Sleeping bags are a must for many families! They help you fall asleep and stay asleep and keep you warm all night. Using a sleeping bag eliminates the need for blankets in the cot, making it a great option for naps as well as at night. Sleeping bags are very similar to diapers, and some even work as a great transition from diapers. The best sleeping bag on the market will help your baby sleep longer and hopefully get a little more rest too.
The best sleeping bag for babies and how it’s different from swaddling
What is the difference between a diaper and a baby sleeping bag?
Traditionally, babies are swaddled, which means they are wrapped tightly in a blanket to calm them down. A swaddle can be done with almost any blanket and there is a proper technique for the sheet to stay in place and be comfortable for the baby. Swaddles are typically used by the newborn up to 3 months old, which is exactly when the baby begins to break out of the swaddle.
Questions about your baby’s need for sleep? Check out our Baby Sleep Chart – a guide to everything your baby’s sleeping needs need to know.
Sleeping bags make learning a changing technique superfluous, as they can usually only be closed with a zipper or Velcro. Styles vary, but basically it’s like a portable sleeping bag that keeps babies warm and cozy without having to wrap them in blankets. It’s a safer alternative to loose blankets. And if you can’t swaddle safely anymore because your baby is turning over, you can use a sleeping bag with open arms instead.
Wrap
- Lengthen the feeling of the uterus
- Promotes sleep
- Get some rest
- Reduces the startle reflex
- Used in newborns up to 3 months
- Should stop using as soon as the baby can turn around
- Can’t change diaper without taking it off
Sleeping bag
- Promotes sleep
- Get some rest
- Reduces the startle reflex
- Safe alternative to blankets for the cot
- Ideal when the baby is growing out of the swaddle
- Swaddle alternative
- Most allow diaper changes while wearing them
- does not restrict the natural hip movement
Traditional baby sleeping bags
HALO sleeping bag – the original
The HALO sleeping bag is the original “portable blanket” and is one of the best sleeping bag options on the market. This sleeping bag has a wide neck with a tank top that can be worn over your baby’s usual sleeping clothes. This will keep your baby from getting too warm and give his arms freedom of movement. The wide bottom also gives the baby full freedom of movement in the hips.
One of my favorite things is that the reverse zipper makes it easy to change diapers during the night.
Halo offers different options depending on your baby’s age:
Carter’s baby microfleece sleeping bag
Some sleeping bags have the traditional long-sleeved onesie style, such as the Carter’s microfleece sleeping bag. The fabric is soft, warm and comes in several sizes and patterns. The long sleeves keep your baby warmer than a tank top-style sleeping bag. Features include a long front zip that makes changing diapers easier, and the top button placket keeps the baby comfortable. The hips allow freedom of movement and the arms are free when rolling over. This is a great choice for those looking for something styled like traditional baby one piece pajamas but incorporating the sleeping bag style of a sleeping bag.
Nested Bean Zen Sack (A great weighted baby sack Opportunity!)
The Nested Bean Zen Sack offers a unique take on the traditional sleeping bag by adding a weighted component on the chest. The weight is supposed to create a comfortable pressure, similar to the parent’s hand, which is supposed to help the baby sleep more soundly. The top of the tank top has two sets of buttons for adjusting the size and making it easy to put on and take off. The lower part has a zipper along the lower edge that can be opened to easily accommodate a diaper change or baby getting dressed. Made from 100% cotton, this is also a more breathable or lighter weight alternative to microfleece, and with multiple designs there is an option to choose a fun print. Check the current prices here!
You can check out all of the Nested Beans different sleeping bags here!
Dreamland Baby Dream weighted sleeping bag
*Rookie Mom Squad Reviewed by Gabriela!
I was so excited to try this Dreamland sleeping bag and see the difference in my baby’s sleep! The Dreamland sleeping bag is weighted at the front, which provides comfort and helps babies relax faster and fall asleep more gently.
I like that the weight in this sack is evenly distributed in small pockets on the front as it seems to offer comfort not just in one place but everywhere. After just one application, I was able to find that my baby was able to fall asleep more independently than in the conventional sleeping bag we had used.
This sleeping bag is available in 3 different sizes; 0-6 months, 6-12 months and 12-24 months offers your baby comfort from newborns to toddlers.
These swaddles help parents and babies get the most out of their sleep, well worth the investment!
Grab one for your baby here!
Swaddle sleeping bag hybrids
In order to save time and increase comfort, there are currently several hybrid options for changing sleeping bags on the market. These products combine the benefits of a wrap and the structure of a sleeping bag to offer the benefits of both styles.
Love to dream, swaddle up
Similar to a conventional sleeping bag, the Love to Dream Swaddle Up combines the advantages of a swaddle bag with the comfort and safety of a sleeping bag. The design allows your baby to sleep in the position with their arms raised, while the sleeping bag bottom has plenty of room for hip movement. The front zip makes it easy to put on and take off and the cotton material is breathable yet warm. Ideal for babies 3 to 6 months old before they can turn around on their own, this option is a great mix of a swaddle and a sleeping bag. Check it out here!
HALO sleeping bag Swaddle
The HALO Sleep Sack Swaddle is another great hybrid due to its 3-in-1 functionality. This sleeping bag offers sleeping positions with arms drawn in, arms outstretched, or a mixture of both to accommodate your baby’s favorite position. Like all styles of the HALO sleeping bag, it offers plenty of space on the hips, an inverted zipper and breathable material.
Check out how to use the Halo SleepSack Wrap here.
This is great for younger babies to help ease the transition to a full sleeping bag as they grow. Check the current prices here!
frequently asked Questions
When should babies stop wearing sleeping bags?
There is no set age at which you will no longer need to use the sleeping bag, but there will come a point where your child will no longer fit the largest size available. You should make sure that your baby has complete arm movement in the sleeping bag once he learns to turn around as well.
Which sleeping bags are the best for winter?
The HALO fleece sleeping bag is a great option for winter.
How do I choose a sleeping bag?
There are a few different factors to consider such as the range of ages the sleeping bag can carry, the price, the material (depending on whether your weather is warm or cold), and the size.
Do you have any further questions about baby sleeping bags? Ask in the comments below or on our Rookie Moms Facebook group!
You could also enjoy:
When to start sleep training – baby sleep tips for new mothers
5 tips for dealing with a toddler who won’t stay in bed! – 18 months of sleep regression
Swaddle Transition – 4 Easy Steps to Transitioning from Swaddling!
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