Let's start off with why we use a sleepsack and how they came to be. The main job of the sleepsack is to be your baby or toddler's blanket. A sleepsack is wearable compared to a blanket that can cover their head or fall off the moment they roll around. Since the AAP recommends no blankets for babies, a sleepsack provides warmth and coziness without the safety risk!
How do I choose a sleepsack?
There are millions of sleepsacks on the market. The important qualities to note while shopping for one are: 1. TOG or weight of sleepsack 2. Fabric and 3. Fit.
TOG or weight of the sleepsack fabric is important because you should select the appropriate fabric weight for the temperature of your baby's room. A warmer room needs a lighter TOG (0.5-1) versus a cooler room needs a heavier TOG (1.5-2.6). If your baby wakes and is warm or sweaty, you should use a lighter option.
The fabric will vary from wool to bamboo/rayon to cotton. Merino wool sleepsacks will be more expensive but of higher quality. Merino wool also has temperature-regulating properties, so you do not need to pick a TOG. If your baby is warm and sweaty, the Merino wool will naturally wick sweat. If your baby is cold, it will help insulate them. Cotton and rayon sacks may be layered or filled between layers to make them heavier or lighter TOG.
The fit is important for your baby's comfort and safety. A sleepsack is one of those items we do not want to buy in the next larger size for them to "grow into". We want to be sure the neck is fitted so it cannot travel above their mouth or off their shoulder. We also want to be sure the length is not too long or they may be tangled in it while rolling around.
The Best Sleepsacks:
I've used ALOT of sleepsacks as a mom and as a curious sleep consultant. I am going to share my favorites and why I love them so you can pick the best one for your little one.
1. Gunamuna: I found this brand for my 2nd daughter and I think they are my all-time favorite. They are SO soft and cozy, you can't have a bad night of sleep in these :) I really love the long-sleeved sleep bag option because it makes them feel so cozy all over, truly like wearing a blanket. I also love the transitional swaddle because it has sleeves to help them ease from a swaddle to arms free.
Features:
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Price: $60-75
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All ages newborn swaddle to toddler sleep bags.
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Roomier in legs and width, may be too short if your child is really long.
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Great option if you keep your room on the cooler side (<72F)
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Con: size ranges are large so it may be big at first
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My pick for the coziest sleepsack
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2. Baby In Merino: Baby in Merino sleepsacks are the best quality you are going to find. They are made of high-quality merino wool. Merino wool is amazing for sleep! It has temperature-regulating properties, which are super important and play a huge part in how our bodies sleep. These sleepsacks are also walker sleepsacks, so they are awesome for your toddlers! They are also handmade by a small women-owned business, so I love that.
Features:
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- Price: $85-125
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Walker sleepsacks for mobile toddlers. This means they can even wear it once they transition to a bed.
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Natural sleep-regulating properties
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High quality that will last years
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Con: washing is a bit tricky
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littlepeachsleep15 will save you 15% off
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My pick for the highest quality sleepsack
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3. Dreamland Baby: I do recommend Dreamland Baby's NON-weighted sleepsack. It has a great fit and is lighter weight, so a great option for those warmer babies or if you keep your home above 72F at night. I use this sleepsack during naptime for my baby because she tends to run warm at that time, and it is a great quality sleepsack!
Features:
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Price: $55
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Great fit! This is what wins me over on this sleepsack.
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Lightweight
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Con: pricy for a basic lightweight sleepsack
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My pick for the best basic sleepsack
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I hope this was helpful in your search for picking the best sleepsack for your little one. Happy Sleeping!
-Nichole