Sleep Sack vs Swaddle: What's the Difference and Which is Right For Your Newborn Baby?

Sleep Sack vs Swaddle: What's the Difference and Which is Right For Your Newborn Baby?

Struggling to choose between a sleep sack vs swaddle? You've come to the right place. We'll demystify the topic and help you decide which weighted sleepwear makes the most sense for your child in their current developmental stage and age.

Both a sleep sack and a sleep swaddle are safe and effective sleepwear options for baby, and chances are, you'll use both - just at different times. Swaddles are like your parenthood superpower in the early stages of development, but eventually, they pose a risk of SIDS - or sudden infant death syndrome.

At that point, you'll need to transition to a sleep sack, which grants your child a bit more freedom of movement so they don't suffocate if they accidentally roll over.

When you’re suiting baby up for bedtime there are a few crucial elements to consider. There are some straightforward factors, like age, but also be sure to pay attention to the less concrete things like how your baby responds to their sleepwear.

We’re going to cover the main factors to keep in mind when evaluating your little one’s sleepwear options, so both of you can sleep soundly. But first, let’s look at the difference between swaddle and sleep sack.

What’s the Difference Between Swaddle and Sleep Sack?

Before we can help you decide between a swaddle vs sleep sack, it's important that you have a thorough understanding of what each of these types of sleepwear entails and the role they play in your newborn bedtime routine.

The key difference is that a sleep sack is a more relaxed fit and normally has baby’s arms free, and the sleep swaddle holds all of baby’s limbs snug to their body for a more controlled fit.

What is a Sleep Swaddle?

A sleep swaddle is a thin blanket that wraps around your baby so that their limbs are snug and supported. The benefit of a swaddle is that it reduces the effects of an infant's natural moro reflex, so they don’t startle awake as much during the night. 

There are other types of swaddles, too, but we'll cover those later on along with some swaddling techniques. For now, let's introduce the other side of this coin: sleep sacks.

What is a Sleep Sack?

A baby sleep sack is a wearable blanket that is usually arms-free but keeps the lower limbs snug while sleeping.

Since the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests not having blankets in your infant’s crib or sleep space, to reduce the risk of SIDS, sleep sacks are a great option to keep baby safe and warm all night long.

The Zen Weighted Sleep Sack is also reversible for baby’s who can roll over autonomously and prefer tummy sleeping. 

Which is Right for My Baby: Sleep Sack vs Swaddle?

Now that you know the difference between swaddles and sleep sacks, let's get into what you came here for today: choosing one or the other for your child.

There are a few major factors to consider when deciding whether a sleep sack vs swaddle is the right sleepwear for your baby: age, developmental stage, and certain cues.

Your Baby's Age

On almost all baby sleepwear, there will be an age range that is best suited for that product. Generally, swaddles are age-appropriate for infants between zero and six months old, but be sure to check the age recommendations for each particular product.

Developmental Stage

Your baby’s developmental stage should also be taken into consideration when choosing their sleepwear. If they are still experiencing strong moro reflex then a swaddle is likely the best option, so their sleep is less likely to be disturbed by startling themselves awake.

But if moro reflex is less prevalent in your baby, they have started to roll over on their own, and they prefer tummy sleeping, it’s probably time to transition into a sleep sack! This is something you can learn more about in our guide on when to stop swaddling baby.

Cues to Watch For

Your baby will let you know what they feel more comfortable in. If they prefer one over the other it will probably be reflected in how they react when you dress them for bed or how well they sleep at night. If your little one is within the safe age, weight, and developmental stage range for the product that they seem to prefer, stick with that one!

Quick Guide to Choosing Between a Swaddle vs Sleep Sack

Most of the time, choosing between a swaddle vs sleep sack is as simple as looking at your child's development stage. How old are they? Has their startle reflex vanished? Are they trying to break free from the swaddle? These questions can help you determine whether you need a swaddle blanket or sleep sack.

What Sleepwear is Best for Newborns?

Newborns have a heightened moro reflex, so it’s pivotal that their sleepwear tucks their arms and legs close to their body to reduce startle wake-ups. That is why a swaddle is best for the newborn stage up until the 2-4 month mark.

What Sleepwear is Best for Babies Who Can Roll Over?

A sleep sack is best for babies who can roll over because they need arms out to maneuver their body weight and autonomously roll. Be sure to choose a sleeve-free sleep sack, like the Zen Sack, if your baby is a tummy sleeper or likes to roll in their sleep. Learn more about when babies start rolling over in our blog.

Transition Tips: From Swaddle to Sleep Sack

As your little one grows and develops, there will come a time to transition from a swaddle to a sleep sack. This can be a significant change in your baby's bedtime routine, but rest assured, it's a normal and necessary part of their developmental journey. Here are some useful tips to help you and your baby navigate this transition smoothly:

Recognize the Signs: The first step in transitioning is knowing when it's time to do so. If your baby starts to show signs of rolling over, if they frequently break free from the swaddle, or if they seem uncomfortable or restless, it might be time to consider making the switch to a sleep sack.

Start Gradually: A gradual transition can be less disruptive for your baby. Start by leaving one arm out of the swaddle, so your baby gets used to having a bit more freedom. After a few days, you can leave the other arm out too. Eventually, your baby will be comfortable sleeping with both arms free, and that's when you can introduce the sleep sack.

Choose the Right Sleep Sack: When you choose a sleep sack, make sure it's the right size for your baby, and consider the room temperature and the fabric of the sleep sack. If your baby has grown accustomed to the weight and feel of the swaddle, consider a weighted sleep sack like the Zen Sack to provide a similar sense of security and comfort.

Consistency is Key: Keep the rest of your baby's bedtime routine consistent during this transition phase. This could include a bath, feeding, reading a book, or playing soft music. The familiar routine will provide a sense of comfort and stability amidst the changes.

Be Patient: Every baby is different, so remember that it's okay if your baby takes a little longer to adjust. Be patient, give your baby time to get used to the new sleepwear, and reassure them with your presence and comfort.

Transitions are never easy, but with a little patience, consistency, and the right tools, you can help your baby embrace this new stage of development with ease.  

When in Doubt, Reach Out!

Ultimately, choosing between a sleep sack vs swaddle shouldn't be stressful. We're here to help you make the right choice if you're still not certain whether you need a swaddle blanket or sleep sack.  

Bringing Our Comparison Guide on Swaddle vs Sleep Sack to a Close

In conclusion, the decision between a swaddle or sleep sack isn't a crossroads; rather, it's a transition along the path of your child's growth.  

Whether you choose a swaddle vs sleep sack, you can learn more tips on how to get a newborn to sleep in our blog. We have guides on how to swaddle a baby, newborn sleep training, baby sleep milestones, how to transition baby to crib, how to help a teething baby sleep, signs of sleep regression, and a whole lot more.

Remember, it's not about choosing one over the other, but understanding when and why to use each product that makes the difference in your baby's sleep quality. It's about matching their developmental stages with the perfect sleepwear solution.

With our range of Zen Sleepwear, you can be confident that your baby is experiencing comfortable, uninterrupted comfort no matter their age or sleep style. When you're ready, let's help your baby embrace the dreams they deserve

when to use which? — Midnight Mama Sleep Consulting

I sent out this exact question to past clients and to my email list and I got a variety of responses that I would love to share with you!

Firstly - what is swaddling? Swaddling is when you tightly wrap your baby up in either a blanket or an actual “swaddle.” This prevents their arms from startling them awake, and it also gives them the sensation of being held tight. This startling reflex that newborns have is called the Moro Reflex. It refers to an involuntary motor response that infants develop shortly after birth. A Moro reflex may involve the infant suddenly splaying their arms and moving their legs before bringing their arms in front of their body and waking themselves out of sleep. Swaddling can also help calm a crying baby because it mimics a similar environment to being in the womb. Your baby was in your womb and it was so tight in there, that sometimes when they’re swaddled, it can bring them back to a feeling of peace.

Swaddling is great for newborns up until 12 weeks OR they start rolling. Whichever happens first.

The reason we like to take them out of the swaddle by 12 weeks is that it can start becoming a sleep prop. Being wrapped up so tightly is unrealistic for a large, older baby, so weaning them out of the swaddle becomes necessary. Babies often try to learn new skills in the crib - making it very unsafe to swaddle past 12 weeks old as it can pose a suffocation risk if they roll onto their bellies.

How to wean them out of it? For some, you can do it cold turkey. For others, leaving one arm out for 2 nights, then letting the other arm out but still swaddling their tummy tight for 2 nights, and then ditching the swaddle completely can be very helpful.

82% of parents I asked said that they swaddled their babies from day 1. Some lasting only 2 weeks, but some keeping their babies in the swaddle until around 6 months old when they started to roll.

Some of their favourite swaddles included:

Woombie

Halo

Muslin Blankets by Lulujo and Aden & Anais

Sleep Sacks are another option all together. A sleep sack is similar to a sleeping bag that is attached to your child and it allows their arms to be free. Typically sleep sacks don’t have sleeves (although some do), and they are very freeing for a child who doesn’t like to be wrapped up tight. They are also very versatile and I highly recommend using a sleep sack until your child transitions out of the crib at age 3. Some infants use sleep sacks from the start and completely skip the swaddling phase. Others transition to the sleep sack after spending some time (3 months) in a swaddle.

94% of the parents I asked said that they use a sleep sack for their child. The other 6% said that they switched over to blankets instead.

So what is the benefit of a sleep sack?

They keep your baby contained. When toddlers start testing boundaries and start exploring escape routes from their cribs, a sleep sack can be your best friend since it keeps their legs zipped up.

They can regulate your child’s temperature. Often times (especially in winter), our rooms are colder than we have our thermostat set to. This can be from a poor distribution of air in your home, having outer facing walls, and can also do with how much sunlight comes into the room during the day. A sleep sack can help ensure that your child is staying warm all night long. They make sleep sacks past 2.6 TOG (which is good for 15-16 degrees Celsius). This means that when your child is wearing it with pjs, you can be sure that they won’t be cold at night.

They becoming a cueing mechanism for your child to signal that bed time is near. When your baby sees their sleep sack, they know that either:
A) It’s naptime
B) It’s bedtime
It’s really cool to see how perceptive your child is especially when it comes to parts of their bedtime routine. I highly recommend using the sleep sack for all sleep situations - when possible.

Some of the top sleep sack brands that were recommended include:

Halo Sleep Sack

Perlimpinpin

Woolino

Grobag

Personally, my top 2 favourite sleep sack brands for my son were Woolino and Perlimpinpin. I found Woolino to be very soft and I loved that it was merino wool. BUT, I found Perlimpinpin to be a longer sack, therefor fitting my tall son, longer. They also have a variety of fabric options and I love their Plush and Bamboo Cotton the best.

All in all, using a swaddle or a sleep sack is a personal decision, but one that I do highly recommend! The pros outweigh the cons and they become comforting items for your child to associate with bedtime. My almost 3-year old always picks out his sleep sack and helps zip it up every night. We even use a sleep sack in the hot summer months, we just dress him in lighter pjs going to bed. We have even put him in a sleep sack with just a diaper on before (while in Hawaii).

Which One Should You Get For Your Baby?

Sleep Sacks vs. Swaddles – The Difference

The most obvious difference is that a swaddle is a blanket meant to entirely wrap the baby and restrict the movement of the arms and legs, while a sleep sack goes beyond a simple blanket. You could think of it like a pair of pajamas without legs. Instead, you put your little one in a bag with a zippered front and either sleeves or armholes.

Swaddles are meant for newborns and infants, but they shouldn’t be used after a baby can roll over on her own. The reason is that the restricted limb movement means that your child could suffocate if she/he rolls on the tummy.

Sleep sacks can be used up until toddler age (or even later). They allow the child to move their arms freely, though their legs are still somewhat confined.

There are also hybridized models. For example, there are swaddles that make it a breeze to re-wrap to allow the arms to be free. And, some versions have flaps that can be used to wrap your child’s arms.

How to Choose

Size

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.

Comfort

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.

Ease of Use

Middle-of-the-night diaper changes may make you reconsider the merits of swaddling your baby from scratch with a blanket. If you have an extra wiggly baby, then you may want something that’s easy to use. Many swaddle blankets have Velcro closures and guides to make swaddling in the dark an easier task.

And when it comes to sleep sacks, all you have to do is place your little one inside and zip from bottom to top.

Style

There are dozens, if not hundreds of patterns to choose from. Opt for plain to match everything or reflect your personality and style with adorable patterns like unicorns, rainbows, or sophisticated abstract prints. Many brands come in packs of three, so you have plenty of options to choose from.

Safety

As a parent, your top concern is safety. Whichever blanket style or material you choose, always make sure that your little one can breathe.

If they’re of rolling age, they should not have their arms confined in any way. And, of course, feel your baby’s skin at regular intervals to make sure they’re not too hot or cold.

As your little one grows beyond a couple of months of age, also check to make sure that their legs aren’t too tightly confined, which can cause hip dysplasia. Their legs and hips should be free to open up naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for newborns?

For newborns, a swaddle is likely to be your best bet. These most closely simulate the womb and keep the sleep-disrupting Moro reflex at bay.

Here’s a fun fact for you: according to author Dr. Harvey Kemp, babies actually need a fourth trimester in the womb. The only reason they don’t stay longer is that their head would grow too large to exit the birth canal. Therefore, simulating the womb as much as possible during the first three months of your newborn’s life should make their transition easier.

How to use swaddle blankets?

The swaddling procedure can seem intimidating, but it’s not hard to perfect your baby burrito-wrapping technique.

Follow along with this five-step process, and you could be a swaddling pro in no time!

Lie the blanket on a flat surface and fold in half, making a diamond shape.

Place your baby on his back with his shoulders just below the top fold. The pointed edge should be at his feet.

Gently bend your baby’s right arm and place it on his chest. Grab the right side of the blanket and pull it across the body, tucking the edge underneath. Make sure the left arm is still free.

Next, take the bottom of the blanket, fold it over his feet and tuck the edges into the top.

Now, do the same thing with the left side as you did with the right. Bend your baby’s left arm and place it against his chest. Take the other side of the blanket, pull it across, and tuck in the edge. You did it!

Make sure that your baby’s hips can move and that the blanket isn’t too tight. Ideally, you want to be able to place two to three fingers between baby’s chest and the blanket.

*Swaddling can also be done with the arms straight by the side instead of bent.

Are sleep sacks safe for babies who can roll over?

Yes, they are, but with one caveat. Make sure that your baby’s arms are free, so they can maneuver themselves if they need to. Also, there shouldn’t be excess blankets, stuffed animals, or other items around that can pose a suffocation hazard.

When should babies stop wearing these?

The practice of swaddling should end as soon as a baby can roll over on her own. This age is different for everyone, but it typically starts around four to six months old. Some babies love to be swaddled, and you can continue to use them when your infant is 8 to 10 months old, but never leave them unsupervised or allow them to sleep in them at this age.

The sacks can be worn longer, and some parents even use them on their toddlers. As long as their feet and torso aren’t too warm, you can use the sacks for as long as your baby loves to wear it.

Is it safe for baby to sleep on tummy in a sleep sack?

The general recommendation is that babies should continue sleeping on their backs until they are able to roll over on their own. Even after this point, it is advised that parents continue to put their infant to sleep on their back and then if they roll over during the night on their own, this is fine. Allowing your child to sleep on their back as long as possible can help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

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