Sleep Sack vs. Swaddle: What's the Difference?

Giving your baby a bedtime as soft and soothing as a nest of blankets fresh out of the dryer is every parent’s dream. After all, getting in that shut-eye is important for your child to grow up strong and healthy, not to mention the benefits for your own sleep (and sanity). But knowing how to give your baby the best slumber isn’t always easy—and whether to choose a sleep sack vs swaddle can be a puzzle.

To put it simply, a swaddle is a type of blanket used to wrap up an infant before putting them to sleep. A sleep sack is a kind of wearable blanket.

While both can be excellent in providing warmth and comfort to your sleeping baby, there are a few more things you’ll need to consider before deciding which you should choose, whether looking for your own baby or shopping for baby gifts.

What Are Swaddles and Sleep Sacks?

Though their shapes are different, swaddles and sleep sacks have a similar purpose. They’re both intended to keep a baby warm and toasty when asleep in their crib, and both eliminate the need to use loose blankets to ward off any chills.

While loose blankets are oh-so-cozy for snuggling up on Grandma’s lap or getting in some tummy time, they can pose hazards to a sleeping baby. If the baby moves in their sleep, they could become tangled in the blanket, making it difficult to breathe.1 Thus, both kinds of infant sleepwear are important for sleep safety reasons.

When it comes to choosing one, however, sleep sacks and swaddles have some fundamental differences.

Intro to Swaddles

A swaddle is a type of baby blanket used to wrap up a baby before sleep. Swaddling is believed to provide comfort to newborns because it mimics the snug, supported feeling of being in the womb. Because a swaddle blanket limits the movement of wiggly arms and legs, they’re also said to help soothe a baby’s startle reflex, which happens when a sudden movement of their arms or legs surprises them awake.

Swaddle blankets are usually square blankets made of soft, thin cloth and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Nurses often teach new parents how to swaddle their baby while in the hospital after birth, but if you missed the lesson, don’t fret. Learning how to swaddle your baby is fairly easy, and you can choose from several wrapping techniques to find which one works best for you.

Sleep Sacks 101

If you ever had to participate in the potato sack race at your school’s field day, you can understand the basic concept of a sleeping sack—except that these are a thousand times cuter and the only race here is who can fall asleep the fastest. Like the swaddle, a sleep sack is a kind of wearable blanket, but that’s where the similarities end.

Rather than requiring you to swaddle wrap up your baby like the most adorable gift ever, a sleeping sack often has sleeves or armholes at the top. This makes it easy to slip the sleep sack on your little one at bedtime. The bottom portion of this sleepwear option is an enclosed pouch, providing plenty of comfort for little toes. A sleep sack also provides plenty of room for little feet to move around, making it a must for babies who constantly seem to be practicing for kickboxing class (in and out of the womb).

When Can You Use a Sleep Sack vs. a Swaddle?

Both swaddles and sleep sacks can provide the comfort your baby needs to glide off to sleep as smooth as a bubble at bathtime. However, there are guidelines to help you determine when it’s safe to use them, or if it might be time to switch to another option.

When to Use a Swaddle

The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, advises that swaddles can be used when:2

Your baby is still a newborn, or less than 2 months old

Your baby can’t yet roll over on their own

Your baby still has a startle reflex

According to the AAP, you should stop swaddling before your baby can roll over by themselves. Why? Because a baby who rolls over when swaddled might become trapped on their stomach, making it more difficult to breathe. A baby that’s already becoming mobile could also unravel their swaddle, making it just as dangerous as a loose blanket.

When to Use a Sleep Sack

According to the AAP, it’s safe to use a baby sleep sack instead of a swaddle at any stage. You can also switch to using a sleep sack once your baby is too old to be swaddled. Thus, you can use a sleep sack when:

Your baby is any age

Your baby is already rolling over

It’s important to note that some sleep sacks compress a baby’s arms and body just like a swaddle blanket. If this is the kind of baby sleep sack you choose, you’ll need to follow the same guidelines used for swaddles, and stop using it before your baby starts rolling over. However, as the AAP also notes, you can find plenty of sleep sacks without compression that leaves the arms free, and these can be used indefinitely.

How to Transition from Swaddles to Sleep Sacks

If your baby is already rolling over, it might be time to switch from a swaddle to a sleep sack. While you can make the switch all at once, it might make bedtime a little less restful while your little one gets used to the change.

If your baby still needs a lot of support in getting to sleep, you may want to try a more gradual and gentle approach to switching from swaddle to sleep sack. Below are two different methods to help ease them into their sweet new sleepwear.

The Little by Little Method

This method’s gradual approach allows your baby to slowly acclimate to sleeping unswaddled. To give your baby a gentle transition, follow these steps:

Swaddle your baby as usual at bedtime, but leave out one arm or one leg. Let them sleep this way for a night or two.

After your baby seems to have adjusted to their new wiggle room, leave both arms or legs unswaddled.

Repeat on subsequent nights, or until your baby can sleep with both arms and legs free of the swaddle.

You can allow your baby to sleep with the swaddle still on their torso. However, by this point, your baby may already be ready for a sleep sack.

Finally, you can start using a sleep sack as a replacement for the swaddle.

With this approach, it’s important to ensure that the swaddle is still secure and won’t unravel, even after little arms and legs are released. Remember, a loose blanket can be dangerous in your baby’s crib. If your baby’s restless arms and legs keep unraveling their swaddle, it’s time to go ahead and make the switch.

The Naptime Method

This method allows you to gradually introduce the sleep sack by using it instead of a swaddle for short periods of time. To start using the sleep sack during nap time, follow these steps:

Put your baby down to sleep during naptime, but use a sleep sack instead of a swaddle.

Once your baby sleeps well in a sleep sack during naptime, start putting them to bed in a sleep sack for at least one or two hours each night.

If your baby wakes up, you can then swaddle them instead of using the sleep sack.

Allow your baby to sleep for longer periods in the sleep sack until they are fully accustomed to it.

With this method, you might find that your baby adjusts easily to the sleep sack and doesn’t need as long of an adjustment period. If that’s the case, it’s okay to go ahead and let them sleep in it all night long.

Sleep Sack Vs. Swaddle: Which One Is Right For Your Baby

There are so many questions about sleep for your baby, and one of the biggest ones may be when to use a sleep sack vs. swaddle.

In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of sleep sacks and swaddles, their differences, and when to use each to help you make an informed decision for your little one.

What Is A Sleep Sack?

How Long Can Babies Use Sleep Sacks?

What Is A Swaddle?

Sleep Sack Vs. Swaddle For Newborns

Safe Swaddling And Sleep Sack Tips

What Is A Sleep Sack?

Sleep sacks are like cozy bodysuits made of a blanket-like material with a hole for your baby’s head and two holes for their arms.

Also called wearable blankets or blanket sleepers, these loose-fitting “sacks” allow your little one to move their legs appropriately while helping them feel secure.

Because sleep sacks don’t restrict arm movement, they are perfect for when your baby starts rolling and getting more mobile in their crib. The sleep sack moves with them and doesn’t get tangled up, ensuring a more comfortable sleep experience for your little one.

Sleep sacks are also a safer alternative to a loose blanket in the crib and can aid in the prevention of SIDS.

The American Association of Pediatrics outlines additional safe sleep guidelines, such as keeping the crib space empty with no loose objects, blankets, pillows, or toys. Only a tight-fitted sheet is approved.

That means a sleep sack could be just what you need to keep your little one safe and cozy!

How Long Can Babies Use Sleep Sacks?

When it comes to deciding on a sleep sack vs. swaddle, it’s important to note that babies can generally get more use out of sleep sacks. That’s because swaddles become unsafe once infants start to roll over.

Rolling over typically happens around four months, but the perfect time to switch into a sleep sack from a swaddle will vary from baby to baby.

Each little one develops at a different rate. And as your baby learns new skills, they will be testing them out in their beds (rolling over, crawling, pulling up).

Once you switch your baby into a sleep sack, watch for any signs of discomfort as they grow. Eventually, their legs will feel confined, and the discomfort may cause them to have trouble falling or staying asleep.

In addition, when your little one is able to get out of their crib or bed on their own, a sleep sack can make it hard and unsafe to walk. These are some great indications that it’s time to transition out of the sleep sack.

At this point, your child may be ready for a loose blanket. The AAP recommends that your little one not use a loose blanket until they are at least one year old. Otherwise, your baby is safe to wear a sleep sack as long as they want to and as long as they can fit in one.

What Is A Swaddle?

A swaddle may sound a little more familiar to you than a sleep sack. That’s because many prenatal classes teach swaddling techniques, and it is likely the first thing you will put your baby in after they’re born.

Swaddling has been around for 4,000 to 4,500 years. But in the modern age, it became popular during the early 1990s after the promotion of back sleeping for all babies.

Swaddling involves wrapping your newborn in a blanket so they feel comfortably snug with only their head outside of the blanket. It helps soothe your baby’s startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex, which is when your baby suddenly flails their arms and legs.

The Moro reflex is a normal reflex an infant has when they are startled by a loud noise or movement. This can jolt them enough to wake them from their sleep. It can occur anytime up to six months of age.

While swaddling can help your little one fall right back to sleep when this reflex occurs, as soon as they show signs that they are learning to roll over or they can already roll over, stop swaddling and consider a sleep sack instead.

How To Swaddle

Some parents are overwhelmed at the sight of a swaddle, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it. Here’s what you’ll do:

Lay the swaddle on a safe, flat surface in a diamond shape with the top corner folded down four to six inches for baby’s head.

Lay baby down on their back in the center of the swaddle with shoulders touching the top of the folded corner.

Gently hold baby’s left arm by their side with the hand near chest level and, at the same time, pull the swaddle up and over her left arm and snugly tuck under baby’s right side.

Pull the bottom corner up and tuck it into the fold across baby. Wrap the opposite corner all the way around the front, middle, and back of your baby and tuck it into the little pocket you’ve created on the front

Remember, practice makes perfect!

Sleep Sack Vs. Swaddle For Newborns

When it comes down to deciding whether to use a swaddle vs. sleep sack for your newborn, consider which will comfort your baby the most.

During the first few weeks of life, a swaddle helps ease your little one’s transition from the womb. The tight, cozy hug your baby receives from a swaddle mimics the comfort they are used to. For this reason, many parents choose to swaddle their newborns.

But, remember, once your little one grows out of the newborn stage and starts to roll over or show signs of rolling over, a sleep sack is the safer choice.

Safe Swaddling And Sleep Sack Tips

No matter which option you choose, you want to make sure your baby is safe. To help ensure your baby is out of harm’s way, here are six important tips to keep in mind.

1) Consider Your Baby's Temperature And Environment

Regularly check your little one’s temperature, and make sure that they are wearing weather-appropriate clothing. A good rule of thumb is to dress them in one layer more than you’re comfortably wearing.

Also, refrain from swaddling your baby if they are sick or have a fever. If they are sick, dress them in a single light layer of clothing.

2) Use Thin Materials

Another way to control your little one’s temperature is to use a small cotton sheet or muslin square as your swaddle.

Don’t place any additional material on top of a swaddled baby or a baby using a sleep sack. For example, a blanket could cause them to overheat.

3) Do Not Swaddle Above Their Shoulders

Ensure any material is secure and won't come loose as your baby moves. The swaddle or sleep sack should never cover their neck or head.

Covering a baby's neck can increase their risk of overheating and prevent proper breathing. Also, make sure not to wrap it too tightly or cover their nose or mouth.

5) Always Put Your Baby To Sleep On Their Back

This bears repeating: Never put your baby to sleep on their front or side, no matter what they’re wearing. Always place them on their back.

Placing your baby on their back to sleep — or in the supine position — significantly lowers SIDS risk and ensures that your little one is sleeping as safely as possible.

6) Adhere To Safety Standards

Both sleep sacks and swaddles should fit appropriately. Follow the instructions on age and weight, and consider using a lower TOG rating to minimize overheating risks.

7) Make Sure Caregivers Practice Swaddle Vs. Sleep Sack Safety

Parents need a break now and then. Whether a grandparent, sibling, or babysitter is stepping in for a few hours or a few days, take the time to explain safe swaddling and sleep sack practices.

The Right Choice For Your Baby’s Comfort And Safety

Now that you are familiar with the differences between a sleep sack vs. swaddle, you are ready to decide which one is right for your little one. But rest assured that both are designed to help your baby feel calm, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer.

Whichever one you choose, it’ll be sweet dreams for your precious angel!

Sleep Bag vs Swaddle: Which is Best For Your Baby’s Bedtime?

There are more baby sleepwear choices than ever before. Sleep sack vs swaddle. Bamboo or cotton. 0.5 and 1.0 and 1.5 TOG. It’s enough to make your head spin.

The availability of so many products means you have unlimited access to items that best meet the needs of your unique little one. But it also allows you to end up down a rabbit hole of research as you try to decide what’s just right. Fortunately, some factors help make that decision for you. When it’s time to choose between a sleep sack or swaddle, take into account your little one’s age, mobility, and preferences, to decide the go-to for your babe.

Understanding the Difference: Swaddles vs Sleep Bags

Two of the most popular products to keep baby snug and warm while they’re snoozing are swaddles and sleep sacks. Both have their merits and place in your child’s developmental needs for sleep.

Swaddles

A traditional swaddle is a lightweight blanket that’s wrapped tightly around an infant to keep them warm and restrict their arm movement. A square blanket is laid flat, and the top corner is folded down. Baby is then laid on top of the blanket with their head above the folded corner. One side is folded over, followed by the bottom corner being folded up. Finally, the other side is folded over and tucked in tight to keep baby wrapped up securely and control that pesky startle reflex.

The swaddling process itself is simple enough, but sometimes it takes longer to get baby wrapped up than it takes them to break out of the swaddle. Babies are tiny but mighty, and their commitment to wriggling free is impressive and unrivaled… that’s why we love swaddle wraps so much!

Swaddle Wraps

Swaddle wraps, sometimes known as swaddle sleep bags, offer an easier and more dependable way to swaddle an infant. They’re typically designed to have loose fabric around the legs, with a way to secure baby’s arms snug at their sides. Some have flaps that are wrapped around the baby’s chest and arms and then secured by velcro. In other swaddle wraps (like ours), baby’s arms are simply zipped up snug – easy peasy. It’s a quick and convenient way to keep your infant wrapped up tight.

If you’ve ever spent much time around a newborn, you know how jerky their movements can be. One loud noise is all it takes to startle them out of a deep sleep, and for some babies, their uncontrollable arm movement is enough to prevent them from settling for a much, much needed nap. A tightly wrapped swaddle sleep bag that stays in place helps baby get better sleep so they wake up bright-eyed and ready for some tummy time.

Sleep Bags

A sleep sack or sleep bag is a wearable blanket that’s safe for a baby to sleep in. Unlike swaddles, sleep sacks have arm holes or sleeves instead of fabric to wrap the arms up. As a result, baby’s arm movement is unrestricted, ensuring they have the ability to adjust themselves once they start rolling over.

The way a sleep sack fits around a baby’s shoulders and arms prevents it from riding up and covering their face. The sleep bag will also stay in place while your little one flops around the crib all night. It’s the safest way to keep them warm and comfortable at bedtime, so you can both get some shut-eye.

Should You Choose a Swaddle or Sleep Bag for Your Little One?

There are a few key factors that will influence whether your little should be using a swaddle or sleep sack:

Age

Swaddling is more suitable for newborns & younger infants that still have a strong startle reflex. A tight swaddle keeps their arms firmly in place so they don’t jerk themselves awake right as they settle into a deep sleep. Swaddles are meant to mimic the feeling of the womb and many young babies prefer this comfort as they transition to life outside of mom during the fourth trimester.

Mobility & Milestones

Once babies start rolling, swaddling with arms in becomes unsafe and it may be time to transition to a sleep sack. If your little one can consistently houdini out of the swaddle, they may also be communicating that they’re ready for arms out swaddling – or babies over 3 months may be ready for a sleep sack instead.

Your baby’s personality is already shining through and they’re letting their opinions known! Some infants prefer the snug fit of a swaddle, while others prefer the freedom of a sleep sack sooner rather than later.

Most newborn babies thrive in the snug and cozy feel of a swaddle, and swaddle wraps are the easiest way to ensure baby stays wrapped up tight and warm. While the goal of dressing your little one for sleep is to keep them as comfortable as possible, safety is always the number one priority. With most swaddles, as soon as an infant is able to roll over, it’s time to transition to a sleep sack. However, with swaddle wrap, the arm holes can be unzipped to use with arms out – so your little one can continue to use our swaddle as long as it fits!

Our swaddle wrap is made of ultra-soft bamboo viscose and filled with hypoallergenic microfiber that mimics the feel and insulating ability of luxury down. The swaddle wrap is designed to prevent baby from wiggling free, and an optional inside belly band helps control that pesky startle reflex. In between milestones? Our transitional swaddle is the perfect stepping stone for your growing baby!

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