The 12 Best Sleep Sacks for Sweet Dreams

It’s natural to want to wrap baby up for bed, but putting a blanket in an infant’s crib before their first birthday is a big safety no-no. But that doesn’t mean your little one has to be cold at night or during naps. A sleep sack is a safe alternative to loose bedding. Like a swaddle, a sleep sack safely restricts baby’s legs (and sometimes arms) to keep them in a cozy cocoon all night long.

Better yet, these wearable blankets come in a variety of seasonal fabrics and fun patterns. Not sure what to look for? Here, you’ll find a breakdown of the different options and a list of top-rated brands, plus the best sleep sacks for every stage of development.

What Is a Sleep Sack?

A sleep sack is essentially a wearable blanket for baby. Sleep sacks are great for newborns who fight the swaddle and older babies that have graduated beyond the burrito stage. What’s more, wearable blankets can help regulate baby’s temperature and prevent overheating.

Are sleep sacks safe?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infants should be dressed in warm pajamas or a sleep sack, and placed in a sleep space free of any loose bedding or soft objects. Blankets can pose a suffocation hazard and increase the risk of SIDS. While the majority of sleep sacks are safe, you should never use a weighted option. Updated sleep safety guidlines from the AAP note that weighted sleep sacks aren’t safe for infants.

When picking out a sleep sack for your little one, Jillian Thistel—a certified pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting in Ontario, Canada—reminds parents to make sure the wearable blanket fits baby comfortably. It shouldn’t be “too big or loose (which can put little ones at risk of suffocation),” she explains. Likewise, the sleep sack should be lightweight to reduce the risk of overheating and SIDS, adds Loretta Cody, MD, a board-certified pediatrician based out of Connecticut.

How long can baby use a sleep sack?

As per Thistel, “the length of time that a baby uses a sleep sack is really dependent on the individual baby;” there’s no cut-off age or timeline. Just remember to always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and your child’s weight at the time you are using a sleep sack, says Cody.

If you opt for a sleep sack that restricts baby’s arms and chest, stop using it once baby shows signs of starting to roll over (this commonly begins around the three- or four-month mark). The good news? The AAP emphasizes that sleep sacks that don’t have a swaddle effect (and allow baby to move freely) can be used well into toddlerhood.

What To Look For in a Baby Sleep Sack

Wearable blankets come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Here, a breakdown of the most common types, plus some key features to look for.

• Swaddle-style sleep sacks: This design offers an easy-to-use alternative to classic swaddles, making them great for newborns. This type of wearable blanket constricts baby’s arms, which helps curb the moro reflex (also known as the startle reflex). However, as with regular swaddling, the use of sleep sacks that compress the arms, chest and body should stop once baby shows signs of starting to roll over.
• Sleeveless sleep sacks: Another good option is a sleeveless sack, which keeps baby’s feet and body safely tucked inside the sleeping bag, but leaves their arms free to move during the night. This type is safe to use from infancy through toddlerhood, as it provides babies with increased mobility, thanks to the armholes. Rather than the wrap-around style used for swaddle sacks, sleeveless wearable blankets are generally fastened with full-length zippers, which gives you easy access for diaper changes.

Now that you’ve got a grasp on the main types of wearable blanket, here are some key considerations to keep in mind.

• TOG rating: A TOG rating is a unit of measurement that determines the thermal insulation of a garment. Essentially, the higher the TOG rating, the warmer an item is. For babies and toddlers, you’ll typically find sleepwear with a rating of 0.5 to 3.5. When choosing a sleep sack, check the manufacturer’s guidelines and opt for a TOG rating to suit your particular climate and the temperature of your child’s bedroom. No matter the season, keep in mind: Babies shouldn’t be too bundled or too warm during sleep, advises Thistel.
• Size: “Be sure to look at the size of the sleep sack (including the age, height and weight details),” says Thistel. This way, you can ensure it will fit your child properly and create a safe, comfortable sleep environment for your little one.
• Material: When choosing a baby sleep sack, try to avoid styles made from synthetic materials. Natural fabrics—like cotton, muslin and wool—are breathable, warm and gentle on sensitive skin. All in all, it should be “lightweight, comfortable and breathable,” says Thistel.
• Zippers: Well-designed sleep sacks often feature dual zippers, meaning you can change baby’s diaper without having to remove the sleep sack entirely. If your child is slightly older—and prone to attempting daring escapes from the crib—an inverted zipper (or one that runs from top-to bottom) is a good option, as it’s harder for kids to unfasten.

Where To Buy the Best Sleep Sacks

Looking for some editor-approved options? Here are a few of our favorite, tried-and-true brands, plus online stores with a wide range of baby and toddler sleep sacks.

• Halo Sleep: Over 20 years ago, Halo Sleep created the first ever wearable blanket for babies—and the brand has been going strong since. Their innovative sleep sacks can be used from birth on, and are the number one choice of infant sleepwear in 1,600 hospitals nationwide. Choose from five different styles designed to suit every stage of development up to 5 years of age.
• Woolino: Woolino is well-loved by parents—and it’s easy to see why. The brand specializes in super-soft sleep sacks, made from a blend of organic cotton and Merino wool. These snuggly sleep sacks come in a variety of soothing colors and prints, and can be worn for sweet dreams year round.
• günamüna: Looking for ultra-cozy quilted sleep sacks? Then günamüna’s designs are sure to check all of the boxes on your list, and then some. The brand offers silky soft sleep bags, complete with duvet-like lining to keep your kiddo comfy and secure. You’ll love all the cute hues and prints available—plus, these wearable blankets come in infant and toddler sizes, so you can count on this brand for years to come.
• baby deedee: This mom-owned company specializes in designing sleep sacks, pajamas and cozy outerwear for babies and tots. baby deedee’s signature sleep bags come in three sizes for newborns, babies and toddlers with a range of fabrics to suit different climates. Plus, practical features such as a patented center zipper and shoulder snaps make them a dream to use.

Best Sleep Sacks for Babies To Shop

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of sleep sacks available, check out a few of our favorite picks. From wearable blankets to sleeveless styles, here you’ll find the best baby sleep sacks for every age and stage.

How We Chose the Best Sleep Sacks for Babies

We get it—creating a safe sleep environment for baby can be overwhelming at any stage. To streamline your search for the best sleep sacks, we browsed top-rated designs from leading baby brands and trusted online retailers. This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a dependable sleep sack that will meet your child’s needs.

When sourcing baby sleep sacks for our roundup, we considered several aspects, including (but not limited to) material, sizing options, long-sleeve and sleeveless styles, TOG rating, zippers, style and cost. We read user reviews to understand how these sleep sacks have worked for families, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. What’s more, to make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we chatted with a pediatric sleep consultant and a pediatrician. This way, you’ll know what essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind when you’re shopping. We also followed the safety recommendations of the AAP, and looked for approval from the IDHI, where applicable.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

Plus, more from The Bump:

10 Ways You Can Make Sure Baby Is Sleeping Safely

The Best Baby Cribs for All Styles and Budgets

10 Best Baby Noise Machines to Soothe Your Little One