Why We Like It: It’s an affordable option with plenty of room for active toddlers. 

But Take Note: The zipper can be difficult to use if your little one is especially wriggly. 

For toddlers who just need an extra layer to sleep with, a basic sleep sack will do. That’s exactly what the Burt’s Bees Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket is: a classic sleep sack with no bells and whistles that keeps little ones cozy and comfortable throughout the night. It was also one of the most affordable options we tested. 

Available in a multitude of different colors and patterns, this sleep sack features some fun designs that older babies will be excited about. It’s made of 100% organic cotton that has a really breathable and lightweight feel. We love that it had an almost stretchy, jersey feel to it and was never too heavy. It’s easy to clean and stands up well in the wash. It’s also very roomy, giving toddlers plenty of space to move around while sleeping. 

One thing we found during testing was that the zipper, which zips from top down, can be a little difficult to use with a toddler who won’t stay still. While it works well for diaper changes with babies, it didn’t seem necessary for the larger sizes. 

The Details: 

  • Materials: Cotton 
  • Sizes available: S (0-6M), M (6-12M), L (12-18M), XL (18-24M)
  • Care instructions: Machine wash
Burt's Bees Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket
Burt’s Bees Baby Beekeeper comes in many fun designs and is roomy, making it an ideal choice for active toddlers who move around when sleeping.

Parents / Tamara Staples

Best Budget: Simple Joys by Carter's Sleepbag

Simple-joys-by-carters-babies-sleepbag

Amazon

Why We Like It: This affordable option gets you three reliable sleep sacks for less than $30. 

But Take Note: It seems to run a bit small and might not be a great option for longer babies. The sizing is also limited. 

The Simple Joys by Carter’s Sleepbag is the best option for parents looking to save. While most of the sleep sacks on this list are about $30 or higher for one item, this purchase gets you three sleep sacks for just under $30. It’s a deal that’s hard to beat, especially when you consider how often sleep sacks need to be washed. It’s always convenient to have a backup or two. 

During testing, we found that while these sleep sacks weren’t the softest or most plush of the bunch, they were still pleasantly cozy. They’re fairly lightweight and can work for most temperatures, and they’re easy to put on, with a zipper that doesn’t catch and a snap at the top. They also held up well in the wash. We especially loved that the arm holes were roomy enough that we didn’t have to fight to get a baby’s arms through them. 

It’s worth pointing out that the sizing here is a little limited, and these only go up to about 9 months. They also seem to run a little small, and don’t offer as much room or space as some other options. Longer babies may not fit as well in these. 

The Details: 

  • Materials: Polyester
  • Sizes available: 0-3M, 3-6M, 6-9M 
  • Care instructions: Machine wash
Simple Joys by Carters Unisex babies sleeping bag
Simple Joys by Carter’s is lightweight and easy to put on, although, we did find it to run small and sizing is limited.

Parents / Tamara Staples

Our Testing Process

Before testing, we consulted Tomomi Hayashi, M.D., a pediatrician in private practice at Silicon Valley Pediatricians for the methodology. We also spoke with Nilong Vyas, M.D., board-certified pediatrician and sleep consultant at Sleepless in NOLA, and Alyssa Veneklase, a certified sleep consultant and bed rest and postpartum doula, for information on safety and features to consider. To find the best sleep sacks on the market, we tested 18 different options and evaluated them based on attributes such as comfort, ease of use, and durability:

  • Ease of use: We use a timer to see exactly how long it takes to put a baby inside the sleep sack. Since both babies and toddlers can be temperamental when getting changed, we want to ensure that the sleep sacks can be put on quickly and easily. We also take note of how well babies sleep in the sleep sacks, how easy it is to change their diaper in dim lighting, and whether or not it is possible to get them in and out of the sleep sack without waking them.
  • Comfort: We evaluate how soft the sleep sacks are, as well as how easily a baby’s arms and legs fit in them.
  • Durability: We use the sleep sacks consistently for one week and wash when needed to see how well the material holds up and if there is any pilling or tears. We also considered how easy they are to clean, since sleep sacks will get dirty fast.

Other Notable Sleep Sacks

  • Hudson Baby Leopard Sleeping Bag: This was easy to use, felt very soft, and offered a comfortable fit, but we found that it didn’t hold up well over time. After a few washes, it pretty quickly started looking less fuzzy and began bunching in places. It also didn’t have a double zipper for easy changes. 
  • Ely’s and Co Wearable Blanket: While this was a perfectly acceptable sleep sack, it didn’t feel as soft or luxe as many of the other options we tested. It zippers from the top down, which can be convenient for little babies and middle-of-the-night changes, but isn’t always as easy to use. 
  • Hudson Baby Long-Sleeve Sleeping Bag: While stretchy, soft, and easy to use, we did find that this was a more restrictive option compared to sleeveless sleep sacks. The long sleeves didn’t fit that well over long sleeve pajamas, and it seemed like it would only be a good option in colder weather. 

Factors to Consider

Light, breathable materials: According to the AAP, overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Your baby needs only one more layer than you would wear to feel comfortable. That said, sleep sacks should be lightweight and breathable, not heavy and overly warm. Both Dr. Vyas and Veneklase recommend looking for fabrics like cotton and avoiding materials like fleece. Some sleep sacks will offer TOG ratings to let you know exactly what temperatures they are best for. You may also find that you need two different types of materials. “If you live in a cold climate or have a drafty home, you may decide you need a thicker sleep sack for the colder months and a lighter one when it’s warmer,” Veneklase says.

Zippers and velcro closures: Sleep sacks should be easy to use with an uncomplicated design. Look for zippers that won’t snag. For younger babies, inverted zippers or double zippers are best for late night diaper changes. Veneklase recommends avoiding any sleep sack with loud snaps or Velcro. “The last thing you want to do in the middle of the night is struggle with snaps or buttons, no matter how cute it is,” she says. “You also don’t want to wake your baby up if they just need a diaper change by pulling apart a giant strip of Velcro. It’s loud!” Make sure the arm holes are also wide enough so that you can get their arms in and out without too much of a struggle. 

Comfort: If your baby doesn’t find their sleep sack comfortable, they may not sleep well in one. Opt for soft materials that feel more like a blanket than another pair of pajamas. You want to give babies enough room to move their legs around while they’re sleeping, especially if they’re very active. Roomy sleep sacks allow babies to move freely and feel a bit more versatile. The best sleep sacks will not have any irritating tags and will cover zippers with a layer of fabric so that they don’t disturb your baby’s sleep. 

Care and wash instructions: You won’t use sleep sacks forever, but you will use them very often. Depending on how many you have, you might even use them several times a day. This means that they need to be able to stand up to constant use and regular washings. The best sleep sacks come out of the wash feeling softer or just as soft as before, with no pilling, tears, or dip in quality or color. The material should be lightweight but also sturdy. 

When should babies use sleep sacks?

Babies can wear a sleep sack at any age. Parents often start using them when babies learn to roll over and can no longer be swaddled—they can be a great transitional item because they still allow the baby to have that snug, tucked-in feeling while allowing their arms to be free. Toddlers can also benefit from the comfort of sleep sacks. 

How many sleep sacks do I need?

If you plan on using your sleep sack for all of your little one’s naps and nighttime sleep, you may want to invest in at least two. Between diaper leaks, spit up, and drool, sleep sacks can get filthy pretty quickly, and it’s always nice to have a backup if one is in the wash. If your baby is particularly dependent on their sleep sack, having more than two may be helpful. If you feel you don’t need it every time they go to sleep (maybe it’s only in use at night) and you don’t mind washing it often, then you may be able to get away with just owning one until they outgrow it.

Are weighted sleep sacks safe?

No, the AAP has deemed any weighted item, including blankets and swaddles, to be unsafe and warns against their use.

Who We Are

Jessica Booth is a freelance writer who covers parenting, shopping, wellness, entertainment, and wedding content. She has been freelance writing since 2017 and before that worked as an editor at an online publication for seven years. She has written for sites such as Brides, People, Insider, Bustle, Romper, Refinery 29, Cosmopolitan, Delish, The Daily Beast, Reviewed, She Knows, Scary Mommy, The Knot, and What to Expect. She also has two young daughters and has been through a variety of different sleep sacks herself. 

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Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Moon RY, Carlin RF, Hand I, TASK FORCE ON SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME AND THE COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN. Sleep-related infant deaths: Updated 2022 recommendations for reducing infant deaths in the sleep environmentPediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057990. doi:10.1542/peds.2022-057990

  2. American Academy of Pediatrics. American academy of pediatrics updates safe sleep recommendations: back is best.

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