The 7 Best Baby Sleeping Sacks to Buy

What Is a Sleeping Sack?

As the name suggests, a sleeping sack (also called a wearable blanket, a blanket sleeper, or sometimes a baby sleeping bag) is essentially a bag-like garment made of a soft fabric that helps keep your baby warm during sleep. A wearable blanket isn’t constricting like a swaddle blanket, so your baby can move and kick his legs. The top half of a wearable blanket looks like a short- or long-sleeved top, so your little one’s arms can move freely. If your baby prefers to sleep with her arms above her head, or she enjoys sucking her thumb to self-soothe, a sleeping sack can give her the freedom to do this. However, not all babies enjoy being in a sleeping sack, so you may need to try one for a while to see if your little one takes to it.

Here are some of the benefits of a sleeping sack:

• It helps keep your baby warm without using a blanket

• Sleeping sacks are available in different fabrics and designs to suit both summer and winter to help your baby stay at a comfortable temperature

• It doesn’t constrict arm and leg movements like a swaddle blanket does, which is important once your baby learns to roll over

• A sleeping sack will stay put all night long and is safe for your baby to sleep in

• You can use a wearable blanket from the newborn to toddler phase — just make sure the size is right for your growing child.

Although some parents prefer using a thin swaddle blanket for the newborn phase, some sleeping sacks can provide a swaddle-like hold (with the baby’s arms tucked in) and then can be modified to become more like a standard sleeping sack, where the arms are loose. Consider the Halo SleepSack Swaddle if this option sounds appealing.

For How Long Can Babies Use Sleeping Sacks?

According to experts, sleeping sacks that allow your baby to move freely can be used for as long as you and your little one like. Check the size and age limits recommended by the manufacturer and then remember to go up a size once your baby grows out of the wearable blanket. Though some sleeping sacks on our list are designed just for newborns and older babies, others also offer toddler sizes, mostly for 12- to 18-month-olds, though one — the Halo SleepSack — does work for toddlers up to 24 months old.

Are Sleeping Sacks Safe for Babies Who Can Roll Over?

Yes, sleeping sacks that allow your baby to move his arms and legs freely are safe to be used even once your baby can roll over. It’s important to note that if you are swaddling your little one or using a sleeping sack that constricts arm movements, or compresses the chest and body, it’s safest to stop doing this before your baby shows signs of being able to roll over. Constricting your little one’s movements means that she may not be able to roll back onto her back if she rolls onto her front or side during sleep. Although each baby is unique, many babies start trying to roll over when they're about 2 months old, with the strength and motor development needed for this skill taking a few more months to appear. You can read more about when babies start to roll over here. You’ll need to keep a close eye on your little one’s development and stop swaddling before he begins trying to roll over.

A Note on Safe Sleep for Your Baby

Here are some important steps to take to ensure safe sleep for your baby:

• Stop swaddling your baby and stop using a sleeping sack that constricts the arms before she learns to roll over on her own

• Always put your baby to sleep on her back

• Keep the crib bare for the first 12 months — no loose bedding or blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or toys should be in the crib

• Have your baby sleep in her own crib or bassinet but ideally in the same room as you sleep in for the first 6 to 12 months

• Make sure no one smokes around your baby

• Lower the crib mattress to a lower setting before your baby learns to sit or stand to prevent her from crawling up and over the rails.

Read more about sleep safety and how to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

What Should Your Baby Wear Under a Sleeping Sack?

The amount of clothing or layers your baby needs for sleep depends on the room temperature. The goal is for your baby to be comfortable — not too hot and not too cold. Consider the following guidelines when deciding what to dress your baby in and ask your baby’s healthcare provider for advice if you’re unsure:

• For cooler temperatures. Dress your baby in an undershirt and diapers, and then perhaps add pajamas, and then put the sleeping sack over the top. Keep an eye out for signs that your baby is too hot, like sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, and rapid breathing.

• For warmer temperatures. Your baby may need just a single layer, such as a diaper and just a lightweight sleeping sack. Experts say a good general guideline is to dress the baby only in one more layer than you are wearing.

Keep in mind that the temperature and the season might also affect the kind of wearable blanket you choose. For example, in winter you might go for a microfleece sleeping sack with sleeves, and in the summer, you might switch to a cotton sleeping sack without sleeves. Some wearable blankets are designed to be worn in different types of weather, and in this case simply adjust the layers underneath according to the room temperature.

Types of Baby Sleeping Sacks

These are some of the first basic choices you need to make when buying a sleeping sack:

• Winter or summer sleep bags. Sleeping sacks come in thicker or thinner materials to suit different weather conditions. Consider going for a heavier fabric like fleece in the winter, and a lighter, more breathable fabric like cotton or muslin in the summer.

• With or without sleeves. Some wearable blankets come without sleeves, which is convenient for the warmer months or transitional seasons when you just want your baby in long-sleeved PJs with a short-sleeved sleeping sack over the top. Conversely, in winter you may prefer to have your baby in a sleeping sack with sleeves.

• Two-way zippers or not. Some wearable blankets are designed with two-way zippers that give you easy access from the bottom of the sleeping sack for middle-of-the-night diaper changes, while also allowing you to unzip the top to make it easier to put your baby in the garment. Other designs have inverted zippers, meaning they can only be opened from the bottom.

• Transitional or standard sleeping sack. Some versions are designed to be a bridge between a traditional swaddle and a standard wearable blanket. Some manufacturers call this type of product a “sleeping sack swaddle.” Some of these hybrid models allow you to tuck both of your baby's arms in initially, and then tuck just one arm in during the transitional phase, and finally leave both arms free once your baby is more used to it. Other hybrid models, like the Amazing Baby Transitional Swaddle Sack, just slightly restrict some of your baby’s arm movements while still allowing the arm to move overhead. With a transitional sleeping sack, your little one doesn’t abruptly switch from being tucked up securely like a baby burrito in a swaddle blanket to being able to move his arms and hands freely from one night to the next.

What to Look for When Choosing a Baby Sleeping Sack

Beyond the basic choices outlined above, there are some important features and qualities Pampers Parents recommended considering when choosing the right sleeping sack for you and your little one:

• Comfort and softness. These qualities came up time and time again as priorities for Pampers Parents when deciding which sleeping sack to buy. Some Pampers Parents said they preferred a sleeping sack with a little stretch and give to accommodate their baby's moves and kicks. Breathability of the fabric was also considered important. Some sleeping sacks also provide other comfort features like zip covers so that the top of the zipper doesn’t irritate your baby’s chin.

• Safety. The sleeping sack should be nearly impossible for your baby to wiggle out of. Also, the “sack” part should be roomy enough to allow your baby’s legs to bend up and out, as this helps prevent any issues with hip development.

• Size. There’s lots to consider when it comes to size: Is the sleeping sack long enough for your baby’s legs? Are the sleeves long enough? Are the arm and neck holes the right size? Does the top of the sleep bag fit your baby’s torso? Follow the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines before making your choice but know that you may need to try a few sleeping sacks before finding just the right fit. As your baby grows, you’ll need to remember to go up a size, and you may need to switch brands at this point, depending on what sizes are on offer.

• Ease of use. It’s important to choose a sleeping sack that is easy to get your baby into and out of, and that is easy to open from the bottom for quick diaper changes. Two-way zippers help with both problems, whereas inverted zippers help make diaper changes easier.

• Durability. You’ll be washing the sleeping sack often, so look for a fabric that won’t pill or wear out quickly.

• Color range. Most sleeping sacks come in a few different colors and patterns but keep in mind that many Pampers Parents also wished some sleeping sacks came in more options. Busy patterns and darker colors may hide stains a little better.

• Price. Affordability was raised often by Pampers Parents. Check that the price fits your budget, and factor in that you may need to buy more than one sleeping sack. You might also like to consider a multi-pack, which can lower the unit price. How many sleeping sacks you buy is up to you, but it may be convenient to have at least two so that you can use one while the other is in the wash, for example. Then, as your baby outgrows a sleeping sack or as the weather changes, you’ll need to invest in a bigger size or in a warmer/lighter style. Taken together, this means that during the first year or two you may end up needing quite a few wearable blankets.

The 7 Best Sleeping Sacks

These are the best baby sleeping sacks according to Pampers Parents:

Many Pampers Parents noted its versatility, and how easy it was to transition from the swaddling mode to the sleeping sack.

Wrapping the attached wing around your baby’s torso may help your baby feel more secure. The strip of hook and loop fastener provided is long so you can adjust the waist panel to your baby’s size. The product is made of 100 percent polyester microfleece, and many Pampers Parents noted how cozy this sleeping sack was even during cold winters. The manufacturer also says this product is designed for chillier weather, so if you’re looking for a sleeping sack for winter, this could be a good choice! The inverted zipper allows for easier diaper changes because you can simply open the bottom of the sleeping sack to access the diaper area. Another nice thing about this product is the wide range of sizes. In addition to the newborn and small sizes (which cover about the first six months), it also has a preemie offering.

Highlights: There is no shortage of color options. Pick from pink, blue, teal, or cream, or patterns like dinosaurs, leopard spots, stripes, or even camouflage! Price*: about $21.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

This sleeping sack is made of 100 percent cotton and is sleeveless, so one strategy is to go with the microfleece Halo sleeping sack for winter, and this cotton version for summer. Note that some Pampers Parents used this one in both summer and winter. As one Pampers Parent said, it’s light but still keeps the baby warm, especially with long-sleeved PJs or a bodysuit underneath. Several Pampers Parents mentioned that this was a great option for a sleeping bag if their newborn did not enjoy being swaddled. One possible downside is that the zipper is inverted but not two-way. In other words, it can only be opened from the bottom. This sleeping sack comes in lots of colors and patterns including stars, animals, and floral. One design even includes a “back is best” embroidery to remind everyone who cares for your little one to always place her on her back for sleep. Another plus is that the product comes in small, medium, large, and extra large. The extra large accommodates toddlers from 18 to 24 months, and this is unusual, as most sleeping sacks are designed for use up to 18 months at most. If you’d like to continue giving your toddler a wearable blanket to sleep in as she nears 2 years of age, then this product could be the way to go!

Highlight: The inverted zipper allows for easier diaper changes because you can open up the sleeping sack from below. Price*: about $19,99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? This sleep bag is made of 100 percent polyester microfleece to keep your baby warm. It has sleeves, so this sleeping sack is definitely an option more suitable for winter. One Pampers Parent noted and appreciated that the sleeves were not so restrictive that their baby couldn’t self-soothe by sucking her thumb. This sleeping sack has an inverted zipper, for easier diaper changes. The top of the zipper is covered in a little fabric for your baby’s comfort. This is a traditional sleeping sack with no extra bells and whistles, but if you’re looking for a basic model then this could be a great option.

Highlights: A big plus of this product is that there are two in a pack, and you’ll love the cute elephant and sheep designs. Price*: about $17.31 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? Made of 100 percent organic cotton, this simple sleeping sack has a few thoughtful extra features you’ll really love. It has a two-way zipper so you can open it from both the bottom and the top. When closed the zip is hidden behind fabric so your little one’s fingers won’t get caught or scratched. The end of the zipper is covered by a pocket or a tab so that your baby can’t start unzipping himself. The manufacturer claims the sack is extra long so your baby’s legs have all the room they need. This lightweight and breathable sleeping sack could be great for the warmer months, but Burt’s Bees also offers a medium-weight version for the cooler months. It comes in small, medium, and large, covering newborns to 18-month-olds.

Highlight: The color and print options are probably the most modern of all the sleeping sacks on this list. There’s a gorgeous blue moon design, black stars, pink florals, and a bee design with the alphabet on it. Price*: about $17.94 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? Coming in fifth on our list is this breathable, open weave cotton muslin wearable blanket. The open weave airy fabric could be ideal for the summer months. Advantages of the two-way zipper, according to the manufacturer, are that the bottom zipper makes diaper changes easier and the top zipper makes it easier to put your baby into the sleeping sack. The top zipper is covered by fabric to prevent your little one’s chin from getting scratched, and the bottom zipper is covered by a flap of fabric so that your baby can’t accidentally start unzipping herself. It comes in small, medium, and large, which covers newborns to 18-month-olds.

Price*: about $16.84 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

The manufacturer claims that having the cuffs closed somewhat restricts the startle response (also known as the Moro reflex) and that this may reduce the likelihood of your baby waking himself up from the jerking movement. You can read more about your baby’s reflexes here. Having the cuffs folded over can also help prevent your baby scratching his delicate skin during the night. Once your baby is ready for the complete sleeping sack experience, you can simply open the cuffs up and your baby’s hands and arms will be free. You may wish to transition slowly by opening just one cuff at a time. One Pampers Parent noted that her little girl liked to sleep with her hands above her head, and this sleeping sack accommodated that position. Made of breathable cotton, this is the kind of sleeping sack that might be good in spring and fall when the weather is variable. A potential drawback of this product is that it only comes in small and medium sizes, meaning it will only work for the first six months of your baby’s life. If you have an older baby or a toddler, you’ll need to choose another product.

Price*: about $19.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Why pick this one? Last but certainly not least, this sleeping sack offers a blanket-like layer without being too heavy, according to Pampers Parents. It’s made of 100 percent polyester, doesn’t have sleeves, has a two-way zipper, and has a zipper cover to protect your baby’s chin from scratches. At almost $30 this is the priciest product on our list, but you get 3 sleeping sacks for this price so overall this set is the best value for money. The prints are lovely, and each sleeping sack in the multi-pack is unique. The largest size only works for babies up to 9 months, so if your baby is any older than that then this product probably won’t work for you.

Price*: about $27 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

The Bottom Line

Now that you know what options you have when it comes to choosing a sleeping sack, and which products are Pampers Parents favorites, we hope making a decision about which way to go is a little easier! All of these sleeping sacks are great options, and you may well find you’ll choose one brand for summer and another for winter. Either way your baby will be as snug as a bug and very cute in her little sleeping sack.

Recall Notice

Before buying a product, always check that it’s approved and hasn’t been recalled on sites like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

*Prices are correct at the time of writing.