Swaddles vs. Sleeping Bags: Pros, Cons, Risks

Many parents use a swaddle or sleep sack to keep their baby comfortable while they sleep. Swaddling is also used to calm fussy newborns and promote sleep—especially as they adjust to life outside the womb.

“Swaddling is the traditional practice of gently swaddling a baby in a light blanket, imitating the way the womb works,” says Jessica Moe, a pediatrician in neonatal medicine at Children’s Health and an assistant professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. says Dr.

A sleep sack, on the other hand, is an alternative to traditional swaddling and is a baby garment specifically designed for safe sleep. But deciding which is best for your baby isn’t always easy. So we talked to pediatric experts to learn about the benefits and risks of swaddling vs. sleep sacks, and how to decide which is right for you.

What is swaddling?

Neonatologist Stephanie Napolitano, MD, of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, explains that swaddling involves wrapping your baby’s arms tightly around their chest to recreate the feeling they had in the womb. “Swaddling babies can help soothe them by giving them the boundaries they developed within their biological parents’ bodies.”

Traditionally, swaddling was done with a blanket, Dr. Napolitano said. “However, when we wrap a baby in a blanket so that the baby is not observed during sleep, the blanket can become loose and unravel as the baby moves, and loose blankets can pose a suffocation risk to the baby. ”

Therefore, prefabricated swaddles or wearable blankets were developed to provide containment for babies, but the blanket could be wrapped and secured, often with wings or straps and Velcro.

“Premade swaddles are often more convenient than using blankets that require special wrapping and folding, but both serve the same purpose,” adds Rebekah Diamond, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University. Parents are like pediatricians.

Advantages and disadvantages of swaddling

Dr. Napolitano says swaddling babies provides the tactile feedback they need to soothe or calm them in the safest way possible during sleep. That said, there are some downsides to swaddling. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of swaddling.

Benefits of swaddling

• Provide tactile feedback
• Can soothe and calm
• Create the feeling of being in the womb
• Promote sleep

Disadvantages of swaddling

• Trying to wake your baby from a deeper sleep can present challenges
• Increased risk of overheating
• If your baby sleeps for too long it may interfere with breastfeeding
• Can be difficult to use correctly

Safety precautions for using swaddling

Generally, it is recommended that you stop swaddling your baby when he shows signs of being ready to roll over. Generally, this happens between 3 and 4 months of age or older—although every baby is different.

“Once this happens, the baby should never be swaddled with his or her arms free,” says Dr. Diamond. “Swaddling can still be used after this age if the baby’s arms are free.”

Dr. Napolitano adds that when you swaddle, also make sure the swaddle isn’t too close to your baby’s face or too tight around their chest or hips. “[Their] The hips should have enough room to move and develop.

There’s also some evidence that swaddling may make it harder for babies to wake up from deep sleep. And, while such long naps may be appealing to sleep-deprived parents, they may interfere with breastfeeding and nutrition and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). There’s also the risk of overheating – especially if you notice damp hair, flushed cheeks, or even heat rash.

Dressing your baby appropriately can reduce the risk of overheating, Dr. Napolitano said. “A good rule of thumb is usually to wear whatever you’re comfortable in plus one layer.”

What is a sleeping bag?

A sleeping bag is similar to a swaddle, but much less restrictive, explains Robert Quillin, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group. “The arm movements of the sleeping bag are not restricted and can be sleeved or sleeveless. [and] The lower part is looser, allowing the baby to move his legs more freely.

Sleep bags also don’t have the ability to wrap tightly around a baby’s torso and arms, but instead have a bag-like shape that the baby can be tucked into, Dr. Diamond said. “Blankets or any loose fabric are not safe for babies to sleep in, so sleep bags replace blankets for added warmth and comfort.”

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Sleeping Bag

Maria Lopez, sleep expert and director of Sleep Sense en Espanol, says that because blankets pose a suffocation risk for babies under 24 months, sleeping bags are a safer option. “A sleeping bag will also keep your child warm throughout the night.”

Here are some pros and cons of using a sleeping bag:

Benefits of using a sleeping bag

• Can be used even if your baby can roll
• Safe for newborns
• May be easier to use than swaddling

Disadvantages of using a sleeping bag

• Sizes limited
• May no longer be useful or safe once the baby is able to stand or move

Safety precautions when using a sleeping bag

Dr. Quillin says the same safety considerations that apply to swaddles apply to sleeping bags. “If used correctly, the weight or thickness of the blanket may really be the only potential safety issue.”

That said, when you choose a sleeping bag, make sure it’s roomy enough to allow free movement, especially if your child can sit or stand up, Lopez says. “Just like swaddling, don’t use a weighted sleeping bag, and avoid overdressing your child when using a sleeping bag. Make sure the fabric is appropriate for the weather to prevent overheating.

How to choose a swaddle or a sleeping bag

When your baby is 3 to 4 months old and hasn’t yet rolled over, choosing a swaddle or a sleep sack really comes down to personal preference and your goals.

If you have a fussy baby who needs comfort and security during naps, you may want to swaddle them from time to time. But if your baby likes to move their arms and kick their legs—even if they can’t roll over—they may prefer a sleep sack.

The weather and temperature of the room should also be considered. Because of the restrictive nature of swaddling, swaddling in a warm room or in hot weather may cause your baby to overheat. In these situations, a lightweight sleeping bag may be a better choice for a night’s sleep—as long as you don’t wear too much.

Ultimately, though, Lopez recommends age as the primary decision-maker. “I do not recommend swaddling for babies over 4 months old, regardless of whether they learn to roll over.”

Instead, she recommends using a sleep sack as soon as your child shows signs of rolling over or is 4 months or older. “It’s easy to tell early on whether your baby likes to be swaddled or prefers to use a sleep sack, given your child’s preferences.”