Weighted sleep sacks and blankets have become more popular, but do you need a one? Will it help your baby sleep better? This post will explain what a weighted sleep sack is, its purpose, and discuss whether it will help your baby sleep better.
What Is a Weighted Sleep Sack and Its Purpose?
A weighted sleep sack is just as it sounds. It is a form of sleep sack that has a little weight added to it. But, why would a sleep sack need weight added to it?
Gently weighted sleep sacks and blankets can calm your nervous system and help babies feel like a hand is on them. This gives them a feeling of reassurance by acting like a hug with a technique called deep pressure stimulation. But, does it work?
Will It Help Your Baby Sleep?
Swaddling your baby keeps your baby sleeping longer when their Moro reflex is strong. But, as your baby gets older and you stop swaddling, do you still need a special type of blanket?
Sleep sacks are safe ways to have a safe wearable blanket. So, (unweighted) sleep sacks are definitely a great investment!
Does it have to be weighted?
NOPE! Regular sleep sacks are great and can help some babies sleep longer. Makers of the weighted variety say this too and here are a few types of babies who can possibly benefit from one:
- If your baby likes it when you put a hand on them as they sleep.
- Your baby seems fussy and/or nervous a lot.
- Your baby still has the Moro reflex but is breaking out of the swaddle or doesn’t like to be swaddled.
- You suspect your baby or toddler has sensory processing challenges.
Of course, as with many tools in your parenting toolbox, sometimes you just have to experiment to find what works for your particular baby! However, safety should always be top of mind. Many products may improve sleep but some sleep problems can’t be solved with sleepwear, of course. So, whether your baby sleeps better depends on the reasons your baby is waking in the first place.
Safety
Unfortunately, weighted sleep sacks are no longer considered safe by the AAP or CPSC. In June 2023, the AAP wrote a letter to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that weighted sleep products for baby may not be safe. Now, the CPSC has updated its standards to say “Don’t use weighted blankets or weighted swaddles.” and indicated there was at least one infant death connected to a weighted sleep product (without further details provided).
Many weighted sleep sacks are still available for sale and many parents use them. As a reminder, you should always choose products that meet or exceed the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission standards and have been thoroughly tested. Be sure to check the safety page on a company’s website for any product you use for your baby as well as check with your pediatrician since they know your baby best.
Alternatives
There are many great non-weighted alternatives available! Since weighted sleep sacks are no longer considered safe, be sure to review our list of Top 10 Sleep Sacks (not weighted), and consider using one of these instead. For sleep help that goes above and beyond sleepwear, download our free e-book, 5 Ways to Help Your Child Sleep Through the Night.
