The Zipadee Zip vs Nested Bean – both the Zipadee Zip Swaddle Transition Sleep Sack and the Nested Bean Sleep Sack are great products. But, do you need both? Is one better than the other for your baby’s sleep?
In this blog post, you’ll learn about both products and which we recommend!
Zipadee Zip Swaddle Transition Sleep Sack
We have been recommending the Zipadee Zip for a long time even before they were on the Shark Tank. The Zipadee Zip, created by a company named Sleeping Baby, is a really great invention to help your baby sleep better when it’s time to stop swaddling.
The “wings” of the Zipadee Zip stop your baby from feeling like they are falling when the Moro reflex is still strong. Many babies are ready to transition away from the swaddle before the Moro reflex has gone away, which is where the Zipadee Zip shines. It is safe for sleeping especially when a baby is rolling over and otherwise can’t be swaddled. And, it’s also good for when your baby doesn’t like to be swaddled, yet can’t seem to stay asleep without it.
If your baby has eczema or otherwise scratches herself, the Zipadee Zip will protect the skin. I was always terrible at keeping my baby’s fingernails clipped!
There are many different styles to choose from for the Zipadee Zip. And, although you won’t need the wings as your baby gets older, so many babies like this sleep sack that they make toddler sizes as well!
Nested Bean Sleep Sack
The Nested Bean products are innovative with the simple premise that sometimes you just need a hand on you to feel comfort. That’s what their lightly-weighted products emulate: the feeling of a parent’s hand on your baby. Of course, there’s no perfect replacement for your hand but it’s a great concept!
While Nested Bean has a few different products, the one you’d compare to the Zipadee Zip would be the Zen Sack™ which is a sleep sack you use after you’re done swaddling.
The Nested Bean Zen Sack has a 2-way zipper and is lightly weighted with non-toxic poly beads to give just the right amount of pressure on your baby’s chest. Or, you can flip it over if your baby is a tummy sleeper though Back is Best to reduce the risk of SIDS. This sleep sack is made with 100% soft, breathable cotton with a 0.5 TOG. This means it’s lightweight which is very versatile.
Please Note: 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.
Zipadee Zip vs Nested Bean Sleep Sack – Which is Better?
Both the Zipadee Zip and the Nested Bean Sleep Sack are great sleep sacks. But, which is better for your baby’s sleep?
We have worked with families who have used both and clients love both products. As a sleep consultant for over 15 years, I can tell you that either product would be a good choice. We give the edge to the Zipadee Zip simply because many babies won’t sleep better with the “hand on the chest” concept. Most of the babies with which we work need to be picked up to be soothed. We do love the concept but it only seems to “work” for some babies. Therefore, it simply functions as a regular sleep sack. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but if the weight doesn’t “work” it loses its special-ness. Therefore, we highly recommend the Zipadee Zip for many babies, but there are a few things to consider first:
- Does your baby use a pacifier?
- Does your baby like to suck on their thumb, fingers, or hands?
- Does your baby like to crawl around while self-settling to sleep?
If you answered no to all of these questions, the Zipadee Zip is an excellent choice!
However, if you answered yes to any of these questions, the Zipadee Zip may or may not be the best sleep sack for your baby. And, for that reason, you might choose Nested Bean or another sleep sack. We have a list of the Top 10 Best Sleep Sacks here.
Baby Likes to Suck on Thumb, Fingers, or Hands
If your baby likes to suck on their thumb, fingers, or hands, it may work out fine. Some babies will simply suck their hands through the cloth of the wings. But, if your baby likes to really feel their fingers or thumb inside their mouth mimicking a nipple, this might not work out very well. Some babies will adapt while others will struggle. This can lead to excessive crying during sleep training.
Baby Has a Pacifier
Some babies suck on their pacifier as they fall asleep but then don’t need it again. That would make using the Zipadee Zip work out just fine.
However, some babies struggle with self-settling when they can’t maneuver their own pacifier. We want your baby to be able to wake up between sleep cycles, find their own pacifier, and pop it back in. For these babies, we’d recommend a sleep sack with hands out such as the Zen Sack.
Baby Likes to Crawl Around or Stand Up
If your baby likes to crawl around the crib as they are self-soothing or stand in the crib, they may prefer to keep their hands free. We haven’t heard many complaints about the Zipadee Zip in this regard, so it’s a minor issue but depending on your baby, it is something to consider.
Zipadee Zip vs Nested Bean – Which to Buy?
If you still don’t know which product to buy and can’t afford to try both, I highly recommend you start with the Zipadee Zip. This is based on over 15 years of working with families and getting reports about which products their babies love. I know based on the experience of many families that your baby is most likely going to LOVE it!
Of course, your baby’s sleepwear is only one variable that impacts your baby’s sleep. And, what about the rest? That’s what we can help with here at The Baby Sleep Site!
