Sleep sacks have been a great sidekick during the first years of your parenting journey, bringing restful nights for your baby and peace of mind for you. But there comes a time to kiss goodbye to this friend as your little one moves on to a new stage.
This transition leaves many parents wondering: When to stop using a sleep sack? How to transition out of a sleep sack without messing up our baby’s sleeping routine?
Don’t fret, as this is a must-have milestone in our parenting journey. With our firsthand experience, we’ll walk you through the tried-and-true signs when your baby is ready to move on from a sleep sack. A transition roadmap is also included; fewer tears, more laughter guaranteed!
No “Golden Age”, Only “Golden Signs”
A quick Google search for the transition time reveals various results. Some say 2 years old, while others suggest 12 months. We did a small survey among our parent-staff at SwaddleAn, and the outcomes were even more varied. So, we’ve learned the hard way that:
Don’t rely on the age; check for transitioning signs from your baby!
Sign #1: Baby Transitions to a Toddler Bed
The most obvious indicator to stop using a sleep sack is when your little one switches to a toddler bed. The open space requires free movement so your baby can climb on and off the bed easily and safely.
This is something sleep bags can’t deliver. Most of them come in a pouch or sack shape, which restricts a baby’s leg movements. Instead, it’s time to introduce a thin, lightweight blanket to your little one, offering freedom of movement without sacrificing warmth.
Sign #2: Baby Starts Nighttime Potty Training
Your baby wakes up bedwetting or with a heavily soaked nappy? It’s time for nighttime potty training, and the first step is to ditch sleep sacks. Unlike adults, babies can pee or poo right away once they feel the urge. So, the key to successful training is to act quickly.
However, the bodysuit-like design of sleep sacks makes it difficult for our little ones to take them off on their own, especially when they’re sleepy. A pajama is the better choice to help our kids pull down their bottoms quickly and get to the potty themselves.
Sign #3: Baby Shows a Lack of Interest
Does your baby throw a tantrum whenever you try to put them in a sleep sack? If yes, chances are they’re no longer interested in those wearable blankets.
Other signs include babies trying to take off the sack or being curious and asking for a “grown-up” blanket like their parents. It’s completely normal that some kids grow up skipping sleep bags altogether. So, it’s important to listen to the cues from your little one.
Sign #4: The Sleep Sack No Longer Fits
When your baby’s weight and height exceed the biggest sleep sack size, they have “graduated” from those wearable blankets. Choosing the right size for sleep sacks is always top priority. One that’s too small not only restricts their growth but also poses safety risks.
When You Don’t Need to Stop Using a Sleep Sack Yet
“My baby can walk now”
My twin girls have been using sleep sacks since they were 2 months old. They can walk pretty well now. Should I stop using sleep sacks now?
Our answer: A walking baby doesn’t necessarily move on from sleep sacks. If your daughters still sleep in cribs, we suggest switching to footed sleep sack types for easy movement without compromising coziness and safety. Meanwhile, if they have their own beds now, lightweight blankets will come in handy.
“My baby can unzip it themselves”
OMG, my 11-month-old boy can now unzip the sack himself. So dangerous! I scoured the Internet for the transition time, and it made me even more confused. Is this too early to transition out of sleep bags?
Our answer: Here’s a hack from veteran parents at SwaddleAn—wear the sleep sack backward, and the zipper is on the baby’s back.
Don’t worry that the zipper will hurt or cause discomfort for your baby's back. All SwaddleAn's sleeping bags are designed with a zipper guard. Visit our bamboo sleep sack collections and give your baby safe and sound sleep!
The Big Question: Blankets and Pillows - When Are They Safe?
Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
According to the AAP, NEVER put blankets, pillows, and loose bedding inside a baby crib, especially for those under 12 months. These soft and loose items increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), strangulation, entrapment/wedging, and suffocation.
Safety Checklist for Introducing a Blanket
Here’s a quick safety checklist when transitioning to a blanket:
- Always follow safe sleep guidelines; this is your top priority!
- Only start when your baby is over 2 years old.
- Your little one has moved to a toddler bed and is no longer in a crib.
- Use a small, lightweight blanket that's just the right size for your child.
- Make sure your child can easily pull the blanket up and push it away from their face on their own.
A Smooth Transition Roadmap
Step 1: Talk and Create Excitement
Kids love to mimic adults. Why not spark their interest by talking about getting a “grown-up blanket” because they’re a big kid now? Even better, you can help choose a blanket with their favorite characters or designs.
Step 2: Start with Daytime Naps
Let your child try out their new blanket during short daytime naps. This way, you can easily keep an eye on them.
The blanket doesn’t offer the same snugness as a sleep sack, so your baby can feel uncomfortable. Worse, they might pull the loose blanket over their faces, leading to suffocation. So, observation is key in the beginning.
Step 3: Maintain Old Routines
When you change one thing (like swapping the sleep sack for a blanket), keep everything else the same! Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine (like bath time, reading a book, or singing a lullaby) will help your little one feel secure and safe.
Care for Your Baby’s Sleep in Every Stage!
Congrats on your baby’s new milestone—transitioning out of sleep sacks! Remember that there’s no right age for everyone. Keep an eye on the signs from your little one, and you’ll know when the right time is. It’s not an overnight process, so gradually introduce a blanket to help your baby get used to the new stage while enjoying restful nights.
Many changes are on the horizon, but you’re not alone in your baby’s sleep journey. Swaddle An is here to give you a helping hand. Together, let’s keep building healthy sleep habits for your little one!
Related Blog Post
A-Z guide: How to Use a Sleep Sack for Babies
How to Wash Sleep Sack: 2 Tips for Fabric Softness and Longevity
References
- Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022