Weighted Swaddles and Sleep Sacks for Babies

The discussion about the safety of weighted infant sleep products is not new. For years, there has been controversy about the safety of these products. It’s well established that prior to one year, it’s safest to have nothing in the crib with your baby, such as blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals. Wearable non-weighted sleep sacks have provided a great alternative since loose blankets are not recommended, but what about weighted sleep sacks?

Recently, there has been more action with several major retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Babylist) announcing they will no longer sell weighted infant sleep products due to safety concerns. It’s important to address this topic because so much information is circulating, and these products are still marketed and available for purchase by parents.

“Are weighted sleep sacks safe, in your opinion?”

The use of weighted products for infant sleep poses a risk. I have felt this way even before this announcement. Babies can more easily overheat with the extra weight and materials. There is an increased risk of suffocation if the baby rolls and is unable to get out of the unsafe sleeping position. The weight on the baby’s chest also has the risk of impairing their ability to breathe and pump blood. 

Bottom line: These products lack research – there is not enough research to demonstrate that these products are safe or even effective at improving sleep quality in newborns or infants.

It’s about weighing risk vs. benefits, and there is a potential risk for harm, which clearly does not outweigh the possible benefits.

Check out this FREE PedsDocTalk guide for more about safe sleep, including a checklist and answers to all your questions.

“How will I know the swaddle or sleep sack is weighted?”

It’s key to clarify that this conversation is about weighted sleep products. You will know products are weighted if they feel heavy. Some manufacturers may not say “weighted,” even though they should, but if it feels heavy to you when you carry it (think: heavier than a light baby blanket), it’s weighted.

Often, they have small plastic beads sewn into the fabric. This should also be in the product title or description, such as “Gently weighted” or “weighted.” Common brands are Dreamland Baby and Nested Bean Baby.

Swaddles and sleep sacks that are not weighted are still okay. Some brands use a TOG rating to indicate the material's fabric and thickness. The higher TOG provides more warmth, which is appropriate for cooler temperatures, whereas the lower TOG provides less warmth and is appropriate for warmer temperatures. It’s helpful to go with the lowest TOG rating needed for your baby to avoid overheating.

“How do I know if my baby is overheating or too cold?”

Simple rule: If you pick them up and the back of their neck is sweaty, they’re hot. If the back of their neck is ice-cold, they may be cold. It’s important to adjust either the temperature in the house, close or open vents in their room, or use or remove a wearable sleep sack as needed. This rule applies to consistent happenings – one night that is “off” with a sweaty neck doesn’t necessarily mean they are too hot.

“What are your thoughts on Merlin Suits?”

These suits are not technically weighted but have three layers. Baby Merlin Magic Sleepsuits are thick! Baby Merlin clarifies that the Magic Sleepsuit is for back sleeping and should be discontinued once the baby begins to roll.  

In my opinion, the Merlin Magic Sleepsuit isn’t the best option given it may be very thick for most babies. You can go from swaddle to nothing OR swaddle to a non-weighted sleep sack depending on if your child needs a wearable blanket. For more guidance on transitioning out of the swaddle, read this PedsDocTalk blog post.

“What about the Zipadee-Zip? Not weighted, starfish, shape?

There are so many sleep sacks on the market that I probably won’t be able to keep up with them all. Sadly, many may find their way on the market even with regulations through third-party websites. It’s key to approach all infant sleep products with caution. There is misleading marketing that often preys on sleep-deprived parents by promising better sleep. 

The reality is that less is best when it comes to sleep.

You can reference this AAP resource to clarify any safe sleep recommendations.

“What are your thoughts on a weighted blanket for a 3-year-old struggling with bedtime anxiety and bad dreams?”

After infancy, I think a weighted blanket could be considered for these issues. The weight can be comforting for some children and adults. I know many adults and older children who find so much benefit from weighted blankets. There is still a lack of research and data to support the safety of these products for use in toddlers; however, it could be considered on an individual basis after the age of 2 years. I would work with your clinician to confirm there are no other sleep issues that need to be addressed to make sure we are optimizing your child’s sleep before using a weighted blanket. Check out this podcast episode I recorded with Sleep Doctor Shelby Harris.

On The Podcast

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in honor of my advocacy for more open conversation surrounding Mental health, I will be featuring episodes on ways to take care of our mental health so we can better care for ourselves and our children. Therapy is highly beneficial, and various modalities are used. EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to help in processing traumatic events and changing negative patterns and helping people with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and OCD. I personally started EMDR earlier this year, and in honor of Maternal Mental Health Month, I invited Dr. Cassidy Freitas, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist who also does EMDR. We discuss:

• What EMDR is and the steps of EMDR

• Who would be a good candidate

• Examples of how EMDR helped me and Dr. Cassidy

On YouTube

In this video, I cover management strategies for spit-up (GER) and GERD. This video includes:

• Reflux management

• Play time augmentation

• Sleep time strategies

• What about medications for reflux

• How I approach spit-up and GERD

• Should you see a chiropractor for reflux? What about craniosacral therapy?

Ask Dr. Mona

An opportunity for YOU to ask Dr. Mona your parenting questions!

Dr. Mona will answer these questions in a future Sunday Morning Q&A email. Chances are if you have a parenting concern or question, another parent can relate. So let's figure this out together!