How to Choose a Baby Sleepsack

You've probably been hearing alot about baby sleepsacks as
a safer alternative to using blankets, but with the growing
number of choices available, how do you choose the one that
is right for your baby?

While sleepsacks have been used for decades in Europe, they are only now gaining popularity in North America. Promoted strongly by SIDS organizations internationally, sleepsacks take away the worry of blankets getting tangled up around your baby's mouth and nose causing re-breathing of air
(one of the factors associated with SIDS).

4 Reasons for Sleepsack Popularity

1) Sleepsacks take away the worry of a baby's mouth and nose being covered by a blanket

2) Sleepsacks ensure your baby stays warmly covered all night

3) Recommended by some doulas as part of a healthy sleep routine

4) Easily transportable, a sleepsack keeps your baby's sleep routine consistent, no matter where
you are

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Sleepsack

1) How old is your baby?
Sleepsacks are most useful after the first couple of months when a baby no longer needs to be
swaddled. It is a nice transition because it is a contained space the baby becomes familiar with

2) What fabric should I choose?
There are many fabrics to consider, cotton, hemp, fleece, wool, down...if the temperature is warmer
cotton or hemp are great choices, but for cooler weather, fleece, wool and down are great options.

3) What temperature rating should my sleepsack be?
When considering what warmth of sleepsack to buy, consider not just the season, but the
temperature of your baby's room. It is generally better to have a slightly cooler sleepsack that you
can make warmer or cooler by adding warmer pj's or just diapers underneath.

4) What is a good fit?
For fit issues, look to make sure the neck hole is a good fit and won't go over the babies head. For
the armholes they should be big enough to offer air circulation, but not so big your baby's arms could
get tangled.

5) What zipper style?
There are two main zipper styles. One zips down the middle of the sleepsack, the other zips around
the outside like a sleeping bag. May parents prefer the zippers that are sleeping bag style and open
from the bottom for easy diaper changes in the middle of the night.

Photo & Article courtesy of Kohlrbaby.com
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