Download The App Daily pregnancy & newborn updates with our FREE app

It’s natural to want to keep your child cozy and warm, but putting a blanket in baby’s crib before their first birthday is a big safety no-no, since it can pose a suffocation hazard and increase the risk of SIDS. But that doesn’t mean your little one has to be cold at night and during naps.

A baby sleep sack offers a safe alternative to a loose blanket. Better yet, these wearable blankets come in all different fabrics with nifty features to suit your little one’s needs. Not sure what to look for? Here, you’ll find a breakdown of the different options, as well as our favorite brands and sleep sacks for every stage of development.

In this article: What is a sleep sack? Different types of sleep sacks Where to shop for the best sleep sacks Best sleep sacks for babies and toddlers

A sleep sack is essentially a wearable blanket for baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the use sleeping sacks instead of loose bedding or blankets, which can pose a serious risk to baby. It’s a great option for newborns who fight the swaddle and older babies that have graduated beyond that stage. A sleep sack will keep your baby or toddler warm, secure and safe. What’s more, they can help regulate baby’s temperature and prevent overheating.

Wearable blankets come in all shapes, sizes and fabrics. Here is a breakdown of the most common types—plus, some key features to look for.

• Swaddle-style sleep sacks: This design offers an easy-to-use alternative to classic swaddles, making them great for newborns. This type of wearable blanket constricts baby’s arms, which helps curb the moro reflex (also known as the startle reflex). However, as with regular blanket swaddling, the use of sleep sacks that compress the arms, chest and body should stop once baby shows signs of starting to roll over (typically around 4 months of age).

• Sleeveless sleep sacks: Another good option is a sleeveless sack, which keeps baby’s feet and body safely tucked inside the sleeping bag, but leaves their arms free to move during the night. This type is safe to use from infancy to toddlerhood, as babies have increased mobility thanks to the armholes. Rather than the wrap-around style used for swaddle sacks, sleeveless wearable blankets are generally fastened with full-length zippers, which gives parents easy access for diaper changes.

• Weighted sleep sacks: This hybrid design contains a little extra weight to mimic the feeling of a caregiver’s touch. A weighted sleep sack may help your child fall asleep and stay asleep longer. However, updated sleep safety guidlines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) state that weighted clothing and weighted blankets are not safe for infants.

Now that you’ve got a grasp on the three main types of wearable blanket, here are some key considerations to keep in mind.

• TOG rating: A TOG rating is a unit of measurement that determines the thermal insulation of a garment. Essentially, the higher the TOG rating, the warmer an item is. For babies and toddlers, you’ll typically find sleepwear with a rating of 0.5 to 3.5. When choosing a sleep sack, check the manufacturer’s guidelines and opt for a TOG rating to suit your particular climate and the temperature of your child’s bedroom.

• Material: When choosing a baby sleep sack, try to avoid styles made from synthetic materials. Natural fabrics—like cotton, muslin and wool—are breathable, warm and gentle on sensitive skin.

• Zippers: Well-designed sleep sacks often feature dual zippers, meaning you can change baby’s diaper without having to remove the sleep sack entirely. If your child is slightly older—and prone to attempting daring escapes from the crib—an inverted zipper or one that runs from top-to bottom is a good option as it is harder for kids to unfasten.

Looking for some editor-approved options? Here are a few of our favorite, tried-and-true brands—plus, online stores with a wide range of baby and toddler sleep sacks.

• HALO: Over 20 years ago, HALO created the first ever wearable blanket for babies—and the brand has been going strong since. Their innovative sleep sacks can be used from birth on, and are the number one choice of infant sleepwear in 1,600 hospitals nationwide. Choose from five different styles designed to suit every stage of development up to 5 years of age. Oh, and did we mention that this brand is a Best of Baby winner too?

• Baby deedee: This mom-owned company specializes in designing sleep sacks, pajamas and cozy outerwear for babies and tots. Baby deedee’s signature sleep bags come in three sizes for newborns, babies and toddlers with a range of fabrics to suit different climates. Plus, practical features such as a patented center zipper and shoulder snaps make them a dream to use.

• buybuyBABY: Not ready to commit to one particular brand or style? No worries—buybuyBABY has a wide selection of baby and toddler sleep sacks from the market leaders. This online store is home to bestselling brands like Nested Bean, Love to Dream, SwaddleMe and more.

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of sleep sacks available, check out a few of our favorite picks. From wearable blankets for newborns to sleeveless styles for toddlers, here you’ll find the best baby sleep sacks for every age and stage.

Parents swear by this Halo SleepSack. The classic sleeveless style nestles baby into a soft blanket, without the dangers of loose covers. It comes in three sizes, and the roomy design provides plenty of space for rambunctious baby kicks. Plus, it unzips down the front for quick and easy middle-of-the-night diaper changes. And, if your little one does have an accident, this sleep sack is machine-washable—phew!

Buy it: Halo Wearable Blanket Plushy Dot Velboa, $25, HaloSleep.com

This newborn sleep sack has a unique “wing” design that allows baby to sleep with their arms up. This position lets infants self-soothe at night by stroking their cheeks or sucking their hands, while remaining safely snuggled up inside the sack. Although they have room to wriggle and kick, the stretchy fabric keeps baby contained and gently counteracts the startle reflex, which is common in newborns. Another great feature is the dual zipper, which allows you to change baby’s diaper while keeping them swaddled.

Buy it: Love To Dream Swaddle Wrap UP Original, $33, Target.com

The SwaddleMe is a swaddle-sack hybrid that makes swaddling a breeze, thanks to a brilliant wing-wrap design and hook-and-loop fasteners. Made from 100 percent cotton, this pick creates a tight swaddle that keeps baby warm and cozy, and helps prevent an infant’s startle reflex. This style is designed for newborns up to 4 months, but SwaddleMe also makes an adjustable sleeping pod for older babies and a wearable blanket for toddlers. It’s available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and comes in a pack of three, so you’re sure to always have a clean one on hand.

Buy it: SwaddleMe Original Swaddle, $34 for a pack of 3, Amazon.com

Is your little one fed up with being swaddled? The Dream Sack gives baby the same cozy feeling that comes from Baby Merlin’s top-rated sleepsuit, with the freedom of movement to roll and kick as they get older. The roomy sack is made with a double layer of cotton to keep baby warm, safe and secure. Plus, a two-way zipper allows for easy diaper changes.

Buy it: Baby Merlin’s Magic Dream Sack Double Layer Wearable Blanket, $30, Amazon.com

Not all sleeveless sleep sacks are created equal. Our top pick? Baby Mori’s Clever Sleep Sack. It’s lovingly crafted from an organic cotton and bamboo fabric blend, which is breathable and thermoregulating to help keep your little one comfortable all night. The sleep sack has a fitted neck and armholes, so there’s no danger of baby slipping out, but the roomy sack still gives them the freedom to move. The really clever part? You can adjust the shoulder straps and length, meaning this pick can be worn by infants and toddlers up to 2 years old. Another feature we love is the nifty pushchair belt, which means you can keep baby snug and cozy when you’re on the move.

Buy it: Baby Mori Clever Sleep Sack 1.5 TOG, $84, BabyMori.com

Sleep sacks with sleeves are a good option if you want to keep baby warm without limiting their range of motion. This lightweight cotton option converts from a gown to a sleep sack in seconds thanks to simple snap fasteners. Plus, handy foldover mittens keep your little one’s hands warm and prevents scratching during the night.

Buy it: Goumikids Bamboo Organic Cotton Convertible Baby Gown, $34, Amazon.com

For the winter months, keep baby nice and toasty in Hudson Baby’s wearable blanket. Made of plush, top-quality fleece, the sleeveless design keeps baby warm without overheating. The generous cut allows for fast-kicking legs, and the full-length zipper makes diaper changes a breeze. And at only $15 this sleep sack is a steal!

Buy it: Hudson Baby Fleece Wearable Blanket, $15, buybuyBABY.com

You might know that aiden + anais is the go-to brand for super-soft muslin baby swaddles and receiving blankets. Turns out, their sleep sack options are just as delicious. Made from a single layer of soft, breathable 100 percent cotton muslin, the open weave helps reduce the risk of overheating, offering just the right amount of comfort during summer nights and daytime naps. It can also be layered with warmer sleepwear for cooler temperatures and comes in a variety of adorable patterns. And, like many of the best baby sleep sacks, this pick has a full-length zipper for easy changing access.

Buy it: aden + anais Essentials Cotton Muslin Light Sleep Sack Flowers Bloom, $20, adenandanais.com

For a baby sleep sack made of all-natural materials, there’s no better choice than the Woolino. Made from luxuriously soft merino wool, this wearable blanket regulates baby’s temperature all year round and comes in a universal size that fits kids from 2 months to 2 years. It’s also 100 percent natural and machine-washable. It has a dual-side zipper and opens completely flat so you can change baby without disturbing them too much. Plus, it comes with a nursery thermometer and a handy dressing guide so you can rest assured your little one is comfortable whatever the season. The only drawback is the relatively high price tag—but fans of the Woolino swear it’s easy to sell second-hand once your little one outgrows it.

Buy it: Woolino 4 Season Basic Baby Sleep Bag in Panda, $90, buybuyBABY.com

The Burt’s Bees Baby Wearable Blanket is crafted from 100 percent GOTS certified organic cotton. It’s available in a number of charming colors and patterns, and features a zipper that opens from the bottom (to make diaper changes quick and easy)—plus, it has an interior zipper guard complete with a snappable cover. This buzzworthy organic sleep sack is an ideal choice for little ones with sensitive skin.

Buy it: Burt’s Bees Baby Beekeeper Organic Baby Wearable Blanket, $23, BurtsBeesBaby.com

For the warmer months, opt for a Bebe au Lait cotton muslin sleep sack. The breathable 100 percent cotton muslin keeps baby from getting overheated at night, and the machine-washable fabric gets softer the more you wash it. Plus, with a bottom-to-top zipper, it’s a cinch to put on a wiggly baby.

Buy it: Bebe Au Lait Muslin Bedtime Sleeper in Serenity, $32, Maisonette.com

When frigid winter temps set in, make sure you have a cozy baby sleep sack on hand. The Günamuna is essentially a duvet cover that your child can safely wear. It’s made from a rayon-bamboo blend, which is silky soft and quilted for added warmth. The 2.6 TOG fabric provides extra insulation for chilly nights, but the extra weight is evenly distributed to ensure baby doesn’t get too hot. Plus, the asymmetric zipper runs from the top all the way along the base of the sack, so diaper changes are a snap.

Buy it: Günamuna 2.6 TOG Premium Sleep Bag, $58, buybuyBABY.com

If you’ve got a kid who’s on the move, but not quite old enough to sleep with a blanket, the baby deedee kicker offers the perfect solution. The sleep sack has legs so your walker can move freely. Better yet, it’s made from polar-fleece to keep your tot cozy and warm all night long. It comes in multiple colors and two sizes suitable for 18 months up to 4 years.

Buy it: Baby deedee Sleep Kicker, $41, babydeedee.com

Kyte Baby’s sleeping bag comes in sizes ranging from 6 months to 4T. The roomy toddler sleep sack has foot openings to allow freedom of movement, while ankle cuffs lock in warmth. The buttery soft, bamboo-rayon walker also features a double zipper for easy diaper changes. It’s machine-washable, available in a variety of bright and cheerful colors and it’s durable enough to withstand a busy toddler.

Buy it: Kyte Baby Sleep Bag Walker, $70, Amazon.com

Plus, more from The Bump:

Ways You Can Make Sure Baby Is Sleeping Safely

How to Transition Baby to Their Own Room

Best Baby White Noise Machines and Soothers