Swaddle, transition bag or sleep sack?
| Your baby is… | Use |
|---|---|
| A newborn who sleeps better swaddled, and shows no signs of rolling | A swaddle, or a transition bag with both wings on |
| Starting to fight the swaddle, before any signs of rolling | A transition bag, one wing off |
| Showing any sign of trying to roll | An arms-free sleep sack only |
Safe sleep in a sleep sack
- Never use weighted sleep sacks, swaddles or blankets. The AAP, the NIH’s Safe to Sleep campaign and the CPSC all say to keep weighted products away from sleeping babies.
- Check the fit. Size by your baby’s weight and height, not age. Kyte and Love to Dream both say the neckline must not be able to pass over your baby’s mouth or nose.
- Watch for overheating. Sweating, flushed or hot skin, or a hot chest mean your baby is too warm.
- A sleep sack replaces blankets. Nothing else goes in the crib: no blankets, pillows, bumpers or toys.
Our guide to safe sleep for babies covers the rest of current AAP advice.
Frequently asked questions
When should I switch from a swaddle to a sleep sack?
As soon as your baby shows any sign of trying to roll, which can start around 2 months. The AAP says to stop swaddling then, and that includes sacks that hold the arms down.
Are weighted sleep sacks safe?
No. The AAP says not to use weighted blankets, sleepers or swaddles on or near a sleeping baby, and both the NIH’s Safe to Sleep campaign and the CPSC list weighted swaddles among products to avoid.
What TOG should I choose?
There’s no official TOG standard. Safe to Sleep’s advice is to dress your baby for the room and watch for overheating. Each brand publishes its own chart, and the charts differ, so follow the one for the sack you buy.
Can my baby keep using a sleep sack after rolling?
Yes, as long as it’s arms-free. The AAP says sacks that don’t swaddle and let your baby move freely can be used as long as you like.
