Best Sleep Sacks & Swaddles For Newborns (2024)
Author: Francesca, Founder and CEO, EasyTot
Swaddling is a time-honored practice that has been used for centuries to help soothe and comfort newborns. One of the primary reasons swaddling is so effective is its ability to mitigate the startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex, which is common in newborns. This reflex is an involuntary response triggered by sudden movements or changes in position, causing the baby to fling their arms outwards and sometimes wake themselves up. By snugly wrapping the baby in a swaddle, their natural startle reflex is gently contained, providing a sense of security and preventing unnecessary disturbances to their sleep.
Before the advent of specialized sleep sacks, muslin swaddle blankets were the go-to choice for parents seeking to provide their newborns with a sense of security and comfort. Measuring around 50x50 inches, these versatile blankets offer ample room for swaddling and can be used in various ways beyond bedtime, such as for nursing covers or stroller blankets. However, swaddling properly is actually difficult and if not done properly this type of swaddle will come loose as the baby moves, making it more likely that your little bundle will wake up.
To help parents navigate this challenge, swaddle sleep sacks offer a more secure and practical solution. Over the years, these swaddles have evolved to include thoughtful features like easy-access openings for diaper changes and designs that promote healthy hip development. Our favorite is the embe sleep swaddle, which comes in a leg free version perfect for the warmer months and easy diaper changes.
As babies grow and develop, the startle reflex typically diminishes around 4 to 6 months of age, coinciding with the time when many babies begin to outgrow the need for swaddling and transition to more freedom of movement during sleep.
Transitional swaddles offer the perfect solution, providing the snugness of a swaddle while allowing for greater freedom of movement. These innovative sleep solutions often feature adjustable designs that can be gradually transitioned from a fully swaddled position to an arms-out or hands-to-face configuration, helping babies transition to sleeping without a swaddle more smoothly.
By 6-12 months, we recommend regular sleep sacks which offer freedom of movement while still keeping the baby cozy and warm throughout the night.
Weighted sleep sacks have gained popularity for their ability to provide a gentle, calming pressure that mimics the feeling of being held. This can help soothe fussy babies and promote deeper, more restful sleep. In June 2023 the American Association for Pediatrics issued a statement cautioning against the use of weighted sleep sacks as studies showed that too much weight on the baby chest can reduce blood oxygen. The question that remains is how much weight, if any, is still safe, and how is the effect dependent on the baby age.
What Materials For Sleep Sacks and Swaddles?
The material of a sleep sack plays a crucial role in its comfort, breathability, and durability. Here are some common materials used in sleep sacks:
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Bamboo: Bamboo fabric is known for its softness and breathability, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It's also naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, keeping your baby cool and comfortable all night long. Bamboo is also prized for being environmentally friendly due to its biodegradable nature (J. Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management Vol. 6 No. 2 (2009)).
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Cotton: Cotton sleep sacks are a popular choice for their durability and easy care. They're soft, breathable, and suitable for all seasons, providing warmth in the winter and keeping babies cool in the summer.
NellapimaBasket Weave Quilted Baby SackSale price$64.00 
NellapimaBasket Weave Baby SackSale price$60.00 -
Muslin: Muslin is a lightweight and breathable fabric that becomes softer with each wash. It's perfect for swaddle sleep sacks, offering a gentle cocoon-like feel that helps babies feel secure without overheating.
Bebe au LaitJungle Classic Muslin Bedtime SleeperSale price$32.00 
Bebe au LaitRainforest Classic Muslin Bedtime SleeperSale price$32.00 
Bebe au LaitWyoming Classic Muslin Bedtime SleeperSale price$32.00 
Bebe au LaitLeaves Bedtime SleeperSale price$32.00 
Bebe au LaitPink Leaves Bedtime SleeperSale price$32.00 -
Pima Cotton: Pima cotton is a premium cotton known for its exceptional softness and durability. Sleep sacks made from Pima cotton are luxuriously soft against the baby's skin, making them a top choice for parents who prioritize luxury and fabric durability.
NellapimaMilano Baby Quilted SackSale price$64.00 
NellapimaPink Bubble Zipper SackSale price$64.00
NellapimaBasket Weave Quilted Baby SackSale price$64.00
NellapimaBasket Weave Baby SackSale price$60.00
Prints and Designs
Sleep sacks come in a variety of prints and designs to suit every style and preference. From adorable animal prints to classic stripes and modern patterns, there's something for everyone. If you love to keep your baby in an impeccable style, we suggest to coordinate sleep sack with footie and crib sheets. Your little bundle will look adorable and you will cherish these memories forever as you snap pictures. Most brands offer coordinating styles:
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