Sleep Sack or Swaddle Blanket – How to choose | TADO BABY.COM

A sleep sack is a wearable blanket that may also have features allowing it to be used as a swaddle. In most cases, the hands and arms are free and the baby’s torso, legs, and feet are housed in the sack. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend the use of blankets for babies because of the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so sleep sacks are a safer alternative to keep your little one cozy and warm.

They are helpful in keeping the baby warm and secure during the night. They are similar to a swaddle because they do keep the lower limbs snug, but they’re simpler to use, can be used for older babies, and are also easily modified for diaper changes.

What Are Swaddles?

A swaddle is a thin blanket used to wrap up your little one like a burrito. Swaddles simulate the womb experience by keeping your infant snug.

They’re also helpful for parents who wish to minimize the waking effects of the Moro reflex. This automatic reflex occurs in infants as they adjust to all of their new stimuli, and it’s often a twitch or jerk that causes the baby to throw their hands in the air. Swaddling helps to suppress this reflex, allowing your newborn to sleep longer and more soundly.

 

Swaddle blankets should be large enough to wrap your little one snugly. There are varying sizes that correspond to your baby’s weight and height. When your little one is still a newborn, a small receiving blanket may do the trick—but be prepared for them to outgrow it quickly.

As your baby gets stronger, they’re likely to jailbreak their swaddle blankets, and it could be time to graduate to a sack instead. Because these items have some structure, there are different sizes available based on age and weight. There are also one-size-fits-all solutions, but they might not have all the customization and adjustments that you need.

 

Make sure you choose a soft fabric for your sleep sack or swaddle that is temperature appropriate. In the summer months, opt for lighter weight fabric and ensure that your baby isn’t too hot or cold. When it’s cold, choose something thicker and cozier, but be careful not to overheat your infant.

Some swaddles and sacks come with buttons, zippers, and Velcro. While these additions can make Mom and Dad’s job easier, check to be sure that these pieces aren’t coming into contact with baby’s skin or presenting any type of choking or scratching hazard.

 

 

Most parents can agree that anything that helps their child to sleep safe and sound is worth a try. Both swaddles and sleep sacks can be safely used with babies to keep them cozy and warm as long as you follow the guidelines outlined in this article. Swaddling is generally best for infants under two months of age, while sleep sacks are a great blanket alternative for little ones from birth through toddlerhood.

Regardless of which you choose, remember that safety is more important than improving your baby’s sleep—but, both are possible! Remember to regularly monitor your baby for signs of overheating, and only use swaddles and sleep sacks that are the correct size for your baby’s age and stage of development.