Sleep sacks with arms can be safe when used correctly and according to the manufacturer's guidelines. They provide a safer alternative to loose blankets in a baby's sleep environment. Sleep sacks with arms allow some arm movement while keeping the rest of the body covered, reducing the risk of overheating and providing a secure sleep space.
Yes, a 1-month-old can use a sleep sack. Sleep sacks are safe and recommended for infants from birth. They provide a secure sleep environment, reducing the risk of suffocation from loose bedding. Choose the appropriate size and a lower TOG rating suitable for room temperature to prevent overheating. Follow safe sleep guidelines for the best sleep practices for your newborn.
Most experts recommend transitioning your baby from swaddling to a sleep sack around 2-3 months old. By this age, the startle reflex that makes swaddling useful has diminished. Sleep sacks provide the containment benefits of swaddling while still allowing for healthy hip and arm movement. Look for a transitional swaddle sack to start, with arms-out options. Then move to a sack with free arm movement by 3-4 months old, or once your baby can start rolling over.
