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Many parents who are wanting to ensure a safe sleep environment for their precious little one have a common question: are baby sleep sacks safe? In this article, we will answer this important question and ensure you learn everything you need to know about using baby sleep sacks safely.

what is a baby sleep sacK?

First of all, let’s cover the basics. A baby sleep sack is also often referred to as a wearable blanket and come in a variety of materials including fleece, cotton, and muslin, to name a few. Many have an inverted zipper, meaning they zip from the bottom and allow for easy nighttime diaper changes. The term “baby sleep sack” can be misleading, however, because the reality is that not just babies can wear sleep sacks! Sleep sacks with separated legs made specifically for toddlers are also widely used by parents (myself included!) as an alternative to traditional blankets, one that their energetic toddler can’t possibly kick off in the middle of the night. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on safety of sleep sacks worn by babies under one year of age. I’ve linked my personal favorite brand here.

Baby sleep sacks Are a safer option than loose bedding in crib

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends placing babies on their back to sleep and using a firm sleep surface without any loose blankets or bedding to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Loose and soft bedding can be a suffocation risk for babies, especially young babies who are not yet fully capable of rolling themselves out of potential trouble if the blanket were to cover their face during sleep. Baby sleep sacks align with this recommendation by eliminating the need for loose blankets and thus are considered a safer option. While baby sleep sacks are generally considered safe, it’s crucial to follow recommended guidelines to ensure optimal safety for your little one—so be sure to keep reading.

how to make your baby sleep sack as safe as possible

1. Ensure The Sleep Sack is Properly Sized

   Sleep sacks come in a variety of different sizes. You should select a sleep sack that has a snug fit while still allowing for free movement of the hips. A sleep sack that is too large introduces too much excess fabric into baby’s sleep environment and could pose a safety risk.

2. Maintain A Comfortable Temperature For Sleep

   There are three variables to consider to ensure your baby maintains a comfortable temperature for sleep when using a sleep sack:

   • Baby’s room temperature

   • The thickness, material, and style of sleep sack

   • What baby wears underneath the sleep sack

   Your role is to ensure that the combination of these three variables do not lead to baby overheating during sleep. I wrote a full article on how to choose the right style sleep sack and how to dress baby underneath, so be sure to check it out for more information.

3. Wash The Sleep Sack Regularly

   Let’s face it - there are plenty of messes generated by our precious little ones. Be sure you are regularly washing the sleep sack to ensure a safe, comfortable, and hygenic sleep for your baby. I recommend having at least two sleep sacks available for your use at any given point in case one gets dirtied, especially in the middle of the night when you’d rather not be doing a sudden load of laundry. You can follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for washing and drying.

4. Follow the AAP’s Safe Sleep Guidelines

   Properly sized sleep sacks are much safer for sleep than loose blankets, however, your baby’s sleep environment will still not be safe if you have items such as bumpers, loose sheets, blankets, stuffed animals, or other soft items in your baby’s crib. The AAP’s updated Safe Sleep Guidelines can be found here.

SAfe and Better sleep for baby

As far as baby sleep essentials, sleep sacks stand out as as safe and practical choice for parents. By ensuring you’re using them as safely as possible, they can be a convenient, cozy, great choice for your baby.

If you’re interested in learning other ways you can ensure great sleep for your baby, be sure to check out my ebook, the Ultimate Guide To Better Baby Sleep. As a pediatric sleep consultant and mom of four, I’ve learned a lot from both my personal experience as well as my expert training that can help you learn how to create healthy sleep patterns and habits for your baby—starting as soon as day 1 home from the hospital and without any crying. Sweet dreams to you and your baby!