A sleep sack or sleep bag wraps your baby in safe comfort when it's time to rest, but how many do you need? One is likely too few, especially if it gets dirty or is left at the grandparents' house.
Several factors, such as TOG rating, fabric, and style, must be considered to figure out how many sleep sacks your little bubs needs. Below, you'll find answers to your questions about the number of sleep sacks you should plan for.
What Is A Sleep Sack?
A sleep sack is a single-piece wearable blanket with a cozy sleeping bag on the bottom and an opening for your baby's head and arms on top. While sleep sacks are darn cute, their primary design is to keep your little one snug and sleeping safely so you have peace of mind through the night.
Instead of traditional loose blankets, sleep sacks move with your little one, even with the most active sleepers. As a wearable blanket, it keeps your little love at just the right temperature (because they can't kick it off). It also reduces the risk of suffocation that comes with loose blankets and young babies. To find out more, read our article, What are baby sleep sacks?
Do Babies Always Need A Sleep Sack?
Babies don't always need a sleep sack, but they can offer several benefits to little ones who use them. Many parents say that their babies tend to sleep better in a sleep sack. It may have to do with the comfort when they feel secure and contained, making sleep sacks a valuable part of bedtime routines.
Babies can start wearing sleep sacks immediately if you provide them with the appropriate size. You can send your precious newborn to dreamland in a Swaddle Sleep Bag from their first night onward. As they grow, babies can transition to regular Sleep Bags and wear them blissfully until they start toddling around. At that point, a Footed Sleep Bag or sleep suit has pant legs to keep them safe and prevent trips as they climb, run, or play before bed.
Do Babies Sleep Better In Sleep Sacks?
Yes, many babies find comfort and security in sleep sacks, which can contribute to better sleep quality. The snug fit of a sleep sack mimics the feeling of being swaddled, helping babies feel secure and promoting longer, more restful sleep.
Additionally, if you provide your little love with the perfect TOG rating, they'll stay at just the right temperature as they snooze. Babies who are too warm or cold during sleep may become fussy and wake through the night.
Are Sleep Sacks For Naps Or Just Bedtime?
You can put your little bub in their sleep sack for naps and bedtime. Consistently using them helps establish a comforting sleep routine and signals it's time to wind down and get some rest.
If there are temperature differences during daytime naps and nighttime sleep, you may use sleep sacks with different TOG ratings and different fabrics or opt for a long-sleeve, partial-sleeve, or sleeveless design.
Do Babies Need Sleep Sacks In Summer?
While it's tempting to forgo sleep sacks in warmer months, sleeping in one all year round helps you stick to your bedtime routine. However, you'll need to get your little one a sleep sack made for warmer weather. Sleep sacks with low-TOG, lightweight, and breathable options are available for summer use.
Some amazing sleep sack fabrics for warmer weather are cotton, bamboo, or super lightweight bamboo silk. These keep your baby comfortable without overheating, making sleep sacks a year-round sleep solution. Find the benefits of these fabrics here.
How Long Do Babies Need Sleep Sacks?
There is no hard and fast rule about how long babies need to use sleep sacks, as it varies from child to child. Most babies continue to benefit from sleep sacks until they can comfortably regulate their body temperature and safely sleep without the risk of getting tangled in blankets.
The Sleep Foundation says babies can transition to loose blankets after 12 months old. However, many parents opt to transition to sleep suits instead of loose blankets to continue enjoying all the perks that sleep bags offer but are designed for babies that are now on the move.
How Many Sleep Sacks Do Newborns Need?
Newborns are prone to frequent messes and accidents, often requiring multiple sleep sacks. Having at least two or three at home ensures you have a clean one ready when needed—and it's a good idea to keep a spare in your diaper bag for naps on the go.
However, as your little bub grows, you may find it beneficial to have multiple sleep sacks of different fabrics and TOG ratings to accommodate changes in temperature and washing frequency.
Can I Put Two Sleep Sacks On A Baby?
When you're cold in bed, putting a spare blanket on your bed makes sense, but that's not the case for sleep sacks. While doubling up on sleep sacks might seem like a solution for extra warmth, it's not recommended. Multiple layers can lead to overheating and discomfort for your baby (and increase the difficulty of late-night diaper changes).
Instead, dress your little cutie for bed in a cozy sleeper, put them in a sleep sack appropriate for the current room temperature, or adjust the thermostat if needed.
How Often Should You Change A Baby Sleep Sack?
Regularly changing your baby's sleep sack is essential, especially if the weather changes or they have a growth spurt.
At a minimum, you should plan to change a baby sleep sack with seasonal shifts—use higher TOG ratings for cold weather and lower TOG ratings when things warm up.
Changing a baby sleep sack also relies on the right fit. Your baby should fit their sleep sack with just a little room to grow; the wrong fit can be uncomfortable or hazardous for your little love. Check a manufacturer's size and weight guide to select a sleep sack for your little one confidently. Like the story about Goldilocks, you want one that is not too tight or loose; it should be just right.
How Often Do You Need To Wash Your Baby's Sleep Sack?
Think about sleep sacks like you do your own bedding—you should wash them at least once a week. However, with babies, you will likely wash a sleep sack much more frequently due to diaper leaks, spit-up, or other spills.
With how often babies soil themselves, it makes an excellent case to have backup sleep sacks in case one or two are in the laundry hamper.
How Many Sleep Sacks Should You Put On Your Baby Registry?
When creating your baby registry, consider adding three to six sleep sacks in various sizes, TOG ratings, and fabrics to accommodate different seasons and your baby's growth stages. Registering for multiple sleep sacks helps prepare you for any situation and provides flexibility in your baby's sleepwear options.
Baby Sleep Sacks: The More the Merrier!
Multiple sleep sacks ensure your baby stays comfortable and safe when it's time for a snooze. Whether you have one sleep sack in the wash or left one in the car, you'll still have other options for your little one's bedtime routine.
Want to create your registry? Shop our baby sleep bags.