Now that autumn is here, you might be thinking about how to keep your baby warm throughout the night. A baby sleep sack, a wearable “blanket,” is a great alternative to a regular blanket since it leaves your child’s head exposed, can’t come loose and is believed to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Sleep deprived parents know the everyday benefits of a sleep sack. “Many parents say that their baby’s sleep is more peaceful and lasts longer,” says Penny Dawes, owner of Purl Mama & Baby, a Vancouver Island-based online store for stylish new mamas and babies with a focus on modern design. “Babies can’t kick off their covers and wake up because they’re cold or tangled up.”

Most sleep sacks are made of cotton with polyester filling, although there are some made with completely natural fibres like cotton or bamboo. “There’s definitely a trend away from sacks using polyester and towards ones with natural fibres,” says Penny, who says that they are softer, more breathable, odour resistant and regulate baby’s temperature in summer and winter – although they also tend to be more expensive.

How to Choose a Sleep Sack

Choose the right size. While it can be tempting and more economical to purchase a sleep sack that the baby can “grow into,” Penny cautions against it since there’s a risk that the sack might get tangled or the baby might slip down into the sack. Get a sleep sack that’s the right size for your child.

Choose a weight suitable for the season. There are sleep sacks that are lighter and therefore cooler for the summer, and heavier and warmer for the winter. “Some standard weight bags can be used year round,” says Penny, “just add another layer of clothing underneath in winter.”

Check how the sleep sack closes. A sleep sack fastens usually in the front or side with zippers or snaps. “Consider how easy it is to put on as well as undo for nighttime diaper changes,” says Penny.

Think about cleaning. “Look for something you can throw into a regular wash.”

Purl Mama’s Top Three Sleep Sack Picks

ErgoPouch Sleep Sacks

“I love the ErgoPouch range. They’re made from all natural fibres, including organic cotton and bamboo as well as a luxury version made from alpaca. They’re made with stretch inserts on the sides so babies can move about freely without getting tangled and they come with a double ended zipper for easy diaper changes.”

ErgoCocoon Sleep Sack

“Part of  the ErgoPouch range, the ErgoCocoon sleep sack has been designed for newborns. It’s made from a supersoft organic cotton stretchy knit, and it’s like a swaddling wrap that’s been made into a sleep sack – swaddling made supereasy.”

Ollie and Lime Sleep Sacks

“The new sleep sacks from Olli and Lime (www.olliandlime.com) are available in three great modern designs. Not only do they look great but they’re amazingly soft and snuggly.”

ErgoPouch and ErgoCoccoon sleep sacks are available online on Purl Mama’s web site: www.purlmama.com | Twitter @purlmama

Ollie and Lime sleep sacks are available in Vancouver at Hip Baby, 2110 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver (in Kitsilano). Tel: 604.736.8020 | www.hipbaby.com | Twitter: @hipbaby_kits (see map below).