As parents, ensuring the safety and comfort of our young babies during sleep is always a top priority. With the growing popularity of weighted sleep sacks for infants, it’s important to understand these products’ potential benefits and risks. While some parents swear by the positive impact of weighted sleep sacks on their baby’s sleep patterns, there is ongoing debate about the safety of these products. Concerns have been raised about the potential risks of using weighted sleep sacks for infants, including restricted movement and overheating.
For this article, we partnered with Katie Pitts, the Founder & CEO of Sleep Wise Consulting. Our goal is to provide parents with the information they need to make informed decisions about the use of weighted sleep sacks for their little ones, always keeping safety as the top priority.
What are Weighted Sleep Sacks for Newborns?
Weighted sleep sacks for newborns are specially designed garments or wearable blankets that provide a secure sleeping environment for babies. What sets weighted sleep sacks apart from traditional sleep sacks is the addition of weighted materials, such as beads or pellets, sewn into the fabric. These weighted products provide gentle pressure on the baby’s body, which can help simulate the feeling of being held or hugged, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
Proponents of weighted sleep sacks for babies say these clothing articles help soothe infants suffering from colic or reflux. In addition, some say that using weighted sleep sacks may help babies feel more secure during the transition from being swaddled to sleeping without being wrapped, promoting better sleep habits and longer periods of rest for both the baby and the parents. But are weighted sleep sacks unsafe?
Are Weighted Sleep Sacks Safe?
Unfortunately, weighted sleep products may pose more risk than reward for our smallest sleepers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the team at Sleep Wise Consulting agree that weighted sleep sacks and swaddles are not safe as they pose an increased risk for sleep-related incidents and do not recommend their use for the following reasons:
- Risk of overheating. Infants are less effective at regulating their body temperature, and the added weight of these sleep sacks may be linked to overheating, which poses a risk of SIDS.
- May restrict natural movement. Allowing babies to move freely in their crib helps them move between sleep cycles and sleep in their most comfortable position. Additionally, we want babies to be able to move their bodies comfortably to reduce any risks associated with impaired mobility.
- Potential risk of suffocation. Any additional weight or material that could cover a child’s face during sleep can pose a risk of suffocation.
- Reliance on an external device for sleep. It is noted that even adults can have trouble sleeping without a weighted blanket once they become accustomed to it. Similarly, when babies rely on external factors to fall asleep and/or stay asleep, they are less likely to move independently through natural sleep without those external factors always being present.
With these things in mind, it’s clear why parents wouldn’t want to take a chance by putting their little ones in weighted sleep sacks.
Does Sleep Wise Recommend Weighted Sleep Sacks?
When Sleep Wise launched its Safe Sleep Guide, it surprised people that Sleep Wise did not recommend weighted sleep sacks. We always tend to err on the side of utmost caution regarding safe sleep. While there is no clear clinical evidence regarding the safety of weighted sleep sacks in order to remove this weighted baby product from the shelf, given the nature of the product and what we know about infant sleep, we also know that a product like weighted sleep sacks is unnecessary for a baby to sleep better, sleep longer, and rest peacefully.
Weighted sleep sacks have gained popularity in recent years, touted for their ability to provide a calming and soothing effect on babies, similar to swaddling. However, the potential risks involved in using weighted sleep sacks outweigh any potential benefits. The added weight of the sleep sack can increase the risk of suffocation if baby is able to roll onto their stomach or if the sleep sack becomes twisted during sleep. Furthermore, there is concern that the added pressure from the weighted blanket could interfere with a baby’s ability to rouse themselves from sleep, if necessary, potentially increasing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The Safe Sleep Guide
In the Safe Sleep Guide, Sleep Wise emphasizes the importance of creating a safe sleep environment for infants, which includes placing babies on their backs to sleep, using a firm mattress, removing any loose bedding or toys from the crib, and maintaining a comfortable room temperature. Sleep Wise believes these measures are sufficient to promote healthy and restful sleep for babies without needing weighted infant sleep sacks.
It’s important for parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with certain baby products and to prioritize safety when it comes to their child’s sleep. Parents are encouraged to follow the guidelines outlined in the Safe Sleep Guide and consult with pediatricians if they have concerns about their baby’s sleep habits.
Safe Baby Sleep: Can I Use a Sleep Sack that’s Not Weighted?
Non-weighted sleep sacks are generally considered a safe and snug alternative to traditional blankets for babies. The AAP recommends using sleep sacks to keep infants warm during sleep without the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper fit and size is crucial, ensuring the sleep sack is not too loose or tight.
Additionally, it’s important to keep the room at a comfortable temperature and to avoid overdressing the baby to prevent overheating. By following these recommendations and guidelines, parents can rest assured that their little ones will be safe and comfortable while wearing a sleep sack during bedtime.
What about the Dreamland Baby Weighted Sleep Sack?
Dreamland is a brand of weighted sleep sacks that places weight on the top front of the sleep sack so as not to impair movement of the arms and legs. Dreamland sells different sleep sacks and pajamas that are weighted and non-weighted. While Dreamland has collaborated with specialists, including pediatric pulmonologists, pediatricians, NICU nurses, and sleep consultants, they acknowledge that the AAP does not recommend use of a weighted sleep sack.
It’s clear that many Dreamland customers have seen success with the use of their weighted products and believe these products are safe. It’s important to note that addressing a child’s sleep hygiene will also yield positive results regarding sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions—Weighted Baby Sleep Sacks
Why are weighted sleep sacks no longer recommended?
Weighted sleep sacks are no longer recommended for infants and young children due to safety concerns. While the idea behind weighted sleep sacks was to provide a calming and comforting sensation for babies, recent studies and reports have shown that the added weight can pose a risk of suffocation or other sleep-related accidents.
Additionally, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of weighted sleep sacks in improving sleep quality or promoting better sleep habits in infants. As a result, pediatricians and child safety experts advise against the use of weighted sleep sacks and suggest exploring other safe and evidence-based strategies for promoting healthy sleep patterns in young children.
What’s the difference between a sleep sack and a weighted sleep sack?
A sleep sack is a wearable blanket that is designed to keep babies and young children warm and cozy while they sleep. It is typically sleeveless and is made of soft, breathable fabric to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. On the other hand, a weighted sleep sack is similar in design but has an added feature of weighted material sewn into the fabric.
The purpose of the weighted material is to provide a gentle, calming pressure on the child’s body. While both types of sleep sacks offer a comfortable option for young children, the weighted version is not recommended for use, per the sleep experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics. In fact, wearing a weighted sleep sack can pose risks to babies.
What are sleep recommendations to help your baby sleep?
To help your baby sleep, it’s important to establish a bedtime routine and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. This can include activities like bathing, reading a bedtime story, and dimming the lights to signal that it’s time for sleep. Creating a calm and comfortable sleep environment free from distractions, such as noise and bright lights, can also help your baby fall and stay asleep.
Additionally, providing soothing white noise, such as a fan or sound machine, can help drown out other household noises and create a peaceful atmosphere. It’s also important to pay attention to your baby’s sleep cues and respond to their needs promptly, whether it be hunger, discomfort, or simply the need for a reassuring touch.
Conclusion
The topic of SIDS is a scary one, and Sleep Wise knows that safe sleep can sometimes be a mystery to parents. Knowing the best practices and what products to avoid regarding safe sleep can be hard. We understand that, as a parent, you want to do everything in your power to keep your baby safe and comfortable during sleep. That’s why we want to emphasize the importance of safe sleep practices. If you want a sleep sack for your baby that is safe for sleep, Sleep Wise is here to assure you that safe, sound sleep is possible without the increased risk that comes from the use of weighted sleep products for babies.
Katie Pitts is the Founder & CEO of Sleep Wise Consulting. Sleep Wise has resolved thousands of babies’ sleep difficulties since its inception in 2015. Katie’s team remains steadfast in its commitment to the ongoing education of safe sleep environments for all. For more information on safe sleep, download our free Safe Sleep Guide.
Morgan French is a wife, mom of two, writer & editor. After traveling for 3 years with her family, she now lives back in her hometown of Dayton, OH. She makes frequent stops for coffee, enjoys the outdoors, and loves board games.
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