Sleep sacks have been a game-changer for your baby's sleep. You don't have to worry about them getting too cold, and the coziness helps them stay asleep all night. But now your little one is getting bigger, and you’ve been wondering when to stop using a sleep sack.
When is it time to transition to something else at night? And how do you do so safely?
Here at Newton, safe sleep is our top priority! In this article, we share all the details about when you should stop using a sleep sack and offer tips for transitioning your baby to another option at night.
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
- What is a sleep sack?
- What to look for in a sleep sack
- When to stop using a sleep sack: Signs to watch for
- What to do when you stop using a sleep sack
- Beyond the sleepsack: Safe sleep for babies
- Other sleep tips
What is a sleep sack?
Simply put, a sleep sack is a sleeveless garment that zips up. It has an opening for your child’s head to stick through and two armholes. Instead of traditional feet, the bottom is like a little pouch where your child’s legs can move freely.
Benefits of sleep sacks include:
Keeping baby warm
A sleep sack keeps your baby warm by providing an extra layer on top of their pajamas. It’s essentially a wearable blanket.
Reducing the risk of suffocation
Sleep sacks are considered safe sleep wear when used correctly.
Allowing baby to move
Because your baby’s arms and legs are free with a sleep sack, they can move more, making them comfortable and safe.
Maintaining a routine
Dressing your baby in a sleep sack as a part of the naptime or nighttime routine will help your little one recognize it’s time to catch some zzzs.
What to look for in a sleep sack
Our team at Newton has years of experience designing safe sleep products for babies, so we know a thing or two about what you should look for in a sleep sack. Most importantly, you'll want to check the size, weight, and material of the product.
Size
Many companies produce one-size sleep sacks that work for babies until they're toddlers. But other sleep sacks on the market come in different sizes.
These are typically similar to baby clothes, but you'll want to check the size chart accompanying the product before purchasing. That way, you don't wind up with a sleep sack that's too small.
Thermal overall grade
Sleep sacks feature a TOG or Thermal Overall Grade, which is a unit of measurement indicating the warmth of the sleep sack. The general range for a sleep sack is 0.5 TOG to 3.5 TOG.
A sleep sack with a higher TOG is thicker and more insulated, whereas one with a lower TOG is lighter and more breathable. Look at the room temperature in order to select the right weight sleep sack for your baby.
Babies should be dressed in one more layer than you would be comfortable in. This usually means a onesie or romper along with a sleep sack. It’s important not to overdo it, as babies can easily overheat. Choosing breathable fabrics for all the layers is also helpful in that regard.
Material
The best materials for a sleep sack are breathable, natural fabrics, including cotton, bamboo, merino wool, or muslin. An organic fabric is always best since it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that could hurt your little one.
Another option for your sleep sack material is Tencel Lyocell, which is soft, breathable, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking.
When to stop using a sleep sack: Signs to watch for
While we love sleep sacks, there will come a day when they’re no longer the best option for your growing child. Here are some signs to watch for that indicate it's time to stop using one.
Size
Your baby's legs should have plenty of room to kick and move inside the sleep sack. If it's too restrictive, it can be uncomfortable and bind their legs when they move.
So if you notice that your baby's sleep sack is getting too snug, it's time to size up or transition to a different type of bedding altogether.
Age
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not using traditional blankets for babies under one. Instead, doctors suggest using sleep sacks to keep your child warm enough at night.
In most cases, you don't want to stop using a sleep sack before their first birthday. Otherwise, you'll need to find an alternative way to keep your baby warm that doesn't pose a suffocation hazard.
Once they turn one, you can safely transition your child to a light blanket. However, just because your baby can use a blanket doesn't mean they're ready to do so. Many parents continue to use a sleep sack for much longer since it's a familiar and comfortable option.
Comfort level
Children aren't identical. What works for one may not work for another, including when they're ready to give up their sleep sack.
Some babies are happy using a sleep sack until they're toddlers. Others may be eager to move on long before then. Often, these children prefer to have a full range of motion during the night and feel more comfortable with a lighter blanket.
So, if your baby is constantly trying to wiggle out of their sleep sack or seems frustrated when inside it, it may be time to ditch it. (Just remember: no blankets until your baby is over one year old!)
Allowing your little one the freedom to move around at night can help them feel more comfortable and, as a result, sleep better. And when your baby sleeps better, you sleep better.
What to do when you stop using a sleep sack
If you think your baby is ready to try something different at night, ask yourself one simple question: Is my little one old enough to use a light blanket safely?
You can begin transitioning them from a sleep sack to a light blanket after their first birthday. If you decide to try, you can attempt to make the change cold turkey. Some kids can do this without a fuss.
But since change can be hard on kids, don’t be surprised if your child needs a little time to adjust. If they balk at the idea of tossing their sleep sack, try this gentle transition:
Start by introducing a light, breathable blanket to use during nap time. Let your little one get used to seeing, smelling, and feeling it. But continue to use the sleep sack as well for its familiarity.
After a few days, use the blanket at night and during naptime. At this point, integrate it into your bedtime routine by snuggling underneath it while you read a bedtime story. This will help your child begin to associate the blanket with positive things.
Then, when you're both ready, ditch the sleep sack altogether and tuck your child in with their new blanket to let them enjoy the freedom of sleeping without restriction.
If they wake up during the night, you can always offer the sleep sack back to them for comfort, but soon they’ll be sleeping fine without it.
Most importantly, trust your parenting instincts when making this decision. You know your child best and will be able to tell when they're ready to make the switch.
Of course, if you have concerns about your child transitioning from a sleep sack to a blanket, always consult your pediatrician. They can help set your mind at ease and offer additional advice.
What if your child isn’t yet one?
The above transition plan only works if your child is at least one year old. As we mentioned, a blanket isn't a safe alternative to a sleep sack if they're not. In that case, you'll want to look for another way to keep your baby warm at night.
One option is to layer their clothing. The extra layers can help them stay warm without the risk of suffocation. But being too warm can also cause problems.
Too many layers can make it harder for your baby to regulate their temperature and can lead to overheating. A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one extra layer than you would wear to bed.
You can also use the thermostat in your home to help regulate the temperature in their room. The ideal sleeping temperature for babies is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another option is to try a different sleep sack. Perhaps the current one doesn't feel nice on your baby's skin, so it’s making them fuss. Or, if their previous sleep sack is smaller and getting snug, a larger one might help get them to their first birthday and beyond more comfortably.
Beyond the sleep sack: Safe sleep for babies
Sleep sacks are considered a safe sleep option for babies under one year old. Here are some more tips to keep your little one safe and comfy when it’s time to turn in.
Put your baby to bed on a firm, flat surface.
Your baby should sleep on a firm, flat surface to reduce the risk of suffocation and best support their growing body. Soft or inclined surfaces are dangerous because babies can sink or roll into a position that blocks their airways.
Getting a firm mattress is key to your little one’s safe sleep. Newton crib mattresses, such as the Original, Essential, and Waterproof mattresses, are not only firm but also breathable and washable from cover to core.
Pair your Newton crib mattress with our Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets made of soft, organic cotton muslin for a safe, comfortable, and stylish sleep.
Put baby to sleep on their back.
The safest way for a baby under one year old to sleep is on their back. Back sleeping reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, and choking.
Keep the crib bare.
Bare is best when it comes to your baby’s crib. Do not place pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in your baby’s crib before their first birthday, as they pose a suffocation hazard. The only things that should be in there are the mattress, a fitted mattress cover, and your baby.
If your baby’s older than one, they can sleep with a light blanket from a safety standpoint, but you still want to keep their crib as bare as possible other than that.
Room share (don’t bed share).
Avoid sharing a bed with your baby, as sharing a bed poses a suffocation risk. However, room sharing is highly recommended. Sharing a room reduces the risk of SIDS while giving you lots of time to bond with your little one.
Other sleep tips
Here are a few extra sleep tips to help your little one get their rest.
Know your baby’s sleep cues.
When you see your baby rubbing their eyes, yawning, staring blankly, or exhibiting other signs they’re sleepy, prepare them for bed. This will help to prevent overtiredness, which can make your baby fussy, restless, and prone to shorter naps and early wake-ups.
Try a pacifier.
Pacifiers are considered excellent sleep aids because the non-nutritive sucking motion is calming for babies and promotes self-soothing. On top of that, pacifiers are known to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Be sure to only use one-piece pacifiers that have no attachments to avoid a potential choking hazard.
Optimize the room for sleep.
There are many ways to optimize your baby’s nursery for sleep, such as lowering the temperature to 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered ideal, as mentioned earlier in the article.
Also, be sure that the room is dark and quiet as well. Blackout curtains and a sound machine might help.
If the room tends to be dry, you might also try using a cool mist humidifier to keep baby comfortable. To test the humidity in the nursery, use a hygrometer. The room should have a relative humidity level of 30% to 50%.
Follow a bedtime routine.
Following a bedtime routine will help your baby fall asleep more easily because a consistent routine signals that it’s time to wind down and go to sleep. Routines also provide your baby a sense of security through their predictability.
Bedtime routines don’t need to be complex. Steps could include dimming the lights, changing baby into their sleep sack or PJs, turning on soft music, and reading a bedtime story.
Put your baby to bed drowsy but awake.
When it’s time for bed, put your baby into their crib drowsy but awake. This gives them a chance to self-soothe and will make it easier for them to get themselves back to sleep between sleep cycles.
Go outside in the daylight.
Taking your baby outside in the daylight in the morning will help to reset their Circadian rhythm, making it easier for them to fall asleep at night.
Keep your baby comfortable all night.
There's no “right” age when you need to stop using a sleep sack for your baby. But some signs signal it might be time to ditch it. For example, your baby’s size, age, and comfort level can indicate when it’s time to move on.
When your child is ready to move on from the sleep sack, they can easily transition to a blanket following the tips above. For a better rest, put your baby to bed on a Newton crib mattress. Our Original, Essential, and Waterproof crib mattresses are breathable and firm, and also washable.
As a parent, you’ll have to navigate lots of changes and transitions of your growing child, but with a bit of preparation, it can be a smooth and positive experience for everyone! At the end of the day, Newton’s here to help your little one have a good night’s sleep.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hardest age to sleep train?
The hardest age to sleep train is generally between 18 months and 2.5 years. Babies and toddlers at this age have a lot of energy and stamina, and they also exhibit big emotional swings, especially when routines are changed.
What are the signs that my baby is ready to sleep train?
Some signs that your baby is ready to sleep train include their age (being between four and six months old), that they have a consistent routine, and that they exhibit behaviors such as sucking their hands to self-soothe.
In addition, babies who are ready for sleep training have a hard time falling asleep without help, experience night wakings, demonstrate sleep cues regularly, and take inconsistent naps.
Is it better for my baby to sleep in a swaddle or a sleep sack?
When choosing between a swaddle and a sleep sack, look at your baby’s age and stage of development.
Swaddles are appropriate for babies from birth until they start to show signs of pushing up on their hands or rolling over.
Sleep sacks, on the other hand, can be used from newborn until their first birthday, or when they outgrow the largest sleep sack size.
