As a new parent, there are countless decisions to make when it comes to your baby’s comfort and safety. One of the most important choices you’ll face is selecting the right sleep sack for your little one. Sleep sacks not only keep your baby cozy and warm, but also provide a safe alternative to traditional blankets. However, finding the perfect size sleep sack can be a daunting task. Fear not, though, as we’re here to guide you through this process in a relaxed and cheerful tone. In this comprehensive article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the right sleep sack size for your baby, ensuring that their sweet dreams are uninterrupted.
What Is A Baby Sleep Sack?
A baby sleep sack is a safe alternative to a blanket. It’s designed to keep your baby warm by enclosing their torso completely while leaving their arms free to move around. Sleep sacks became popular in the United States in the 1990s during a major push to combat the rise of SIDS. There was a focus on what could be removed from the sleeping area that might interfere with a baby’s ability to breathe. Now, safe sleep practices are more commonly known, and a sleep sack can be a part of that.
So, how do you choose the right baby sleep sack for your child?
Safety
Research has shown that baby sleeping bags reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as they prevent your child from overheating and help maintain a constant and stable body temperature. A baby can wriggle about as much as they like in a baby sleeping bag without accidently covering their head, which is a risk when using blankets or duvets. A sleeping bag also helps to ensure that your baby remains on their back because the design makes it harder for them to roll over, keeping them safe and secure all night long. Make sure the sleeping bag you choose is from a trusted brand that includes all of the safety features such as a fitted neck and armholes, which prevent your baby from slipping down inside the bag.
Which Tog?
It is important to consider the TOG rating which is based on the room temperature where your baby will be sleeping. TOG stands for “Thermal Overall Grade” and is a measure of thermal resistance. The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the sleeping bag will be. Togs are available in 0.5 Tog, 1.0 Tog, 2.5 Tog and 3.5 Tog – you can find out more about these Togs in our Tog Guide. Baby sleeping bags should be sent away to a laboratory for testing to ensure the are at the correct Tog weight.
Material
The material of the sleeping bag is also important. You want to choose a fabric that is soft and gentle on your baby’s skin. Cotton and bamboo are good options as they are breathable and hypoallergenic. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can cause your baby to overheat and potentially irritate their skin.
Here are a few of our favorite fabric choices:
Cotton
Cotton has become one of the most popular choices for baby clothing and sheets. It is breathable and soft against your little one’s skin, and you can be sure that they aren’t going to be exposed to any harmful chemicals. Because we’re big believers in opting for natural fabrics that are both comfy and safe, the Newton Sleep Sack For Babies is made from organic cotton and bamboo.
Bamboo
Bamboo is extremely durable, luxuriously soft, and very moisture-absorbent. It also protects against UV rays and is hypoallergenic. Bamboo is naturally stretchy, so it will easily take all those baby squirms in stride. Plus, it won’t irritate your baby’s delicate skin.
Hemp
Hemp is similar to cotton in the way it feels against your skin. It’s not only soft, but it also becomes more and more comfortable the longer you wear it. Additionally, it can hold 20 times its weight in water and still feel dry to your skin. Other big benefits are that hemp is UV resistant and provides natural protection from the sun, plus the fabric actively fights against bacteria and fungus.
Merino Wool
100% pure merino wool is woven from very fine fibers to create a soft, breathable fabric. Merino wool is safe for all skin types, even eczema-prone skin. Research shows that “fine-diameter Merino wool clothing” worn next to the skin “seems to be therapeutic to patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.” It also has temperature-regulating qualities that make it as useful in summer as it is in winter. In addition, it can help wick away moisture from the skin.
The Right Type Of Closure
Snaps can be fairly convenient, but it’s the snapping back up that may become irritating, especially in the middle of the night when you’re sleepy. You may find that you prefer zipper closures for your baby’s sleep sack rather than snaps. This is particularly true for older toddlers who may learn to unsnap at the shoulders and completely escape the sleep sack.
Zippers that go all the way to the bottom of the sleep sack allow the best access. You can zip out the lower half of your baby, change diapers, and zip them back in without exposing the baby’s chest to the coolness of the room. Just be sure that the material is high quality and that you check the zipper regularly. A zipper pull can come free from the garment and be swallowed by your baby.
Size and Age
In addition to the right material, be sure the baby sleep sack you choose is the right size for your little one. It’s perfectly safe for a newborn to wear a sleep sack, but it should be made for an infant. You don’t want any possibility of your baby’s head or face being covered by material that is too large. However, a baby sleep sack should be roomy throughout the bottom so little feet can kick and squirm. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a baby needs plenty of room for healthy hip development.
According to Dr. Emily Dodson of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, “We now know that tightly wrapping an infant’s legs could lead to hip dysplasia, so we recommend a newer, better way of swaddling. The safe way is to use a sleep sack that leaves lots of room for the legs…”
Choose The Perfect Sleep Sack
A safe sleeping bag should have a fitted neck and armholes/sleeves, without a hood. To check the size of a sleeping bag on your little one, ensure the neckline cannot slip above the shoulders and over your little ones chin. The snug fit of a sleeping bag means that your baby’s temperature is kept constant and sleeping babies cannot be tangled or smothered by loose fitting blankets. Research has shown that safe baby sleeping bags also delay baby rolling onto their tummy during sleep until baby’s passed the age of peak risk SUDI.
Remember that every baby is different, so choose a sleeping bag that works for your child’s individual needs. With a little research, you can find the perfect sleeping bag to keep your baby comfortable and safe while they sleep. We have a fantastic selection for boys and girls so you are guaranteed to find a sleeping bag that your little one will love!