Sleep Sacks vs. Swaddles

After working with tons of families as a postpartum Doula and raising my own two babies, I’ve developed what may be an unpopular opinion: sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets, are a much better choice than a swaddle.

Sleep sacks are essentially a blanket that a baby can wear to sleep. They come in various sizes, thicknesses, and with and without sleeves.

If you’re unfamiliar, swaddling involves wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket to limit their movement, mimicking the comforting, tight conditions of the womb. Proponents will point out that swaddling helps counteract newborns’ startle reflex and can promote better sleep by giving the baby a sense of security.

Given those perceived benefits, why do I prefer a sleep sack?

Here are three reasons why sleep sacks come out on top:

1. Safety

Swaddles can pose a suffocation risk if they come loose and cover your baby’s face, especially at night when they may be unattended. Similarly, if your baby is swaddled and rolls onto their stomach, this also poses a suffocation risk given their arms are pinned to their sides. On the other hand, a sleep sack cannot come loose and it allows your baby’s arms to remain free so they can move more easily and safely.

2. Transition Friendly & Longevity

Babies outgrow the swaddle phase quickly, typically between 2 and 4 months when they start to roll over. Therefore, parents need to transition them out of the swaddle at that point. This transition period can disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns. Save yourself and your baby that disruption–and potential loss of sleep–by just using a sleep sack from the start! Many parents continue to use sleep sacks well into the toddler years. The prolonged use offers an additional benefit by providing a consistent sleep routine for your baby.

3. Encourages Movement

Babies learn a ton by moving their arms and legs. In fact, their physical and cognitive development depends on movement! In the newborn phase, this looks like reaching, grasping, kicking, and otherwise being free to move their bodies. Sleep sacks do not hinder babies’ movements like swaddles do. In fact, research shows that tight swaddling of a baby’s body and legs can lead to serious issues like hip dysplasia.

In conclusion, while swaddling may be popular, sleep sacks offer a safer, longer-term solution for better sleep. They reduce the risks associated with loose blankets and restricted movement, allow your baby to move freely, and ensure parents can maintain consistent and safe sleep habits from the newborn stage through the toddler years!