why do baby sleep sacks work?

When working with my clients, I always recommend using a sleep sack or a wearable blanket. These not only keep your child warm and cosy but also serve as a great cue that it's time for sleep. A sleep sack is a zip-up "bag," also known as a sleeping bag or wearable blanket, that your baby or toddler can wear instead of a blanket.

What is a baby sleep sack? Are baby sleep sacks safe?

Unlike loose blankets (which aren't recommended in a baby's crib until they're at least 12 months old due to the risk of suffocation), sleep sacks provide warmth without restricting the baby's arms.

Are sleep sacks safe when the baby can roll?

A proper sleep sack should be sleeveless, allowing the arms to move freely. This lets your child roll onto their belly and back without restriction. The bagginess of a sleep sack also provides enough room for babies to kick their legs, which is good for their hips.

Do sleep sacks help babies sleep better?

Because sleep sacks stay on the child throughout the night, you can be assured that your baby stays warm all night long. Just like how adults cue our brains that sleep is coming when we pull our blankets up, putting your child in a sleep sack signals that it's time to sleep.

Does my baby need a sleep sack?

A sleep sack isn't always necessary but acts as a good cue for sleep for your child. It also keeps your child warm through the night. If you're considering using a sleep sack for a newborn, keep in mind that most newborns sleep better with their arms swaddled due to the startle reflex. Swaddling helps them feel calm and snug, similar to how they felt in the womb.

How do I transition my child from the swaddle to the sleep sack?

When your child starts showing signs of rolling, it's a good idea to transition from the swaddle for safety reasons. Swaddling tightly can pose safety issues once they start rolling.

To transition to a sleep sack, first find one that fits your baby well and has a TOG rating appropriate for your baby's room temperature. Next, add it to your routine by swapping out the swaddle for the sleep sack.

How long do babies use sleep sacks?

When your child is ready to transition to a toddler bed (around 3 years and onward), you can trade the sleep sack for a blanket. If your child loves the sleep sack, I recommend continuing with a wearable blanket that has holes for their legs. My son, Elliot, has been using these since he was 4 months old and loves them.

What is a sleep sack TOG rating?

TOG stands for thermal overall grade and indicates how warm your sleep sack will be. Many company websites provide temperature range recommendations to go with their TOG ratings.

In the context of Singapore and the air conditioning temperature of 22-24°C that I recommend to my clients, I would suggest a TOG of 0.5 and a maximum of 1.0.

What should my baby wear under the sleep sack?

What your baby wears depends on the room temperature, the TOG rating, and your baby's comfort. For my clients, I recommend using the sleep sack over cotton pajamas for nighttime sleep and the same sleep sack over day clothes for daytime sleep. However, this depends on the environment and comfort. Assess the situation: if your child is too warm, you might need to turn up the AC; if your child is too cold, you might need to adjust their dressing.