As parents, we value the safety and comfort of our little ones during their sleep. The wearable blanket and baby sleep sack we often have are two of the most essential parts of the baby’s bedtime routine.
This easy way to get rid of the worry and risk of the loose blankets over your baby’s face has become an essential accessory in many nurseries, preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and giving your baby a relaxed and comfortable sleep.
Many people love sleep sacks because they keep kids warm and exposed, reducing the chance of blankets tumbling over or covering their faces. However, as babies mature and change, the decision to discontinue using a sleep sack emerges.
This comprehensive guide explains the criteria for determining when to modify a baby’s sleep bag during an extended period of trouble. We’ll review safety rules and developmental milestones plus expert recommendations, outlining the essential things you need to know about what’s best for your child and peaceful sleep that is good for their growth.
1. What are Sleep Sacks?
Wearable blankets, often sleep sacks, are designed to keep babies warm and secure while sleeping. They are like sacks or bags made of breathable stuff, such as cotton, for the child’s cover; either it’s arms-free, or it’s at their style.
Children of different ages, sizes, and preferences wear these blankets. They are of various styles and come in different sizes and weights. They also come in handy for other seasons, temperatures, and your baby’s comfort. They can be fitted with snaps or zipper closures to facilitate leaving and returning, footies may be added, or armholes can be removed to provide a more adjustable-fit version of the clothing.
Sleep sacks have been shown to keep babies warm by wrapping them around themselves and preventing blankets from sliding off or touching their faces while they sleep. In addition, they often provide a feeling of warmth and protection, which eventually enhances sleep quality and promotes a regular resting schedule for babies.
2. Addressing the Safe Sleep Issues
The steps that need to be taken to stop using sleep sacks safely may not be evident to everyone, and hence, the importance of safe sleep must be emphasized first. Unfortunately, SIDS, as well as other sleep-related infant deaths, brought grief to even more families in the past than it does today.
Following suggested safe sleep practices are essential in the fight to lower the risk of SIDS and other infant sleep-related deaths, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers essential recommendations, including using a solid sleeping surface devoid of loose objects or soft surroundings. Sleep sacks are crucial since they provide babies with a safer and more secure sleeping environment instead of blankets and other loose items.
3. Benefits Of Using Sleep Sacks
Numerous advantages are provided by sleep sacks to parents and babies:
3.1. Reduced Risk of SIDS
Through their cover of the baby’s face or body and consequent entanglement risk, loose beddings that babies lay on are potential hazards. Thus, sleep sacks help create a safe environment by eliminating this risk red, increasing the number of sleep-related infant deaths.
3.2. Warmth and Comfort
The goal of a sack is to provide your baby with all-over warmth and comfort during the night, eliminating the need for loosely fitting blankets that tend to fall off or become tangled.
3.3. Easy Nighttime Care
A baby will have an extra layer of safety with a sleep sack as his parents can attend to his needs in the middle of the night without perceiving that the blanket or the cover will likely fall off.
3.4. Improved Sleep Quality
Babies’ sleep quality may be enhanced by the secure and cosy sleep sacks, which provide a snugger place to sleep and a more relaxing wake-up.
3.4.1 Sleep Sacks Promote Safe Mobility
Sleep sacks, in my experience as a parenting expert, are designed to keep babies warm and safe during sleep, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by eliminating the need for loose blankets in the crib.
When it comes to mobility and motor skills development, sleep sacks are generally spacious enough to allow for freedom of movement. This promotes healthy hip development and does not hinder a baby’s ability to kick and move their legs, which is essential for motor skill development.
The appropriate time to transition away from sleep sacks varies from child to child, but it generally aligns with the baby’s ability to stand and walk, as this could pose a risk of tripping and falling.
Typically, parents might consider transitioning between 8-14 months old, depending on the child’s developmental milestones. Transitioning can include switching to wearable blankets with foot openings or a standard bed setup with appropriate safety measures for the child’s age.
Iesha Mulla, Parenting expert, Co-Founder – Parental Questions, Parental Questions
4. When to Stop Using a Sleep Sack

These sleeping sacks are undoubtedly very beneficial in the early stages of a baby’s life. However, there is also a time when a kid needs to be ready to stop using them. The following are some essential things to think about when deciding when to discontinue using a sleep sack:
4.1. Baby’s Age and Development
A crucial factor is the age and development progress of your baby. As the babies move more and become more mobile, the likelihood of entanglement and suffocation increases because of a sleep sack. Experts generally advise against wearing a sleep sack when the baby begins to roll over or crawl, typically between six and eight months.
On the other hand, one should remember that every child is an individual and develops at a different phase. Each baby may find its different milestones, like rolling or crawling. One baby could do those activities earlier, while others might do them later. Monitoring your child’s unique milestones and sleep sack adaptations is essential as their sleep habits change.
4.2. Baby’s Sleep Movements
Your baby’s sleep movements should also be studied. Sometimes, an infant rolls off the sack or boots out of it as they become more active sleepers. If your little one wakes up at night with the sleep sack on either their arms or legs or you see that they are getting tangled around in the sleep sack or are restricted in movements, then you probably need to consider switching to a different sleep strategy.
4.3. Personal Preference and Comfort
While sleep sacks are generally safe and comfortable for babies, some children may prefer the freedom of movement provided by loose pyjamas or lightweight blankets.
It is possible that when your baby is ill-fitted and uncomfortable while wearing a sleep sack, an alternative sleep solution is needed to understand the family’s preferences and comfort level perfectly.
4.4. Room Temperature
Balancing the need for warmth and comfort with the prevention of overheating can be an issue for sleep sacks as a baby continuously grows and becomes more active. If your baby is sweating or looking too hot with a sleep sack on, that might indicate that their sack is no longer required as their body will no longer need the extra heat the sack provided.
4.4.1. Observe the Child’s Sleep Habits for Cues
Regarding motor skills and mobility, I truly don’t see many negatives when it comes to sleep sacks. Good sleep sacks are typically designed to offer a wide range of child movement, allowing them to flex and move their legs freely.
Parents should become familiar with their children’s sleeping habits. My oldest girl is typically docile and doesn’t squirm around a lot, whereas her younger brother is a wild man, rolling around all over the crib. He sleeps in some of the strangest positions.
At 17 months, he has already successfully climbed out of his crib, which I now have on its lowest setting to deter his escape—climbing out of the crib cues parents to consider transitioning away from the sleep sack.
Our family has chosen other wearable blankets with foot openings—I don’t like the idea of him kicking off the blanket and getting cold during sleep.
Parents know what’s best for their kids; the key is transitioning slowly and keeping a good routine—see which setup children like best and which affords them (and you) a good night’s rest!
Amy Johnson, Founder and Blogger, AmyBabys.com
5. Transitioning Away from Sleep Sack
After nailing down the triggers that confirm your baby is veering away from the use of sleep sacks, you have to take it slowly and proceed with gentility. Abrupt changes in sleep routines can be disruptive and may lead to sleep disturbances or resistance from your little one. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:
5.1. Introduce Lighter Sleep Sacks
For a start, you can experiment with grainy or porous cotton or muslin sleep sacks. Such materials allow for better airflow and more elegant solutions for kids who more often run on warmth or are to enter “warmer months”.
5.2. Try Wearable Blankets or Sleep Bags
Provide a wearable blanket without sleeves or sleep bags with no arm coverings, which could act as an excellent interim step between the sleep sack and the loose blanket. They provide more movement freedom while working as a shield and a safe house.

5.3. Footed Pajamas and Lightweight Blankets
When the newfound independence of the movement offered by the wearable blankets or bags has been familiarized, you can gradually introduce footed pyjamas and lightweight blankets. Try a first thin blanket around your baby’s chest and along the neck; cover the facial part with it.
5.4. Monitor and Adjust
You need to monitor your baby’s sleep during the transition period carefully. Watch out for discomfort, poor sleep quality and regularity, and excessive overheating. Tweak your routine according to your child’s needs while considering their safety and having their best interest at heart.
5.5. Seek Professional Guidance
When deciding whether to replace a sleep sack with regular sleepwear or encounter any challenges along the way, feel free to contact a sleep consultant or your kid’s doctor for advice. They can add a personal touch to your child’s treatment by being given their specific needs and development.
5.5.1. Introduce New Blanket or Lovey
As a pediatric sleep consultant using gentle methods, many tips can be used when transitioning a child away from a sleep sack. For example, you can introduce a new blanket or lovey at bedtime, replacing the sleep sack while keeping the child warm and cosy.
Another option is to use pyjamas that cover their feet if you’re concerned they will not stay covered and become cold at night.
*Be mindful that a child under 12 months should not have anything in their crib other than a fitted sheet, and using a sleep sack or covered pyjamas is recommended.
Continue with your consistent bedtime routine gently and lovingly to avoid bedtime and sleep challenges. Your child will associate their new lovey or pyjamas with sleep; the sleep sack will not be missed.
If your child is resisting bedtime, stay consistent with your routine, and offer extra cuddles and love before bedtime and when you say goodnight.
If you have other questions or concerns about your child’s sleep and behaviour challenges, please reach out anytime. We can work together to address and resolve your family’s sleep challenges using gentle and loving methods. Sweet dreams!
Carla Perl, Pediatric Sleep and Toddler Behavior Consultant, Slumberland Solutions
6. Safe Sleep Alternatives to Sleep Sacks

We will guide you through getting past the sleep sacks as your baby grows, which is a suitable alternative to promote restful and secure sleep. Here are some options to consider:
6.1. Lightweight Blankets or Quilts
Rolling over is a sign of a baby’s independence and the ability to move around freely. A blanket or quilt with a lighter form, which provides warmth and comfort while being easily removable, can now give a baby more freedom. Have the blankets covered, and do not allow them to go over your baby’s face, nor are they tucked under it.
6.2. Wearable Blankets or Sleep Sacks
Among the measures we proposed is a transitional blanket or sleep bag without arm covers. These versatile products lower people’s burdens while providing a substantial, comfortable space to stay.
6.3. Footed Pajamas
Fitted baby sleepers are in demand among parents as they can warm babies and allow free movement. Seek materials that do not cause breath restriction for your baby but are comfortable for the baby.
6.4. Temperature Regulation in the Space of the Room
Comfortable temperature inside the room is an essential component that makes sleep safe and at ease. AAP advises your kiddo to sleep well and keep the room 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22.2°C).
6.5. Breathable Crib Mattress and Bedding
One of the beddings to consider includes using breathable crib mattresses and beddings to ensure airflow and prevent overheating. Check for that or other natural fabrics so you don’t cause sweating by improperly ventilating.
Also, remember that your infant’s safety and overall health are of the utmost importance, and it is essential to consider this when deciding on sleep solutions.
If you have any doubts or questions about shifting your child away from sleep sacks and creating a safe sleep environment for your growing child, speak to your paediatrician or certified sleep consultant.
7. Conclusion
Sleep sacks are now recognized as priceless devices that parents can use to provide safety and comfort to their babies during sleep. However, as all babies outgrow the specific stage of sack sleeping, you must consider moving on from it sooner or later.
Various factors, such as your baby’s age, development milestones, how your baby sleeps, the room temperature, and your personal opinions, can help you decide when to stop changing the sleep sack. Please note that every child is unique and that every transition should be gradual and based on your child’s specific requirements.
Develop safe sleep habits, pay attention to professional advice when necessary, and be ready to celebrate the significant moments of your baby’s growth and development. By involving patience and giving utmost attention to your kid and their general well-being, you can make this transition more accessible, but make sure they are still comfortable and secure when sleeping as they advance.
8. FAQs
8.1. Is seven months too young to transfer a baby from a sleep sack to a blanket?
There is no specific time that a child should move from a sleep sack to a blanket because that is based on their development. Transitioning is recommended with the onset of the signs that the child can climb out of the crib or that they have failed to fit the largest sleep sack size.
A proper health checkup for the baby to ensure it does not get too warm must be ensured. The crib must also be checked to ensure there is no loose bedding or items that could block the baby’s mouth or nose and lead to suffocation.
8.2. Can such use of a sleep sack impact motor development in a toddler?
There is no evidence that the sleep sack develops the child’s physical health. Quite importantly, sleep sacks can be, in a way, similar to a secure haven and a place of comfort for the baby. For this reason, sleep sacks can promote healthy sleep habits and trigger the child’s overall development.
8.3. Do we still allow the use of a sleeping bag when a baby starts walking? Is it safer to remove it as it poses a possible suffocation threat?
It is all right to continue using a sleep sack even after the baby becomes a walker, but for safety reasons, choose the proper size and do not leave anything that may cause harm. Nonetheless, the parent must pay attention to the child’s movements and ensure the baby is not tripping or stumbling while using the sleeping bag.
8.4. How do I know my baby can sleep comfortably without a sleep sack?
When the baby can manage body temperature and doesn’t wake up frequently because of being cold or hot, it doesn’t need to wear a sleep sack. In addition, while noting their progress, watch if they move around quickly without the sack, as this is a crucial trait to assess in determining your baby’s correct sleep sack size.
8.5. Are there any benefits to using a sleep sack with older toddlers?
Sleep sacks, along with toddlers, can be a form of comfort promoting good sleeping habits and universal development. Besides, the sleep sacks may be employed to keep the child warm, which might prevent them from throwing out the blanket in the middle of the night.
8.6. How can I understand it is time for my child to stop using a sleep sack?
When your baby is starting to roll and move around in the middle of the night, the signs that they no longer need to use a sleep sack are when they can control their body temperature by themselves, move around the bed comfortably without a sack, and no longer wake up frequently due to being either very hot or cold.
It is necessary to watch out for the child’s sleeping patterns and activities to ensure they are already sleep-sack independent.
Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Khushahal Malakar