Did you know that donations to Foundation for Woman’s support many critical programs and services at Woman’s Hospital? For example, as part of our Safe Sleep initiative, the Foundation for Woman’s sends every mom home with a sleep sack for their newborn along with safe sleep literature.

Sleep sacks are wearable blankets that keep babies safe, warm, and cozy throughout the night. Designed to look like a sleeveless pouch, sleep sacks leave the baby’s head, neck, and arms uncovered while providing a large pouch for leg movement. Sleep sacks are a safer alternative to blankets since they reduce the risk of suffocation and regulate your baby’s body temperature while they sleep. They also support consistent sleep habits, which are essential for your baby’s growth and development. 

What are the benefits of using a sleep sack?

There are several benefits of using a sleep sack, including: 

• Safety – the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes sleep sacks as the safest bedding option. Unlike blankets, which are a suffocation hazard, sleep sacks keep your baby secure and snug.  
• Reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – The AAP says sleep sacks reduce the risk of SIDS since they leave the baby’s arms free. For babies who can roll over, they can use their arms to push themselves back onto their backs.  
• Temperature regulation – Sleep sacks regulate your baby’s body temperature, which prevents them from getting too hot or too cold in the middle of the night. Overheating can lead to SIDS, so temperature regulation is essential to safe sleep. 
• Improved sleep patterns – Sleep sacks help create a consistent routine for your baby, which can help them fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.  
• Freedom and movement – Traditional sleep sacks keep the baby’s arms outside, which allows them to move their arms freely. Babies can also kick and move their feet within the sack. 
• Easy to use – Many parents love sleep sacks due to their convenient user-friendly zippers or snaps. Unlike fitted nightwear, sleep sacks slip on and secure around the legs, making diaper changes easier and less disruptive. 

How is a sleep sack different from swaddling?

Some people confuse sleep sacks for swaddling, but there are several differences that set them apart from each other: 

 When should I start using a sleep sack?

Some parents use a sleep sack from birth. Other parents decide to start with swaddling and then transition into a sleep sack once their baby shows signs of needing a change. These signs include trying to roll over, kicking the swaddle off, or resisting the swaddle altogether, and they usually occur around 3 to 4 months of age. If you choose to swaddle before using a sleep sack, make sure you discontinue swaddling once your baby shows any of the above signs.

When should I transition my baby out of the sleep sack?

Although the AAP recommends introducing blankets and other loose bedding after 12 months of age, there is no set age when babies should transition out of a sleep sack. If your child tries kicking out of the sack or they become restless, they might be ready to forgo their sleep sack. Many children transition naturally once they start using blankets, but others enjoy the sense of security a sleep sack offers. As long as your baby is safe and comfortable with a regulated body temperature, there is no need to rush them out of their sleep sack. For more information about Safe Sleep, visit womans.org/SafeSleep.

The Foundation for Woman’s has been able to provide more than 4,000 families with sleep sacks and the education of how to create safe sleep routines at home. By donating to Foundation for Woman’s, you’re not just helping us provide families with a sleep sack – you’re giving families comfort, confidence, and safety. To learn more or support similar life-changing efforts, visit https://www.womans.org/foundation/make-a-gift.