Every parent knows that babies and children need plenty of sleep but how do you make sure they’re getting the right amount? The right kind? Sleep sacks can help, and these ten benefits of sleep sacks will get you sold on giving them a try.
What is Sleep Sacks?
A sleep sack is a wearable blanket for babies that’s designed to keep them warm at night. It’s a safe, convenient alternative to blankets and can also be used during naptime or other times when you want baby bundled up.
It can be used as part-time or full-time bedding for infants from 0-6 months old, but it is recommended that you do not use them as full time bedding for children older than 6 months because the child may outgrow them before they are old enough to roll over.
Top 10 Benefits of Sleep Sacks.
1. Keeps Baby Warm.
Sleep sacks are designed to keep your baby warm & comfortable. They do not have sleeves which means that they are safer for babies who might roll over. This is especially important for babies who are on their stomachs in the crib or in a bassinet.
If a baby is wrapped up too tightly, he or she can’t move their arms which can lead to suffocation. A sleep sack also allows you to use less blankets with your child so you know that they are always warm and cozy without any risk of suffocation.
A good night’s rest is crucial for everyone but especially babies who need ample time and deep sleep in order to develop cognitively. For example, studies show that babies who slept well for two consecutive nights increased their language development by 16%.(1)
2. Gives baby a Sense of Security.
When it comes to baby products, parents are often looking for the best in safety and comfort. One product that is rated as a sack above the rest is the sleep sack. The benefits of a sleep sack include keeping baby comfortable while they sleep and making them feel secure.(2)
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3. Reduces The Risk of SIDS.
A sleep sack can keep your baby from rolling over onto their tummy, which could put them at risk for suffocation and may cause Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This is especially important in the first few months when infants are not yet able to roll themselves over onto their back.(3)
4. Can be Used as a Swaddle.
A sleep sack is a wearable blanket that is designed to keep a baby warm and comforted all night long. Unlike the traditional swaddle, it has a zipper down the front which allows you to reach inside and help adjust the baby’s blanket without waking them up.
This makes it easier for parents who want to maintain contact with their child while they sleep. It also comes in handy if you need to change their diaper or provide any other care during the night without having to disturb them.
5. Promotes Healthy Hip Development.
Sleeping on the back is an important position for safe sleep. A prenatal pillow can help you achieve this position and to avoid lying on your stomach. Babies should be placed in the supine position (on their backs) for sleep, except when breastfeeding. This will prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
When babies are placed in the supine position, they are less likely to develop hip dysplasia. A study has found that placing infants in a sleep sack reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 50%.(4)
6. Lightweight and Breathable.
When you think of a sleep sack, your mind might jump to those bulky snowsuits from your childhood. Not anymore! The modern sleep sack is lightweight and breathable, creating a cozy layer for baby without overheating them.
They are also easier to get on and off than heavier blankets or sleeping bags, which is especially important when you need to make frequent feedings throughout the night.
7. Comes in a Variety of Materials.
It’s important to choose the right material for your sleep sack. Wool, cotton and silk are some of the most popular options available. There are also different types of sleep sacks available such as a swaddle or wearable blanket. All these options provide various benefits that should be considered before making your decision.
8. Easy to Use.
Sleep sacks are great for keeping your little one cozy and warm while they sleep – both in bed and out in their stroller or car seat. They help prevent the risk of infant overheating that can happen with loose blankets and have been shown to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
One size fits all, so there’s no need to worry about buying new ones as your baby grows. For quick nighttime changes, the snaps make it easy to take on and off without disturbing baby.
9. Portable.
A sleep sack is easily portable being lightweight and also provides warmth and comfort, and it helps to prevent the child from kicking off their blankets in the middle of the night. They also offer protection against germs, which may be especially helpful for families who are traveling or have a sick member.
10. Machine Washable.
Another benefit is that they’re machine washable. This means you can keep your child’s sleep sack clean by tossing it in with the laundry. You also won’t have to worry about washing sheets every day if you use a sleep sack instead of blankets in bed.
Drawbacks of Sleep Sacks.
Sleep sacks are designed to be worn by infants, children and adults. The most common problem with sleep sacks is that they restrict movement during sleep. When a person wearing a sleep sack falls asleep on their stomach, it’s often difficult for them to roll over onto their back in order to breathe normally.
This can lead to choking or suffocation as the person has difficulty breathing. In addition, not being able to turn over while sleeping can lead to skin problems such as pressure ulcers.
There have also been cases where a person was accidentally put into a sleep sack while they were too young and now struggle to get out of one themselves. However, these drawbacks pale in comparison to the benefits of sleep sacks.
Alternatives of Sleep Sacks.
The best alternative to a sleep sack is a camping quilt. Other good options includes wool blankets, sleeping bag liners, or insulated poncho liners. It is essential to think about your sleeping posture as a whole. For example, some sleeping bag alternatives may be better suited for hammock or cot camping.
Bottom Line.
Sleep sacks, also known as swaddles, are a wearable blanket for babies that help them sleep better. They have been shown to improve the duration and quality of sleep in newborns and infants. This can reduce the risk of SIDS, allow parents to manage their children’s temperaments better, and give babies a calmer start to life. In addition to these benefits, using a sleep sacks can also save money on electricity bills since it reduces the need for artificial heating methods like air conditioning or electric blankets.
+4 Sources
Freaktofit has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, educational research institutes, and medical organizations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and up-to-date by reading our editorial policy.
- Infant sleep and its relation with cognition and growth: a narrative review; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5440010/
- Nighttime maternal responsiveness and infant attachment at one year; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3422632/
- Can infant sleeping bags be recommended by medical professionals as protection against sudden infant death syndrome?; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30297442/
- Physiologic studies on swaddling: an ancient child care practice, which may promote the supine position for infant sleep; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12219062/#:~:text=Results%3A%20Hips%20were%20flexed%20and,during%20quiet%20sleep%20(P%20%3C.
