The Best Sleep Sacks for a Night of 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.
In this article:
What is a sleep sack?
Different types of sleep sacks
Where to shop for the best sleep sacks
Best sleep sacks for babies and toddlers
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.
How long can baby use a sleep sack?
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.
Wearable blankets come in all shapes, sizes and fabrics. Here, a breakdown of the most common types, plus some key features to look for.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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HALO: Over 20 years ago, HALO 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. Oh, and did we mention that this brand is a Best of Baby winner too?
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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.
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buybuyBABY: Not ready to commit to one particular brand or style? No worries—buybuyBABY has a wide selection of baby and toddler sleep sacks from market leaders. This online store is home to bestselling brands like Nested Bean, Love to Dream, SwaddleMe and more.
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of sleep sacks available, check out a few of our favorite picks. From wearable blankets for newborns to sleeveless styles for toddlers, here you’ll find the best baby sleep sacks for every age and stage.
Best overall baby sleep sack
Parents swear by the Halo SleepSack. The classic sleeveless style nestles baby into a soft blanket, without the dangers of loose covers. It comes in three sizes, and the roomy design provides plenty of space for rambunctious baby kicks. Plus, it unzips down the front for quick and easy middle-of-the-night diaper changes. And if your little one has an accident, this sleep sack is machine-washable—phew!
- TOG rating: 1.5 TOG
- Age range: 0 to 24 months
- Incredibly soft
- The roomy style allows legs to move freely, promoting proper hip development
- Machine-washable
- Some reports of broken zippers
Best newborn sleep sack
This newborn sleep sack has a unique “wing” design that allows baby to sleep with their arms up. This position lets infants self-soothe at night by stroking their cheeks or sucking their hands, while remaining safely snuggled up inside the sack. Although they have room to wiggle and kick, the stretchy fabric keeps baby contained and gently counteracts the startle reflex, which is common in newborns. Another great feature is the two-way zipper, which allows you to change baby’s diaper while keeping them swaddled.
TOG rating: 1.0 TOG
Age range: 0 to 6 months
- Patented wing design lets baby sleep with their arms up
- Two-way zipper lets you undo the bottom of the sleep sack for easy diaper changes
- Machine-washable
- Some parents report that it didn’t help with baby’s startle reflex
- Not suitable for children over 6 months of age
Best fleece sleep sack
For the winter months, keep baby nice and toasty in Hudson Baby’s wearable blanket. Made of plush, top-quality fleece, the sleeveless design keeps baby warm without overheating. The generous cut allows for fast-kicking legs, and the full-length zipper makes diaper changes a breeze. And at under $20, this sleep sack is a steal!
- Age range: 0 to 24 months
- Plush material is warm and cozy
- No TOG rating available
Best winter sleep sack
When frigid winter temps set in, make sure you have a cozy baby sleep sack on hand. The Günamuna is essentially a duvet cover that your child can safely wear. It’s made from a rayon-bamboo blend, which is silky soft and quilted for added warmth. The 2.6 TOG fabric provides extra insulation for chilly nights, but it’s evenly distributed to ensure baby doesn’t get too hot. Plus, the asymmetric zipper runs from the top all the way along the base of the sack, so diaper changes are a snap.
- TOG rating: 2.6 TOG
- Age range: 3 months to 3 years
- Soft bamboo fabric
- Hypoallergenic microfiber fill
- Four-way zipper provides easy access for diaper changes
- Not suitable for warmer weather
Best organic sleep sack
The Burt’s Bees Baby Wearable Blanket is crafted from 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton. It’s available in a number of charming colors and patterns, and features a zipper that opens from the bottom (to make diaper changes quick and easy)—plus, it has an interior zipper guard complete with a snappable cover. This buzzworthy organic sleep sack is an ideal choice for little ones with sensitive skin.
- TOG rating: 0.5 or 1.5 TOG
- Age range: 0 to 18 months
- Organic cotton material
- Plenty of patterns
- Some parents report that the zipper is stiff and difficult to fasten
Best sleeveless sleep sack
Not all sleeveless sleep sacks are created equal. Our top pick? Baby Mori’s Clever Sleep Sack. It’s lovingly crafted from an organic cotton and bamboo fabric blend, which is breathable and thermoregulating to help keep your little one comfortable all night. The sleep sack has a fitted neck and armholes, so there’s no danger of baby slipping out, but the roomy sack still gives them the freedom to move. The really clever part? You can adjust the shoulder straps and length, meaning this pick can be worn by infants and toddlers up to 2 years old. Another feature we love is the nifty push-chair belt, which means you can keep baby snug and cozy when you’re on the move.
- TOG rating: 1.5 TOG
- Age range: 0 to 24 months
- Breathable cotton-bamboo fabric blend
- Fitted neck and arm holes
- Double zipper and shoulder snaps
- High price point
Best muslin sleep sack
You might know that aiden + anais is the go-to brand for super-soft muslin baby swaddles and receiving blankets. Turns out, their sleep sack options are just as delicious. Made from a single layer of soft, breathable 100 percent cotton muslin, the open weave helps reduce the risk of overheating, offering just the right amount of comfort during summer nights and daytime naps. It can also be layered with warmer sleepwear for cooler temperatures and comes in a variety of adorable patterns. And like many of the best baby sleep sacks, this pick has a full-length zipper for easy changing access.
- TOG rating: 1.0 TOG
- Age range: 0 to 18 months
- High thread count for superior softness
- Machine-washable
- Parents report that the zippers aren’t great quality
Best wool sleep sack
For a baby sleep sack made of all-natural materials, there’s no better choice than the Woolino. Made from luxuriously soft merino wool, this wearable blanket regulates baby’s temperature all year round and comes in a universal size that fits kids from 2 months to 2 years. It’s also 100 percent natural and machine-washable. It has a dual-side zipper and opens completely flat so you can change baby without disturbing them too much. Plus, it comes with a nursery thermometer and a handy dressing guide so you can rest assured your little one is comfortable whatever the season. The only drawback is the relatively high price tag—but fans of the Woolino swear it’s easy to sell second-hand once your little one outgrows it.
- Age range: 0 to 18 months
- Two-way zipper
- Made from merino wool and cotton
- Suitable for all seasons
- High price point
Best swaddle sleep sack
The SwaddleMe is a swaddle-sack hybrid that makes swaddling a breeze, thanks to a brilliant wing-wrap design and hook-and-loop fasteners. Made from 100 percent cotton, this pick creates a tight swaddle that keeps baby warm and cozy, and helps prevent an infant’s startle reflex. This style is designed for newborns up to 4 months, but SwaddleMe also makes an adjustable sleeping pod for older babies and a sleepsuit for toddlers. It’s available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and comes in a pack of three, so you’re sure to always have a clean one on hand.
- TOG rating: 0.5 TOG
- Age range: 0 to 6 months
- Good value for money
- Swaddle-style sack curbs the startle reflex
- Not suitable for infants over 4 months
Best transition sleep sack
Is your little one fed up with being swaddled? The Dream Sack gives baby the same cozy feeling that comes from Baby Merlin’s top-rated sleepsuit, with the freedom of movement to roll and kick as they get older. The roomy sack is made with a double layer of cotton to keep baby warm, safe and secure. Plus, a two-way zipper allows for easy diaper changes.
- TOG rating: 1.0 TOG
- Age range: 6 to 12 months
- Double layer of soft cotton fabric
- Two-way zipper for easy access to baby’s diaper
- Runs large
- Some parents report it shrinks in the wash
Best sleep sack with legs
If you’ve got a kid who’s on the move, but not quite old enough to sleep with a blanket, the baby deedee kicker offers the perfect solution. The sleep sack has legs so your walker can move freely. Better yet, it’s made from polar-fleece to keep your tot cozy and warm all night long. It comes in multiple colors and two sizes suitable for 18 months up to 4 years.
- TOG rating: 1.2 TOG
- Age range: 18 months to 4 years
- Polar fleece is soft and warm
- Open feet for freedom of movement
- Not suitable for infants
Best sleep sack with sleeves
Sleep sacks with sleeves are a good option if you want to keep baby warm without limiting their range of motion. This lightweight cotton option converts from a gown to a sleep sack in seconds, thanks to simple snap fasteners. Plus, handy foldover mittens keep your little one’s hands warm and prevents scratching during the night.
- Age range: 0 to 6 months
- Long sleeves with foldover mitts
- Soft bamboo-cotton blend fabric
- No TOG rating available
Best toddler sleep sack
Last up on our list of the best sleep sacks is this innovative option by ergoPouch. A good choice for toddlers and preschoolers on the move, this pick converts from a sleep sack to a suit with legs, thanks to a nifty four-way zipper. Ergonomically designed shoulder panels let wriggly tots move their arms, and built-in feet lock in heat. Worried about your little one taking a tumble? Don’t sweat it—grip pads will keep your tot stable if they need a 3 a.m. bathroom break. Better yet, the 400 thread count organic cotton shell has a silky smooth feel. Honestly, these sleep sacks are so comfortable you’ll wish they came in adult sizes. Bonus: ergoPouch offer a sleeveless style for summer as well as a plush 3.5 TOG suit for really cold climates.
- TOG rating: 1.0 TOG
- Age range: 3 months to 6 years
- Converts from a sleep sack to a sleep suit with legs
- Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton
- High price point
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