As soon as your baby learns to roll over—typically any time from 4 months, on—it’s advised to stop swaddling them when they sleep because without their hands free, if they tipped onto their belly in the middle of the night, or in the middle of a nap, they could get stuck. And while making the transition from arms in to arms out can be relatively easy for some babies, it can be incredibly difficult for others. One way to smooth the switch is to slip your baby into a cozy sleep sack instead. Some are even designed specifically to help you make that transition.
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And even after you make that initial move to swaddle-free sleep, you’re still not supposed to put any blankets in your baby’s crib, so a cozy sleep sack is truly the best way to ensure they’re warm enough while still being safe. Here are some of our—and soon to be your baby’s—favorites.
Love To Dream Swaddle UP 50/50 Transition Bag
The beauty behind this bag ($34.95 on Amazon) is that it starts off as a swaddle and ends up as a sleep sack, so you can literally make the switch without changing a thing. The signature Love to Dream wings, which keep babies’ hands close to their face (similar to how they were in the womb) can be zipped off as soon as they’re ready to roll. You can also try easing the transition even more by zipping off one wing at a time, so your baby can get used to having one arm free before letting them both out of the bag. It’s made with a buttery soft cotton-elastane fabric, keeps seams outward-facing, away from baby, and has a snug, yet flexible fit.
HALO 100% Cotton Sleepsack Swaddle
Another great option for making the transition to swaddle-free sleep without much fuss is the HALO Sleepsack Swaddle ($25.99 on Amazon). It’s made with 100 percent cotton, adjusts for three different sleeping styles (arms in, arms up or arms out) and fits perfectly, with just enough stretch to hug your baby without making them feel restricted.
Burt’s Bees Baby Wearable Blanket
Made from 100 percent organic cotton, this sweet sack ($21.49 on Amazon) is safe, breathable and feels great against your baby’s skin. Plus, its zipper opens from the bottom, up to make midnight diaper changes that much easier.
Nested Bean Zen Sack Classic
If you need a little more help getting your little one to sleep without the swaddle, the Nested Bean Zen Sack Classic ($37.99 on Amazon) is worth a shot. It contains a lightly weighted pad on its chest, with the idea being that the slight feeling of pressure it gives your baby could help calm them down and make them sleep more soundly (similar to the effect of your hand on their chest). It’s also made with breathable cotton fabric, has an easy access two-way zipper and features adjustable straps for a longer-lasting fit.
Carter’s Baby 2-Pack Cotton Sleepbag
For a less expensive, yet still cozy solution, check out these adorable sleep sacks ($18.99 on Amazon). They’re made from 100 percent cotton, super soft and just the right size for baby to sleep comfortably all night long.