Choosing Between Swaddles and Sleep Sacks for Your Baby

According to the American Association of Pediatrics, babies should avoid loose bedding in cribs until they are at least 12 months old. Without loose blankets, swaddles and sleep sacks become the primary options to keep your baby warm.

Swaddles

Swaddles tightly wrap infants, aiding in sound sleep. They are best for young babies who cannot roll over yet. Traditionally, swaddles are thin blankets wrapped around a baby in a particular way to keep them snug. Nowadays, many come with fasteners, reducing the risk of the blanket coming loose. Swaddles secure the arms, helping newborns sleep better.

Swaddle Pros

• Helps manage the Moro reflex in newborns, preventing them from waking up suddenly.
• Light pressure from swaddles mimics being held, calming the baby.
• Basic swaddles are affordable, ranging from $5 to $15 each.

Swaddle Cons

• Not safe for babies who can roll over as they need their arms free.
• Can be challenging to secure, particularly with wiggly babies.
• Some babies dislike being swaddled.

Best Swaddles

Comfy Cubs Swaddle Blankets: These come with straps for easy use and are made from 100% breathable cotton.

SwaddleMe Original Swaddle: Available in various colors and prints, including an organic cotton option, they are soft and easy to use.

Sleep Sacks

Sleep sacks resemble wearable sleeping bags for babies. They look like a vest or romper at the top, with either sleeves or armholes, and have a sack-like bottom allowing free movement. These sacks are simple to put on, closed with a zipper, and suitable from birth to around 18 to 24 months. They are more expensive than swaddles, typically costing $10 to $30 each.

Sleep Sack Pros

• Safe design prevents covering the baby’s face or the baby getting tangled.
• Allow babies to use their arms, making them usable even for older babies who can roll over.
• Easy to put on and take off, facilitating nighttime diaper changes.

Sleep Sack Cons

• Not a one-size-fits-all, requiring larger sizes as the baby grows.
• Might not improve sleep as they don’t suppress startle reflexes like swaddles.

Best Sleep Sacks

Burt’s Bees Baby Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket: A sleeveless sleep sack made from 100% cotton, offering a range of sizes and designs for babies up to 18 months.

Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby Wearable Blankets: Cozy microfleece material with long sleeves, suitable for cold weather, available in sizes for babies up to 9 months.

Which to Choose?

Both swaddles and sleep sacks have pros and cons. For newborns, swaddles might be worth trying as they help some sleep better. For older babies, sleep sacks are safer. Consider buying a few to see which your baby prefers before purchasing in bulk. The prices mentioned can change over time.