Every mama has a different opinion when it comes to...well, when it comes to everything. Once you've found the thing that works best for you and babe, you are ride or die for it!
That's what's so fun about this mama community; every one of us has a different way to make our lives, and the lives of our littles, so much better. Today we're talking about the differences between swaddle blankets and sleep sacks, and why mamas would choose one over the other.
Swaddling is obviously one of the best ways to keep your babe sleeping as much as possible, because it keeps that pesky startle reflex in check. By keeping the arms and legs contained in the swaddle, those little limbs won't go flying around and wake up your babe in the middle of the night.
Whether it's a method that helped you get a little more sleep, or your favorite swaddle that your babe can't get enough of, once you find something you love, you've got to share your joy with the mamas in your life. And while we're on the topic of all the sleep we're not getting, why not talk about the pros and cons to blankets vs. sacks, and what will work best for your sleeping babe!
Swaddle Blankets
The tried and true way to wrap up your babe. I mean, they teach classes on how to swaddle for crying out loud! It's a skill that pretty much every new parent sees as essential, so the swaddle blanket is obviously an essential. The question is why do we love them so much?
When it comes to swaddle blankets, every new parent knows that you just can't use any blanket for the perfect swaddle. Hopefully you won't be learning this lesson in middle of the night with a screaming babe (trust me).
Little Unicorn Bamboo Deluxe- Pineapple
So there's definitely a couple of things you want to look for in the perfect swaddle blanket:
Size matters! You need a big enough blanket so that you can wrap babe up nice and snug, and keep them from wriggling out (pretty much impossible, but it will help keep them in as long as possible). It also helps your swaddle game BIG time when you've got a big, square blanket like the Little Unicorn swaddles. Whether you're going for the classic 100% cotton classic swaddle or the bamboo swaddle, you'll have plenty of blanket to get that wrap just right! It also doesn't hurt if it has an adorable print to boot!
Aden + Anais Bamboo Swaddle- Moonlight
Comfort is key! What's the point in wrapping up your little one for a long night, full of sleep, if they're going to be too hot, scratchy, or uncomfortable all night? Yeah, exactly. There is no point. That's why you need a super soft, lightweight swaddle that isn't going to make your babe sweat! And, one that is going to be comfortable all night long! For that, you won't find anything better than the Aden+Anais swaddles. These things get softer the more you use and wash them, and the classic swaddles are super breathable to help keep your little one's temp regulated while they sleep. They've also have the perfectly named silky soft bamboo swaddle that is going to be your go-to for a soft, comfortable swaddle.
The easier the better! When you're working on wrestling a wiggling baby into a swaddle, it definitely makes a difference when you can be quick and easy. The great thing about the Ollie World swaddle blanket is the velcro edge that keeps the swaddle in place! The jersey blend is also great for stretching and wrapping up your little one.
Sleep Sacks
A great alternative to the swaddle blanket is the sleep sack. The reason why these things are such winners is that they are quick, and get the swaddle job done without any of the headache. Swaddle sacks can come in a couple of different styles, which is great for little ones who sleep better with arms out and legs swaddled, or prefer a little more wiggle room in the legs with tightly wrapped arms. Sleep sacks are going to help your babe sleep better longer.
Ergo Sleep Sack- Stone
When you're looking into getting a sleep sack, you should think about a couple of things:
The right size! When you're using a sleep sack, you can either go for a style that has a one-size-fits-all design, or you can get a sack just the right size for your babe and transition as they get bigger. The Ergo Lightweight Single Swaddler is a great option for babes who are between 6-15 lbs, and helps to keep your babe in the correct sleeping position all night long. It also has a removable leg pouch that makes it super easy to get in there for diaper changes, cutting cut down on changing/re-swaddling time in the middle of the night. Mama win.
The right style! Sleep sacks are great because they let you customize the swaddle to your little one to make it most comfortable for sleeping. The Oilo Studio Sleep Sack is a great option for little ones who don't like their arms in the swaddle. You can choose to keep babes arms wrapped across the chest and kept tight, or slip them through the open arm holes to give them a little more movement at night. Plus, these swaddles have a double-layer jersey knit that keeps babe covered and comfortable all night!
Oilo Sleep Sack-Black and White
So still having trouble deciding which one is the best choice for you?
Here's one mama's opinion!
Blankets: You need them. The great thing about swaddle blankets is that they are not only great for wrapping up your babe for nighttime, but they are versatile enough to be used for a bunch of other things (nursing cover/car seat cover/tummy time blanket). Plus, overall, they are way cuter than the sacks. I've also found that the fabric is a little more lightweight and my babe doesn't get as sweaty in the muslin blankets as he does in the sacks.
Sacks: These things will keep your babe locked tight in that swaddle. Our little guy was definitely one that would break out of our weak swaddle wraps, so the sacks helped when he was a littler older/stronger. The downside is that we had to buy them a few times so that we had the right size to fit him when his legs were getting longer, but that can generally be avoided if you buy the one-size-fits-all design to start. The upside is that we were able to get him wrapped up nice and quick, and they did help him to sleep longer when we were working on his sleep schedule. I'm a fan.