How many baby sleep sacks do you need?

As a new parent, deciding how many baby sleep sacks you need can be a daunting task. Sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets, are a popular alternative to loose blankets for babies. They help keep your little one warm and cozy while reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). But with so many options on the market, how do you know how many to get? Here is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to consider when buying baby sleep sacks.

Table of Contents

What are baby sleep sacks?

Baby sleep sacks are wearable blankets that are slipped over a baby’s body and legs. They come in a range of sizes from newborn to toddler. Sleep sacks have arm holes so your baby’s arms are free to move around. Some have built-in feet pouches while others are footless. The bottom of the sleep sack is closed like a sleeping bag to provide warmth while eliminating the need for loose blankets in the crib. Sleep sacks are made from breathable fabrics like cotton, fleece and muslin to help prevent overheating.

Benefits of using baby sleep sacks

There are several key benefits to using baby sleep sacks:

Reduce the risk of SIDS: Loose blankets are a leading cause of SIDS. Sleep sacks keep babies warm without the need for loose bedding.
Prevent overheating: Sleep sacks made from breathable natural fibers help regulate baby’s temperature.
Allow baby to move freely: Sleep sacks have arm holes so baby can move arms freely unlike swaddling.

Easy diaper changes: Sleep sacks easily slip on and off for quick diaper changes.
Promote self-soothing: Babies can access their hands to self-soothe.
Transition from swaddle: A sleep sack is a good option when transitioning from a swaddle.

When can you start using a sleep sack?

Most pediatricians recommend introducing a sleep sack as soon as you transition your newborn out of a swaddle, usually around 2 months old. However, each baby is different so discuss timing with your pediatrician. Premature babies may need to stay swaddled longer. Make sure baby is able to fully extend their legs before using a sleep sack. Many parents start with a newborn or small size sleep sack and size up as baby grows. Sleep sacks can be used up until around 2 years old.

How many sleep sacks do you need?

As a general rule, most baby experts recommend having at least 3-5 sleep sacks on hand. Here are some tips on deciding how many to get:

Consider how often you do laundry. If you wash baby clothes frequently, you may only need 3 or 4 sleep sacks. If you tend to let laundry pile up, opt for 5 or more.

Think about frequent diaper leaks or spit ups. These messy incidents may necessitate outfit changes and call for extra sleep sacks.
Factor in seasonal temperatures. Colder months may require more warm fleece or wool sacks, while warmer temps need only lightweight cotton.
Account for growth spurts. Babies grow fast so size up accordingly. Buy more in the current size before moving to the next.

Have back-ups for rotation. Alternating sleep sacks allows them to air out between wears.
Plan for transitions. Stock up on the next size before your baby outgrows their current sacks.

Types of sleep sacks

Sleep sacks come in a range of fabric types, sizes, and features to suit your baby’s needs:

Weight/TOG ratings

Many sleep sacks indicate the suitable temperature range using TOG ratings:

0.5 TOG: For 72-89 F temperatures
1.0 TOG: For 64-72 F temperatures

2.5 TOG: For 57-64 F temperatures
3.5 TOG: For 50-57 F temperatures

Fabric types

Cotton: Breathable and absorbs moisture to prevent overheating. Ideal for summer.

Fleece: Retains body heat well for colder weather. Often lined with cotton.
Wool: Naturally temperature regulating. Moisture wicking to reduce sweat.
Bamboo: Soft, breathable, and eco-friendly. Helps regulate temperature.

Muslin: Lightweight cotton provides breathability for warmer temps.

Features

Swaddle transition: Adjustable wings or flaps to gradually transition from a swaddle.
Convertible: Allow feet to be in or out as needed to adjust temperature.

Arms only: Shorter design leaves arms out for self-soothing.
2-way zipper: Undo zipper from top or bottom for easy diaper changes.
Non-slip grip: Grips on bottom prevent sliding around in the crib.

Common sizes

Sleep sacks typically come in the following sizes:

Newborn: For babies up to 10 lbs
Small: For babies 10-18 lbs

Medium: For babies 18-24 lbs
Large: For babies 24-36 lbs
Toddler: For babies over 36 lbs

How to choose the right TOG

Choosing the right TOG rating for your baby’s sleep sack depends on the temperature of their sleep environment:

Step 1: Calculate ideal temperature

The ideal temperature for baby’s room is between 68-72 F, according to most pediatricians. In warmer climates or during hotter seasons, aim for the lower end of this range. In colder areas or winter, go for the higher end.

Step 2: Factor in clothing layers

Besides the sleep sack, what your baby wears underneath impacts their warmth. Footed pajamas provide more insulation than a onesie. And some babies may sleep in just a diaper.

Step 3: Select TOG rating

Choose the TOG rating for the sleep sack based on the temperature of the room and baby’s clothing layers:

2.5-3.5 TOG sack: Ideal if room is 68-72F and baby wears footed pajamas.
1.0-2.5 TOG sack: Best if room is 70-72F and baby wears onesie or light pajamas.

0.5 TOG sack: Recommended when room is 72-76F and baby wears only a diaper.

Step 4: Adjust as needed

Monitor baby’s comfort level and adjust the TOG rating up or down accordingly. Signs they are too cold include red, blotchy skin or cool hands/feet. Overheating shows as flushed, sweaty skin or restlessness.

Other sleep sack safety tips

To keep your baby safe and comfortable in their sleep sack:

Always place baby on their back to sleep, even in a sleep sack.
Stop swaddling as soon as baby shows signs of rolling over.
Prevent overheating by not overdressing baby underneath.

No loose bedding should be in crib – only sleep sack.
Ensure sack fits snugly around neck and won’t slide up over face.
Buy according to weight, not age, for proper fit.

Avoid sleep sacks with hoods or neck ties which can be hazardous.
Dress baby the same in sleep sack as would sleepwear to gauge warmth.

Top sleep sack brands

Some of the top-rated and most popular baby sleep sack brands include:

Aden + Anais

Known for their muslin sleep sacks and swaddles.
Offer cotton, bamboo, and muslin fabric options.
Range of stylish prints and colors.

Sizes from newborn to 24 months.

Woolino

Crafted from breathable Merino wool.
Regulates temperature and wicks away moisture.

Can be used year-round for babies 0-24 months.
Generous sizing accommodates growth spurts.

Halo

Invented the original wearable blanket in 1965.

Cotton, fleece, and micro-fleece options.
Footless and wearable blanket styles available.
Range of unique prints and colors.

Burt’s Bees Baby

Crafted from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.
TOG ratings printed on each sack for easy reference.
Convertible sleep sacks can cover feet or not.

Roomy design allows room for growth.

Kyte Baby

Buttery soft bamboo fabric.
TOG rated and labeled for convenient temperature regulation.

Two-way zippers for easy diaper changes.
Wide range of sizes from newborn to 4T.

Conclusion

Having the right number of quality sleep sacks is key to keeping your baby sleeping safely and soundly. Most baby experts recommend having at least 3-5 sleep sacks on hand to account for laundry schedules, diaper leaks, seasonal temperature changes, and your baby’s growth. Look for breathable fabrics like cotton, fleece and bamboo in the TOG ratings suited to your baby’s environment. Top brands like Aden + Anais, Woolino, Halo, Burt’s Bees Baby, and Kyte Baby balance comfort, safety, and convenience. With the range of great options available, you’re sure to find the perfect sleep sacks to keep your little one cozy all night long.