There is an increased risk of newborn asphyxia and sudden infant death syndrome when using blankets and other soft baby bed materials. So, what can parents do to ensure that their infants sleep peacefully and securely at night? Wearable blankets!
They are a convenient and safe alternative to a blanket and are also known as “wearable blankets” and “infant sleeping bags.” The tenderness of a baby blanket and the snug cocoon-like form of a sleeping bag are combined in baby sleep sacks.
Why your baby needs a wearable blanket
Swaddling is an age-old practice in which parents wrap their infants in a blanket to simulate being in the womb for the child. Swaddling newborns can help them relax and fall asleep if done appropriately.
Several items on the market now perform most of the swaddling for you, whereas our predecessors may have wrapped their children in thin cotton.
First introduced by Halo in the early 2000s, “sleep sacks” have since become a popular method of preventing newborns from becoming tangled in clothes or loose bedding as they sleep. Babies’ sleepwear in Europe has influenced the design of this product. Wearable blankets have now become associated with the word.
Swaddling a baby is similar to using a sleeping bag in that the goal is to help the child feel safe and secure so that they can sleep peacefully on their own. When they’re napping, babies prefer to feel safe and secure. The use of wrapping or sleep sacks as an alternative to standard blankets for infants is highly recommended.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) can be prevented in certain cases by using a sleep sack, which reduces some of the dangers associated with the syndrome, such as overheating and tangled blankets.
Even though parents may opt to use wearable blankets over traditional ones to keep their kids warm at night, parents must still adhere to proper sleep hygiene practices with their infants.
You should never put anything in your baby’s crib (including pillows) until the age of 12 months. Be cautious about following the manufacturer’s size guidelines and usage instructions, as inappropriate usage has been linked to injuries, regardless of the type of sleep sack you choose.
Factors to consider when choosing the best wearable blanket for your baby
Material
Sleep sacks come in various fabrics and designs, so make sure you pick one that’s appropriate for the season you’re in. To avoid overheating, Dr. Kramer recommends avoiding synthetic textiles such as fleece or polyester. Again, steer clear of anything that’s too heavy.
Sleeve
In order to keep the baby’s arms out while she sleeps, a sleeveless sleep sack is the best option for keeping her body confined. Inverted zippers are the greatest for diaper changes since they make it easy to get the baby in and out. Because her arms are free, this method is usually safe for newborns even after they can turn over.
As far as the American Academy of Pediatrics is concerned, weighted sleep bags are unsafe and should not be utilized by parents. Some other factors to consider while shopping for a sleep sack include the following:
Weight
Check the product’s age range before purchasing. Infants can begin rolling over at 4 months old, but some sleep sacks that restrain their arms have to be taken out sooner. Other sleep sacks, on the other hand, can grow with your child (allowing for her arms to be out, for example).
Swaddle-style sleeping bags
These swaddle-style sleeping bags combine the best of both worlds. Swaddling your baby is made easier with the help of additional fabric flaps that fasten over her arms in a swaddling bag. Swaddling is mimicked by providing babies with wrapped sleeves to hold their arms instead. Unless the sack can be converted to keep the baby’s arms free, they aren’t safe to use until the baby can roll herself over — generally around 4 months — like a regular swaddle.
Design
Finding what is best suited for you and your baby will need a lot of trial and error. However, because they are easier to open, zippered bags are preferred by many parents over those with buttons and snaps.
Size
Some wearable blankets may grow with your kid, while others have a fixed length and width. Your baby’s sleep sack should be snug enough to prevent her from being smothered, but not too loose that she may kick it off or be suffocated.
List of the best wearable blankets
1. Sleeping baby zipadee
When a baby is 3 or 4 months old, the transition from a swaddle to an arms-out wearable blanket might be difficult for him or her. Zipadee-Zip Sleep Sack is built to help ease your baby’s transition to a new bed. Shop on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3xtZWPt
In the style of Maggie Simpson’s snowsuit, this product features a starfish design that allows your baby to securely roll over and squirm while yet keeping her snugly tucked in.
In addition, there is a wide variety of adorable patterns and materials to pick from. In addition, several parents swear by the Snuggle Strap from the same company, which gives the sensation of swaddling without restricting the baby’s arms.
2. Halo sleepsack wearable blanket
Halo’s SleepSack is an excellent choice for babies who are able to roll over. The sleeveless shape prevents overheating, and the inverted zipper makes diaper changes easy. Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Si2oRr
For babies who can turn over and don’t require their arms to be tied down as tightly as they would be with a typical swaddle blanket, this “arms out” design from the company is ideal. Sizes range from small (for newborns weighing up to 18 pounds or 26 inches in length) to extra big.
For those chilly evenings, it’s also available in fleece for added comfort. However, some parents complain that the zipper frequently fails, necessitating regular rethreading.
3. Love to dream swaddle original
You may be surprised to learn that many newborns prefer to sleep on their backs with their arms up as a self-soothing strategy in case they wake up during the night. Swaddle Up, a sleep sack-swaddle hybrid, is different from other wearable blankets since it’s made to accommodate this particular sleeping posture. It’s perfect for irritable or light sleepers because it lacks (sometimes annoying) Velcro closures. Buy on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3BPLUuf
Please keep in mind that this blanket should not be used after your baby shows indications of turning over. The next logical step is to switch to an arm-out hooded blanket.
4. Burt’s Bees baby wearable blanket
Burt’s Bees is a name you can trust: The organic cotton used in this arms-out sleep bag is exceptionally soft and flexible, making it an excellent choice for hotter climates. It also has a bottom zipper that makes diaper changes a snap, as well as lots of legroom. Three sizes and a choice of adorable designs are available, but let’s face it: the adorable tiny bee pattern is a hard sell! Buy on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3dlBzNa