One of my biggest surprises in motherhood was how obsessed I became with baby & toddler sleep sacks. My good friend, Nicole, gave me a Grobag at my daughter’s baby shower and from that moment the infatuation began.
I couldn’t believe how adorable and cosy it was, and such great quality! It kept my baby girl nestled and warm in the winter, and I never worried about her kicking it off and getting cold at night and having a toddler that wakes up too early from being cold. This combined with the perfect wake windows for babies in my guide can help you get the sleep you deserve! Seven years, and many sleep sacks later, the obsession lives on.
Being a baby sleep consultant means I get to talk about baby & toddler sleep sacks everyday – best job ever! Alyssa is our ‘Resident Baby Sleep Sack Expert’ here at Baby Sleep Made Simple and she’s just as passionate as me.
As moms, we know how overwhelming it can be choosing a sleep sack for your baby. There are so many options on Amazon. So we decided to share our favorite sleep sacks and why we recommend them! All of our recommendations come from personal use with our little ones as well as our client top picks.
Consider this to be your one-stop guide for the best baby and toddler sleep sacks. I’d love to hear YOUR recommendation in the comments section.
This post may contain affiliate links.
What is a sleep sack?
A sleep sack is a “wearable blanket” or “sleep bag” for babies and toddlers. Instead of using a loose blanket in the crib, which increases the risk of suffocation and will get kicked off 147 times each night, a sleep sack is like cute overalls that keep your baby warm (and safe) while they sleep.
Whether through zippers or velcro, sleep sacks are carefully designed to stay put. Plus, they’re super cute!
I highly recommend sleep sacks to all parents who want to get their babies sleeping better. As a pediatric nurse, safety is my top priority, and sleep sacks ensure your baby will be safe at night (as opposed to sleeping with loose blankets).
There are sleep sacks for all ages and seasons. The options are endless! There are swaddle sleep sacks for newborns, swaddle transition sleep sacks for babies who have outgrown the swaddle, and sleep sacks for active babies that roll or walk.
You’ll want to get familiar with the term “TOG” when shopping around. TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) is a way of measuring thickness, so the higher the TOG, the warmer the sleep sack is. In winter, aim for TOG of 2-3 and in summer 0-1.
Here is an example guide of how to dress your baby depending on the temperature & TOG rating
Our Favorite Sleep Sacks (& We’ve Tried a Ton!)
(Click below to hear sleep sack expert Alyssa describe her pros and cons!)
Best sleep sacks for newborns: SwaddleMe & Halo
The womb is tight and cosy, and many newborns have difficulty settling easily and sleeping well without tight boundaries. You can ease your baby’s transition from the womb by swaddling them for sleep, which provides a cosy sleep space.
My years working as a NICU nurse taught me that the majority of newborns loved swaddling for sleep. That’s because a cosy swaddle dampens your baby’s startle reflex, preventing it from waking them.
(Click below to see our pros and cons.)
SwaddleMe for Newborns
The SwaddleMe swaddle sleep sack focuses on comfort and warmth. It gives babies a cocoon-like environment for sleep.
Pros:
- I personally loved the SwaddleMe with my newborn son, because he couldn’t wiggle out of it. The velcro holds tight!
- Simple and intuitive to use, especially during 2 am diaper changes in the dark.
Cons:
- The velcro is LOUD when changing diapers. I worried it would fully wake my little guy in the night. However, the pros outweigh that one con.
Halo for Newborns
Halo sleep sacks prioritize simplicity, safety and breathable materials. Their sleep sacks are actually used frequently in hospitals!
Pros:
- We like the 100% cotton version because it’s so breathable (they also have micro-fleece.)
- Has an inverted zipper for easy diaper changes.
- Recognized as “hip healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Cons:
- The Velcro loses its stickiness after several washes, which is unfortunate given how often we needed to wash it due to blowout diapers.
- Easier for baby to wiggle out of (versus the SwaddleMe.)
♥ Safety reminder: As soon as your baby starts showing signs of rolling, it’s time to stop swaddling and switch to a swaddle transition sleep sack.
Best sleep sack for transitioning out of the swaddle: Zipadee Zip & Merlin Magic Sleepsuit
Swaddle sleep sacks can be a real lifesaver during the newborn period. But all good things must come to an end.
Once your baby reaches 3 months old or shows signs of trying to roll, it’s time to wean off the swaddle. If your baby slept well in a swaddle, I highly recommend you use a swaddle transition suit like the Zipadee Zip or Merlin Magic Sleepsuit.
(Click below to see our pros and cons.)
Zipadee Zip as Transition Sleep Sack
The Zipadee Zip is truly unique. Your baby’s arms are kept inside the sleep suit (similar to the swaddle) but it’s much looser and safe for long-term use. It’s shaped like a starfish, and can be worn by active, rolling babies until they outgrow it!
Pros:
- Babies have full range of motion in this sleep sack, they can push up and roll over safely
- It’s wide in the hips, so definitely “hip friendly.”
- Safe for long-term use for active, rolling babies. Can be used until your baby outgrows it.
- Hands are covered- a plus if your baby’s hands are always cold.
Cons:
- Thin material isn’t warm enough for Winter, but they do have a fleece option.
- The top of the sleep sack can bunch up towards baby’s face.
- Thumb suckers have no access since hands are covered.
Merlin Magic Sleepsuit as Transition Sleep Sack
To put it simply, this sleep suit rocked my world when my son was young. He loved the swaddle, but at 3 months started fighting it HARD. I put him in the Merlin, and he slept great for the next four months.
The Merlin Magic Sleepsuit has the coziness of a swaddle, but your baby’s arms and legs are allowed to be straight.
The Merlin company made a point of telling me that their suit is not “weighted” but what my baby loved was its heaviness which helped dampen his startle reflex at 3-4 months. It’s warm, thick and available in both cotton and micro-fleece.
Pros:
- Very cozy and plush (I wish they made them for adults!)
- Heaviness of the suit helps prevent baby’s startle reflex from waking them
- Merlin says the suit is not “weighted” however it’s thick, so babies that loved being swaddled find comfort in its cosiness.
Cons:
- Not very easy for diaper changes
- Pretty thick, so you have to be cautious about overheating and dress your baby appropriately underneath depending on their bedroom temperature.
- Can only be used for a few months. You need to stop using it once your baby can roll in it.
Merlin Magic Sleepsuit
To put it simply, this sleep suit rocked my world when my son was young. He loved the swaddle, but at 3 months started fighting it HARD. I put him in the Merlin, and he slept great for the next four months.
The Merlin Magic Sleepsuit has the coziness of a swaddle, but your baby’s arms and legs are allowed to be straight.
The Merlin company made a point of telling me that their suit is not “weighted” but what my baby loved was its heaviness which helped dampen his startle reflex at 3-4 months. It’s warm, thick and available in both cotton and micro-fleece.
Pros:
- Very cozy and plush (I wish they made them for adults!)
- Heaviness of the suit helps prevent baby’s startle reflex from waking them
- Merlin says the suit is not “weighted” however it’s thick, so babies that loved being swaddled find comfort in its cosiness.
Cons:
- Not very easy for diaper changes
- Pretty thick, so you have to be cautious about overheating and dress your baby appropriately underneath depending on their bedroom temperature.
- Can only be used for a few months. You need to stop using it once your baby can roll in it.
Best sleep sack for Winter: Baby DeeDee & Woolino
(Click below to see our pros and cons.)
Baby DeeDee (Winter)
The Baby DeeDee Winter sleep sacks are a favorite for us. They have options for 0-36 months old. The TOG rating of 2.5 provides warmth (and coziness) for cold winter nights. It provides extra warmth on the upper part of your baby’s body, and a cocoon-like baggier bottom part for their feet.
Pros:
- The quilted 2.5 TOG is very plush and comfortable for the winter months.
- Holds up well with many washes.
Cons:
- Alyssa’s toddler learned how to pull it off because she could easily unbutton the top buttons and slide it down.
Woolino (Winter)
Woolino is another truly unique sleep sack. Their merino wool suit is designed to be worn 365 days a year. Yep, in all seasons! No need to buy another sleep sack until your baby outgrows it.
Pros:
- Made from hypoallergenic breathable merino wool, and can be worn all four seasons of the year.
- The sleep sack can be worn from 2 months-2 years old, so truly for long-term use.
- Closable car seat belt opening so you can easily move your baby from the car to the crib.
Cons:
- More expensive than others. The price varies between $70-100 USD depending on design, but given the adaptability to seasons and possibility to be used for two years, we believe it’s a good investment for those who can afford it.
Best sleep sack for Summer: Woolino
(Click below to see our pros and cons.)
Woolino (Summer)
We really love the Woolino. What’s better than one sleep sack for Winter and Summer?!
Pros:
- Made from hypoallergenic breathable merino wool, and can be worn all four seasons of the year.
- The sleep sack can be worn from 2 months-2 years old, so truly for long-term use.
- Closable car seat belt opening so you can easily move your baby from the car to the crib.
Cons:
- More expensive than others. The price varies between $70-100 USD depending on design, but given the adaptability to seasons and possibility to be used for two years, we believe it’s a good investment for those who can afford it.
Best sleep sacks for toddlers: Baby DeeDee & Halo Big Kids
(Click below to see our pros and cons.)
Baby DeeDee for Toddlers
Baby DeeDee makes sleep sacks of various designs. Some sleep sacks have legs, others don’t. My toddler prefers his sleep sack with legs so he can maneuver around the crib easily. But if your little one is trying to climb out of the crib, avoid getting a sleep sack with legs. That can make it easier for them to escape!
Pros:
- The quilted 2.5 TOG is very plush and comfortable for the winter months.
- Holds up well with many washes.
Cons:
- Alyssa’s toddler learned how to pull it off because she could easily unbutton the top buttons and slide it down.
Halo for Toddlers
The Halo Big kids is designed for kids who are 2-3 years old, 25 to 40 pounds (11-18 kg) and 34-40 inches tall (86-100 cm.) It has an inverted zipper at the bottom for diaper changes and a sleeveless design to help prevent overheating.
Pros:
- 100% cotton is lightweight and breathable (also has a micro-fleece option.)
- The inverted zipper helps with diaper changes.
- Recognised as “hip healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Cons:
- The “legs” allow for extra mobility which can help toddlers climb out of the crib. Avoid if you have a climber!
Best sleep sack with legs: Tealbee & Woolino
If your baby stumbles and trips when moving around the crib, a sleep sack with legs could be the answer. It allows your little one to move around more easily, which decreases their frustration. Just be careful that it doesn’t help them climb out of the crib!
(Click below to see our review.)
Tealbee (With Legs)
Tealbee has a lot of options for sleep sacks with legs. They use organic cotton to provide the best for babies (and the planet) and have a variety of sophisticated little sleep sacks to choose from.
I love it for my one year old. Because he wore the Merlin so long, he fought a traditional sleep sack’s “skirt” so the Tealbee with legs was a win!
Woolino (With Legs)
Have we said this enough? We love the Woolino!
There are openings for your toddler’s feet, but also plenty of space for the sleep sack to be tucked over their feet to keep them warm. And you can’t beat their breathable 100% merino wool and adorable designs.
Right now, my 1 year old alternates between the Tealbee and Woolino and sleeps like a dream.
Best sleep sack with sleeves: Zipadee Zip
(Click below to see our review.)
Tealbee Dreamsuit (With Legs)
Tealbee has a lot of options for sleep sacks with legs. They use organic cotton, which is super soft and have lots of cute designs.
My toddler loves his Tealbee! Because he wore the Merlin Magic Sleepsuit for several months, he fought a traditional sleep sack’s “skirt” so the Tealbee with legs was a win!
Our overall winner: The Woolino!
For us, Woolino wins in all categories. It’s great for all seasons, because of the breathable fabric and sleeveless design. We also think it’s a great fit for both younger and older kids, whether they need a more snug sleep sack or a legs-out option. The lovely merino fabric is a big plus, and the fact that you can wear it from 2 months old to 2 years old is what sets it apart from the rest.
While it’s more expensive than others, it can be considered a good investment if you use it for two years straight (versus having to be a sleep sack for each season.)
There you have it. Our favorite baby and toddler sleep sacks for 2023. Our team has tried and tested a ton of sleep sacks and these are our top winners. I hope it’s helped you narrow down your options and choose the best one for your baby. Did we miss any? Share your favorite sleep sack in the comments!
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