The 7 Best Baby Sleeping Sacks to Buy

What Is a Sleeping Sack?

• It helps keep your baby warm without using a blanket
• Sleeping sacks are available in different fabrics and designs to suit both summer and winter to help your baby stay at a comfortable temperature
• It doesn’t constrict arm and leg movements like a swaddle blanket does, which is important once your baby learns to roll over
• A sleeping sack will stay put all night long and is safe for your baby to sleep in
• You can use a wearable blanket from the newborn to toddler phase — just make sure the size is right for your growing child.

For How Long Can Babies Use Sleeping Sacks?

Are Sleeping Sacks Safe for Babies Who Can Roll Over?

A Note on Safe Sleep for Your Baby

• Stop swaddling your baby and stop using a sleeping sack that constricts the arms before she learns to roll over on her own
• Always put your baby to sleep on her back
• Keep the crib bare for the first 12 months — no loose bedding or blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or toys should be in the crib
• Have your baby sleep in her own crib or bassinet but ideally in the same room as you sleep in for the first 6 to 12 months
• Make sure no one smokes around your baby
• Lower the crib mattress to a lower setting before your baby learns to sit or stand to prevent her from crawling up and over the rails.

What Should Your Baby Wear Under a Sleeping Sack?

• For cooler temperatures. Dress your baby in an undershirt and diapers, and then perhaps add pajamas, and then put the sleeping sack over the top. Keep an eye out for signs that your baby is too hot, like sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, and rapid breathing.
• For warmer temperatures. Your baby may need just a single layer, such as a diaper and just a lightweight sleeping sack. Experts say a good general guideline is to dress the baby only in one more layer than you are wearing.

Types of Baby Sleeping Sacks

• Winter or summer sleep bags. Sleeping sacks come in thicker or thinner materials to suit different weather conditions. Consider going for a heavier fabric like fleece in the winter, and a lighter, more breathable fabric like cotton or muslin in the summer.
• With or without sleeves. Some wearable blankets come without sleeves, which is convenient for the warmer months or transitional seasons when you just want your baby in long-sleeved PJs with a short-sleeved sleeping sack over the top. Conversely, in winter you may prefer to have your baby in a sleeping sack with sleeves.
• Two-way zippers or not. Some wearable blankets are designed with two-way zippers that give you easy access from the bottom of the sleeping sack for middle-of-the-night diaper changes, while also allowing you to unzip the top to make it easier to put your baby in the garment. Other designs have inverted zippers, meaning they can only be opened from the bottom.
• Transitional or standard sleeping sack. Some versions are designed to be a bridge between a traditional swaddle and a standard wearable blanket. Some manufacturers call this type of product a “sleeping sack swaddle.” Some of these hybrid models allow you to tuck both of your baby's arms in initially, and then tuck just one arm in during the transitional phase, and finally leave both arms free once your baby is more used to it. Other hybrid models, like the Amazing Baby Transitional Swaddle Sack, just slightly restrict some of your baby’s arm movements while still allowing the arm to move overhead. With a transitional sleeping sack, your little one doesn’t abruptly switch from being tucked up securely like a baby burrito in a swaddle blanket to being able to move his arms and hands freely from one night to the next.

What to Look for When Choosing a Baby Sleeping Sack

• Comfort and softness. These qualities came up time and time again as priorities for Pampers Parents when deciding which sleeping sack to buy. Some Pampers Parents said they preferred a sleeping sack with a little stretch and give to accommodate their baby's moves and kicks. Breathability of the fabric was also considered important. Some sleeping sacks also provide other comfort features like zip covers so that the top of the zipper doesn’t irritate your baby’s chin.
• Safety. The sleeping sack should be nearly impossible for your baby to wiggle out of. Also, the “sack” part should be roomy enough to allow your baby’s legs to bend up and out, as this helps prevent any issues with hip development.
• Size. There’s lots to consider when it comes to size: Is the sleeping sack long enough for your baby’s legs? Are the sleeves long enough? Are the arm and neck holes the right size? Does the top of the sleep bag fit your baby’s torso? Follow the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines before making your choice but know that you may need to try a few sleeping sacks before finding just the right fit. As your baby grows, you’ll need to remember to go up a size, and you may need to switch brands at this point, depending on what sizes are on offer.
• Ease of use. It’s important to choose a sleeping sack that is easy to get your baby into and out of, and that is easy to open from the bottom for quick diaper changes. Two-way zippers help with both problems, whereas inverted zippers help make diaper changes easier.
• Durability. You’ll be washing the sleeping sack often, so look for a fabric that won’t pill or wear out quickly.
• Color range. Most sleeping sacks come in a few different colors and patterns but keep in mind that many Pampers Parents also wished some sleeping sacks came in more options. Busy patterns and darker colors may hide stains a little better.
• Price. Affordability was raised often by Pampers Parents. Check that the price fits your budget, and factor in that you may need to buy more than one sleeping sack. You might also like to consider a multi-pack, which can lower the unit price. How many sleeping sacks you buy is up to you, but it may be convenient to have at least two so that you can use one while the other is in the wash, for example. Then, as your baby outgrows a sleeping sack or as the weather changes, you’ll need to invest in a bigger size or in a warmer/lighter style. Taken together, this means that during the first year or two you may end up needing quite a few wearable blankets.

The 7 Best Sleeping Sacks

I have used HALO sleeping sacks for my baby since he was a newborn (he now wears size L). I like how you can wrap the wings of the sleeping sack around one arm, two arms, or around the torso. I think this helped my baby feel warm and secure.

Pampers Parent

So soft and secure. I can rest easy knowing he's warm and safe just like in my arms.

Pampers Parent

My girls didn’t like having their arms tucked in (even as newborns) so giving their arms mobility was a big feature. I also liked that I could layer them up as much or as little as I needed to depending on the season. That made these sleeping sacks versatile for both my summer and winter babies. The reverse zipper was also a huge perk for those nighttime changes!

Pampers Parent

They have a little wiggle so my baby could grow into it. That's also great because even when a baby is stretching out they don't get fussy because they can't stretch! The fabric is super soft and wasn't irritating to my baby's sensitive skin. The long sleeves kept her super cozy and even in summer she never got too hot, although we did have sleeveless cotton ones for really humid nights.

Pampers Parent

This is our favorite sleeping sack for summer. It’s lightweight and soft. We love that it has an inverted zipper for easy middle-of-the-night diaper changes.

Pampers Parent

I had a summer baby, and this was perfect for naps/nighttime. Not too heavy. He slept so comfortably in just this sleeping sack and a bodysuit!

Pampers Parent

It was just snug enough to help my baby still feel swaddled while learning how to sleep with his arms out, and he was able to move around in when he learned to roll over. He never seemed hot in it while wearing his long sleeve pajamas under it either.

Pampers Parent

This sleep bag is lightweight and great for layering. It’s easy to put on and take off. And, it holds up well after many washes.

Pampers Parent

The Bottom Line

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