How To Transition Out Of ASleep Sack
When your little one is still small, sleep sacks are afantastic option.
Your wee one can’t wriggle out of these mini sleepingbags no matter how much they toss and turn, so they stay nice and cosythroughout the night and during naps too. For young babies, they are also a safer option thanblankets as they can’t come loose and become a hazard.
However, as your child grows, the time will come whenyou need to transition them from a sleep sack to bedding and a pillow.
Some find the move a piece of cake, while others mighthave a harder time adjusting. So, how do you know when the time is right toditch the sleep sack, and how to go about it?
Let’s answer those questions now so you can rest easyknowing your little one is sleeping easily – and safely.
What Is The Right Age To Move To Bedding?
Health experts recommend avoiding the use of loosebedding in the cot for at least the first 12 months and pillows and duvets from 2 years of age. But just because that first yearhas passed doesn’t mean you have to switch from a sleep sack to sheets andblankets. You can buy larger sleep sacks to accommodate your growing toddler, andif they are still comfy, there’s no need to rush the transition.
In fact, there can be benefits for sticking with sleepsacks for a bit longer: they stay where they are meant to, so you don’t have topop into your baby’s room to cover them up and tuck them in several times anight. Plus, sleep sacks can make it a little tricky for adventurous toddlersto climb out of their cots, encouraging them to stay put just a little bitlonger!
Knowing When It Is The Right Time
If you have a particularly restless child that ends uptopsy turvy during the night, you may want to stick with the sleep sack a littlelonger. However, if you have a peaceful less mobile sleeper, you maybe ready to try bedding a little sooner.
Your child's sleeping situation can also impact your decision.Once you decide to move your toddler from a slatted cot to a “grown-up” bed, theywill probably become more mobile, making bedding a better option.
Safety-wise, I recommend waiting until your child hasthe appropriate motor skills to move around freely and pull covers on and offeasily. This should happen somewhere between the ages of two and three years.
How To Transition Out Of ASleep Sack And Into Bedding
As with any new routine for your child, it’s best tostart slowly. You may want to begin the process during the warmer months, soyou don’t have to be too worried about your child getting cold overnight if theblanket slips off. However if this in not possible try and dress your child warmly enough so they don't need much bedding. An all in one sleepsuit usually works best.
Introduce a special blanket outside of nap time to getthem used to manipulating it – and reassure you that they can pull it on andoff easily. Bring a light blanket out when they are having cuddles with you onthe sofa or lying on the floor in the lounge.
Once you are confident that they can pull the blanketon and off with ease, introduce a light sheet over the sleep sack, and teachthem that being tucked in under a sheet is part of the bedtime routine.
If this goes smoothly, progress to a light blanket andremove the sleep sack altogether.
When it comes to pillows, let your child be yourguide. The pillow must be small and light enough for your toddler to pick it upand move it themselves. Opt for a relatively flat pillow to help with comfort.Your child has been sleeping flat since birth, so it can take a while for themto adjust to the elevation. The good news is pillows can help anchor your toddler in one place especially when moving into a big bed.
Remember, every child is different: some may adaptinstantly to bedding, while others may reject the concept until they are a bitolder. Don’t panic if this is the case for your little one: dress them in warmsleepsuits to ensure they remain comfortable even if the blankets come off, andstick with it.
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FAQs
Once you are confident that they can pull the blanket on and off with ease, introduce a light sheet over the sleep sack, and teach them that being tucked in under a sheet is part of the bedtime routine. If this goes smoothly, progress to a light blanket and remove the sleep sack altogether.
What age should I stop using a sleep sack? ›
After a year old, if your child is ready, you can start to transition from a sleep sack to a blanket. At this point, the risk of SIDs has significantly decreased as your child has the mobility to roll over easily from any direction.
How do you transition out of a sleep sack? ›
One approach is to place the blanket over the sleep sack during nap time but tuck it tightly around the mattress so that it doesn't become a loose item in the crib, posing a risk. You can also begin by laying the blanket on top of them while they play or cuddle, gradually making it a part of their sleep ritual.
What age transitions from sleep sack to blanket? ›
How long can a baby wear a sleep sack? You'll want to keep size, comfort, and safety in mind. It's a good idea to use one until at least 12 months of age since a loose blanket can increase the risk of sleep-related injury or death [2].
How long should a baby wear a sleep sack? ›
There's no definitive answer to how long babies use sleep sacks or when to start using them, as every baby is unique. However, many parents find that sleep sacks are beneficial from a few months old up to 1 or 2 years old. In fact, some babies continue using sleep sacks until they are several years old.
How to dress baby for sleep without a sleep sack? ›
Here's a guideline for how to dress baby for cool but comfortable sleep: If it's chilly, layer a onesie under your child's footie pajamas. If it's very cold, add a layer of a blanket sleeper (a fleece zipper pajama that goes over the thin cotton pajama). If it's warm, opt for just a one-piece breathable cotton pajama.
Can a baby turn over in a sleep sack? ›
It is just a bodysuit made of a blanket-like material with a hole for your baby's head and two holes for their arms. Not only are sleep sacks considered safe for a baby who rolls during sleep, they're actually preferred to any other kind of blanket for rolling babies!
How long does sleep sack transition take? ›
Seems like on average, folks transitioned around 3 months (give or take a couple of weeks) and babies adjusted after a few days to a couple of weeks. All in all, it sounded not too awful. For my part, after reading all your stories, I decided to the sleep sack a shot.
When should I switch to sleep sack instead of swaddle? ›
Swaddles are typically suitable for young infants up to around 3-4 months old, depending on their developmental stage and preferences. Once your baby starts showing signs of rolling over or resists being swaddled, it's time to transition to a sleepsack for safer sleep.
When to change baby from sleeping bag to duvet? ›
Most parents upgrade from a sleeping bag to a toddler duvet between 2-4 years. To ensure safety and reduce the risk of suffocation or SIDS, it is advisable to wait until your toddler is at least 18 months old before introducing a duvet.
Most pediatricians agree that sleep sacks, when used appropriately, do not hinder a baby's ability to move and develop. They often recommend transitioning from swaddled designs to more spacious ones as the baby grows.
How do you know if your toddler needs a blanket? ›
Signs your toddler is ready for a pillow or blanket
Asking when they will get to sleep with a pillow or blanket (this most often happens with kids who have older siblings!) They lay on their stuffed animal at night as if it were a pillow. Intentionally cuddling under blankets while reading on the couch or watching TV.
At what age should you stop cuddling your child to sleep? ›
As your child grows up, it's natural to wonder when to phase out night-time cuddles. While every child is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer, generally speaking, experts advise that parents should aim to stop snuggling at night with their kids by age five.
When to get rid of a sleep sack? ›
There's no “right” age when you need to stop using a sleep sack for your baby. But some signs signal it might be time to ditch it. For example, your baby's size, age, and comfort level can indicate when it's time to move on. If your little one isn't a year old yet, they can't safely use a blanket.
Do sleep sacks help babies sleep longer? ›
(1) Unweighted sleep sacks are safer for babies then blankets or quilts. (2) They keep babies warm by regulating their body temperature and helping to to sleep comfortably all night long.
When should babies sleep with arms out of sleep sack? ›
While there is no set rule for the exact time to move through the transition from swaddle to arms-out sleeping, it typically starts between 3-6 months old. However, some babies may start earlier and some may take longer.
When to transition from swaddle to sleep sack? ›
When your baby starts to roll you should transition straight away. You'll also want to transition your baby when they start to resist or break free from their swaddle. If they haven't started to show signs of rolling, you can make a gradual transition around the 2 - 3 month mark.
What age can you put a blanket in a crib? ›
However, most experts agree that children should be at least 12 months of age, but ideally 18 months or older before blankets are used. This is for a number of safety reasons. From 18 months of age, you can introduce a blanket to your baby's cot, if you choose to.
When to use sleep sack vs swaddle? ›
Swaddles are typically suitable for young infants up to around 3-4 months old, depending on their developmental stage and preferences. Once your baby starts showing signs of rolling over or resists being swaddled, it's time to transition to a sleepsack for safer sleep.
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