Looking for the best summer sleep sack? Here you’ll find out which ones are safe to be used in warmer months – to prevent overheating and help your little one sleep better.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. It may contain affiliate links.
Lots of parents say that sleep sacks help infants sleep better. Moreover, they certainly help little ones sleep safer. And that, my dear moms, is a crucial thing. This post is all about choosing the right sleep sack for your baby, that is safe and suitable for summer months.
From all the summer sleep sacks that I tested with my kids, this Halo Sleepsack 0.5 TOG turned out to be the best one. It’s made of lightweight fabric so it doesn’t make the baby sweaty or overheated. It keeps little ones safe and cozy, while giving them ample space for wiggles. The feature I like the most is the 2-way zipper which makes mid-night diaper changer easier.
Among other options we tested, this Kyte Sleep Bag was our favorite bamboo sleep sack – it’s breathable, stretchy and sooo delicate. If you’re on smaller budget, I recommend you to check out this Burt’s Bees Wearable Blanket – it’s cheaper than many other summer baby sleep bags, and I just love how lightweight it is.
Why Not A Blanket?
One of the things that surprised me as a new mom was that my child wasn’t supposed to sleep with a blanket. I knew that traditional swaddle blankets were safe for newborns, and I thought babies slept with blankets after that, but then I learned that babies shouldn’t have any loose bedding in their crib for the first year of their life.
That’s why a sleeping sack is one of the most important items you can buy: an infant cannot get tangled up in these “wearable blankets”. Your infant can still stay warm and cozy, without the suffocation risk of a loose blanket.
I used sleep sacks with my children as soon as they outgrew their Dream Swaddle and cotton muslin swaddles (when they started rolling on to their stomach). I think it helped contribute to their bedtime routine and reduced night wakings too, because they couldn’t kick it off them – which prevented their feet from getting cold.
I loved the warm sleep sack my babies used when it was cold, but it was just too hot for summer use. That’s why I started looking into summer sleep sacks and learned why it’s important to keep your baby from overheating.
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The Dangers Of Overheating
Using lightweight sleep sacks during summer months is not just about keeping your baby comfortable: it’s also about safety. Overheating has been associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which claims the lives of thousands of babies in the United States every year.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t know exactly what causes SIDS, they do recommend practical actions which may prevent it, like using sleep sacks and ensuring cooler temperatures in your baby’s nursery.
It is essential that you keep baby cool, even in warmer weather.
What TOG Is Best For Summer Baby Sleep Sack?
For warmer months look for sleep sacks that have lower TOG rating: 0.6 TOG or lower.
0.5 TOG rating (or less) is best options if the room temperature in baby’s nursery is above 80°F. Baby should be dressed only in a diaper and a light tee or onesie underneath the summer sleep sack.
It’s tough to find a year-round sleep sack that isn’t too hot for warmer months, so I’d suggest investing in a summer sleep sack for your baby, as well as a different one with a higher-tog rating for winter1.
Ranking Of The Best Sleep Sacks For Summer
Now, let’s take a look at the best sleep sacks for summer, and the features that make them a great choice for your baby during those warmer nights.
1. Halo Sleepsack 0.5 TOG
The award-winning brand has done it again: created a baby accessory that can help your little one sleep safer at night, and keep your mind at ease, too.
The Halo Sleepsack is a lightweight (0.5 thermal rating) wearable cotton blanket that comes in lots of cute patterns. The two-way zipper makes it easy to dress your baby and get the sack on and off.
Reasons To Choose This Sack
- It comes in sizes that can be used from 0-6 months, 6-12 months and 12-18 months so you really get the most use out of it as your baby grows;
- It utilizes a two-way zipper system for easy diaper changes, even in the middle of the night;
- It’s certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as being hip-healthy;
- While the sack keeps baby cozy, there is plenty of room for little legs to wiggle, so they won’t feel confined in this wearable blanket, either.
- The sleeveless arms and wide bottom allow for freedom of movement and means your newborn is less likely to wake by the startle reflex.
Keep In Mind
The cotton material of the Halo sack does not stretch, which can make dressing your little one a bit difficult.
While I really appreciate how long you can use this wearable blanket, it is very bulky for a newborn. I’d like to see some snaps or features to adjust the shoulders.
| Halo makes several types of sleep sacks: a swaddle for newborns and the “easy transition” for infants from 3-9 months. While these versions come in different materials (organic cotton and Ideal Temp), but they have a shorter time of use than the wearable blanket, which can be used until approximately 2 years of age. |
By the way, Halo brand not only makes one of the best sleep sacks for summer, but also one of the best bassinets for breastfeeding mamas: Halo BassiNest 3.0 Swivel Sleeper!
2. Kyte Baby Sleep Bag
This bag is made of soft, breathable bamboo fabric to help keep your baby cool and is ideal for babies with sensitive skin.
It does not have inside quilting, as winter sacks tend to have for added warmth, so it is very thin and has a bit of stretch to it. The tog rating is only 0.5, which is great for warm weather.
It offers a simple sleeveless design to keep your baby’s arms free – sleeping might just be easier with this sleeping sack.
Reasons To Choose This Bag For Summer
- The fabric is a spandex-bamboo blend, making it both breathable and stretchy;
- The double zipper is awesome for nighttime diaper changes and getting your infant dressed for bed without too much hassle.
Keep In Mind
Kyte Baby Sleep bags are the most expensive sleep sacks on this list, and they come in sizes S, M, L, based on your baby’s weight and height. So you can expect to use one of these Kyte bags for 3-4 months before your little one outgrows it
While the bags are machine washable, there are some specific care instructions that can be inconvenient for busy parents.
3. Burt’s Bees Beekeeper Baby Wearable Blanket
The Burt’s Bees Wearable Blanket/Transition bag is one of the best-selling sleep bags on Amazon.com – so you know other parents love it! Also, it’s an eco-friendly choice, winning Amazon’s climate pledge award for its organic cotton fabric.
It’s a quality sack with a durable zipper that moves from the bottom up, to make it easy to change diapers at night. The organic cotton is great for baby’s skin and, while it’s rated as 0.5 tog, several parents shared that this sack works for all four seasons, if paired with warm pajamas.
Reasons To Choose This Sleep Sack
- Lightweight material helps to keep your baby from feeling hot;
- Sleeveless design allows for free arm movement;
- The inverted zipper means easy access to your baby’s legs for diaper changes.
- It’s easily machine washable (…and mothers everywhere rejoiced).
Keep In Mind
These sacks tend to run big, so some parents found it difficult to choose the right size for their child. I also wish they would recommend approximate months related to each size to make it even easier to choose.
This is one sleep sack I really wish had removable sleeves. Because it is such a great year-round option, having sleeves that I could zip on or off would make it just that much better for cooler seasons.
| PRO TIP: Looking for the best four-season sleep sack? Try this Woolino sleep sack, made of quality merino wool that helps regulate baby’s temperature. The material is also hypoallergenic, for concerned parents of children with sensitive skin. |
4. KeaBabies Organic Baby Sleep Sack
Another organic cotton sleeping bag that is both soft and breathable. This is a budget-friendly version of the popular Baby DeeDee Sacks, or Sleep Nest Lite sacks. What sets the KeaBabies bags apart is that they have adjustable shoulder tabs and are suitable for newborns up to 2 years old.
Also, these sacks are pediatrician-recommended as a safe, wearable blanket, even for young babies.
Reasons To Choose This Sack
- The 0.5 tog rating is great for summer;
- the special “Soothe” option offers temperature regulation fabric that is appropriate for all four seasons (with the right clothing, of course) to keep your baby warm, but avoid overheating, too.
- The design opens wide around the legs for diaper changes without actually taking baby out of the sleeping bag.
Keep In Mind
The top complaint about this sack was the zipper; reviews shared that the zip can be frustrating to use.
5. Ely’s & Co. 100% Cotton Baby Sleep Bag
The Ely’s and Co sleeping bag is a simple, basic sleep sack rated at 0.5 tog. It’s one of the top for softness, made of double layered jersey cotton and is easy to care for (no complicated washing instructions).
Reasons To Choose This Sleep Sack
- Machine washable and dryer safe;
- Rounded neck and sleeveless, it’s very comfortable;
- Comes in four sizes: 0 to 3 months, 3-6 months, 6-16 months and 12-18 months to make it easy for parents to choose the right size.
Keep In Mind
While most sleep sacks zip up from the bottom, for easy access to baby’s legs, the Ely’s and Co. zips from the top down, which is not the best for diaper changes, or getting a wiggly babe into it.
6. Nest Designs Bamboo Sleep Bag 0.23 TOG
For mamas in hot climates, this bag has the lowest thermal rating on the list. At a mere 0.23 tog, your baby will be cool and comfortable, even if the room temperature is over 80°F (26 °C).
The bag features a super soft material which is ideal for baby’s delicate skin. Nest Designs also has such cute patterns and the double zipper makes for easy diaper changes, too.
Reasons To Choose This Sleep Sack
- It’s truly the best sack for hot climates because not only is it light and breathable: the fabric is moisture-wicking, too!
- The 3/4 sleeves are great for babies who sleep with long sleeves during cooler months; the sleeves give a feeling of being cozy, without the heat.
Keep In Mind
The suggested sizes recommend using these sleeping sacks from 6-12 months, and the larger size from 12-24 months.
Since your baby should stop sleeping in a swaddle as soon as they can roll over to their stomach, (around 3-4 months of age, usually), so you will need to find another option to use between ages 3-6 months, when they are too small for these sleeping bags.
I am not a fan of the snap buttons along the bottom; they seem a bit ‘extra’ since there is already a full-length, double zipper down the middle, but they aren’t really a problem, either.
7. Nest Designs Bamboo Sleeveless Sleep Bag 0.6 TOG
Another awesome sleeping bag from Nest Designs, this one is 0.6 tog rated, for those who live in a more temperate climate.
Reasons To Choose This Bag For Summer
- The soft bamboo fabric will help keep baby’s body temperature nice and cool;
- It’s machine washable and incredibly durable;
- It features a zipper than slides both directions, which makes getting your baby dressed (or undressed) a little easier;
- It’s a great transition bag, paired with a fleece bodysuit for cooler months (but is not a good option for colder months when temperatures in baby’s nursery are below 68°F/ 20°C).
Keep In Mind
I like that you can use this bag in place of multiple sleep sacks for spring and fall seasons, but there are more budget-friendly options out there that might just do the trick, too.
Final Decision: What Are The Best Sleep Sacks For Summer?
I recommend the Halo sleep sack for newborns, because it’s appropriate for babes starting at 0 months. Halo Sleepsack has an inverted zipper and comes with high safety and health ratings.
KeaBabies Sleep Sack is one of the best choices if you’re looking for sleeping sacks for older babies or toddlers. With snaps at the shoulders you can use it a little longer, and it’s made from fantastic fabric for the warm temperature, meaning your toddler shouldn’t sweat in this.
The Burt’s Bees Wearable Blanket is a favorite for moderate to warm weather (temperatures up to 77°F/ 25°C) and can be used year-round, if you want.
Nest Designs provides the best sleep sack for extreme warm temperatures on the list: the 0.23 Tog Bamboo Sack. This wearable blanket is the ideal option for parents who live where temperatures exceed 80°F (26°C+) in their baby’s nursery.
KeaBabies and Burt’s Bees Sleep Sacks win again as the most affordable options for parents on a budget for several reasons: 1) the special material means you may be able to use just one sleep sack for year-round, and 2) these sleep sacks are more adjustable and have enough room at the legs so you can use them as your child reaches the toddler years.
What Is TOG Rating?
TOG stands for “thermal overall grade” and it is a measurement of how warm a blanket (or a jacket or other clothing item) is. TOG ratings are used to help grade baby sleep sacks, too.
For example, during cold weather you might want to dress your little one in thermal pajamas and a heavy sleep sack to ensure they are in a total tog rating of 2.5, which should be an adequate warmth for winter.
2.5 TOG Rating
Anything over 2.0 is for when room temperatures are in the 60’s, which usually happens in the cold, winter months and we might turn the heat down, just for the night.
1.0 TOG Rating
During spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and temperatures are in the low 70’s °F (20-23°C), a sleep sack with a tog rating of 1.0 should be sufficient.
0.6 Tog Rating
But, for warmer temperatures you should look at dressing your baby with only a few clothes and have them sleep in a sack made of breathable fabric for a total tog rating of 0.6.
0.5 Tog Rating (Or Less)
If the room temperature of your baby’s nursery is over 80 degrees F during summer months, then use a sack with a tog rating of 0.5 or less, and dress them only in a diaper and a light shirt or onesie.
As you can see, you may need 3-4 sleep sacks to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe through the different seasons.
Summer Sleep Sacks – FAQ
Does My Baby Need A Sleep Sack In The Summer?
Your baby may not need to sleep with a sleep sack during the summer, but they may sleep better if they have that cozy feeling of a wearable blanket around them. That’s why lightweight options are essential for warmer months.
What Should Babies Sleep In During The Summer?
It’s a good idea to offer a fan to circulate air around your baby’s crib (but not directly on your baby) – it doesn’t need to be a huge fan, something small is great – and dress them in only a onesie should be enough.
Are Sleep Sacks Too Warm In Summer?
Yes, some sleep sacks can feel too warm in the warm months.
For example, the Nested Bean 2.5 tog weighted sleep sack is great for cold weather, but not appropriate for summer. You want something rated 0.6 tog or lower for the summer.
Can Sleep Sacks Cause Overheating?
It’s possible for heavy microfiber fleece or quilted sleep sacks with long sleeves to be too hot and cause overheating, which is dangerous.
Another factor to consider is what your little one is wearing under the sleep sack: too many warm layers can be the cause, too.
Can Toddler Overheat In Sleep Sack?
Yes, but not as easily as a baby can. Toddlers sweat more easily than infants, which helps control body temperature. You may find that your toddler “sleeps hot” and might naturally sweat a bit in their sleep, even if their room temperature is adequately cool.
Sources of pictures:
Pictures of Halo sleep sacks belong to Halo Brand.
Pictures of Burt’s Bees wearable blanket belong to Burt’s Bees Brand.
Pictures of Kyte sleeping baby bag belong to Kyte Brand.
Pictures of KeaBabies sleep sack belong to KeaBabies Brand.
Pictures of Nest Designs baby sleep sacks belong to Nest Designs Brand.
Pictures of Ely’s & Co. wearable blanket belong to Ely’s & Co. Brand.
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.
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Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂