Which baby wearable blankets are best?
Wearable blankets keep babies warm while they sleep without the suffocation risk posed by loose blankets. There’s also no chance your baby can uncover themselves and get cold while they sleep.
But which should you buy? It should be of an appropriate warmth, be made from quality material and give you easy access for diaper changes. The Burt’s Bees Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket is perfect, thanks to its two-way zipper and organic cotton fabric.
What to know before you buy a baby wearable blanket
Long-sleeved vs. sleeveless wearable baby blankets
Wearable blankets for babies — also known as sleep sacks and baby sleeping bags — can either be long-sleeve or sleeveless, like a vest. While long-sleeve blankets are good for cool nights, sleeveless ones are more versatile. With sleeveless sleeping bags, you can layer long-sleeve bodysuits underneath if the air is chilly, but on warmer nights you can pair them with short-sleeve bodysuits, vests or nothing at all.
Warmth
Consider the thickness or warmth of a baby wearable blanket before you buy it. You can buy light ones for summer use, midweight ones for spring and fall and quilted ones for winter use.
Sometimes they’re given a warmth rating in TOGs, which stands for “thermal overall grade.” When the room temperature rises above 75-80 degrees, your baby will only need a 0.5 TOG wearable blanket. On more mildly warm days, from around 65-75 degrees, choose something with a rating of 1-1.5 TOGs. In most cases, a rating of 2.5 TOGs is sufficient for winter, but in poorly heated homes, opt for a 3.5 TOG sleep sack if the room temperature drops below 15 degrees.
If the blanket you’re considering doesn’t have a TOG rating, don’t worry. Most manufacturers will give you an idea of the warmth and whether it’s suited to summer, winter or year-round use.
Size
It’s important you choose the right size for your baby. If a wearable blanket is too small, your baby won’t fit in it comfortably. On the other hand, if it’s significantly too large, it could ride up and be unsafe. Most come in standard sizes, such as 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-9 months, so it’s easy to choose the right size for your baby. Usually, the largest size is around 9-12 months, but some are suitable for toddlers up to 24 months old.
What to look for in a quality baby wearable blanket
Colors and prints
You can find baby sleeping bags in a wide range of solid colors, as well as prints. It’s up to you to choose whichever colors and prints you like best, whether they feature stars, dinosaurs, bears, flowers or simple stripes. There are both bold and understated options available.
Two-way zipper
A two-way zipper is a must-have for diaper changes in the middle of the night. You can unzip it down from the top the usual way to get your baby completely out of the blanket, but if you just need quick access to their diaper, you can unzip it upward from the bottom, which is less likely to disturb a sleepy baby.
Machine-washability
With diaper leaks and midnight feedings, it’s easy to get wearable blankets dirty. Always choose one that’s machine washable and either dryer-safe or made from a fabric that air dries quickly.
How much you can expect to spend on baby wearable blankets
You can find wearable blankets for under $10 each, particularly when sold in multipacks, while the most expensive cost up to $40 apiece.
Baby wearable blanket FAQ
Are wearable blankets safe for babies?
A. Yes, they’re safe for babies. In fact, they’re safer than loose blankets, which can pose a suffocation risk, and they’re recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics as an alternative. Of course, you should choose a wearable blanket that’s the right size for your baby and isn’t able to ride up over their face, and you must use it as directed.
Can a newborn sleep in a wearable blanket?
A. Yes, wearable blankets are safe from birth, as long as you choose the correct size for your newborn. That said, it’s trickier to find sleep sacks suitable for premature newborns or other babies born with low birth weight. Check with your baby’s pediatrician or neonatal nurse if in doubt.
What’s the best baby wearable blanket to buy?
Top baby wearable blanket
Burt’s Bees Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket
What you need to know: This organic cotton sleep sack is an ideal choice for most babies.
What you’ll love: With a range of cute prints available, your baby will look adorable in this blanket. You can choose from a lightweight version for mild weather and a quilted version for cooler weather.
What you should consider: A couple of users struggled to get the two-way zipper latched, but most people found it easy to use.
Top baby wearable blanket for the money
Carter’s Unisex-Baby 2-Pack Microfleece Sleepbag
What you need to know: This two-pack of affordable fleece sleeping bags is perfect for parents on a budget.
What you’ll love: The fleece material they’re made from is super soft and cozy. You can choose from three design combinations. The three size options fit babies from ages 0-9 months.
What you should consider: Although soft, the fabric isn’t breathable, so it’s best for use when it’s cold.
Worth checking out
Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Plush Sleeping Bag
What you need to know: This plush sleep sac is soft and helps your baby be nice and cozy while they rest.
What you’ll love: It’s made of incredibly soft fabric, making your baby comfy every time they wear it. The zipper is covered by a soft tab, so it doesn’t bother your baby while they’re sleeping. It’s also machine washable.
What you should consider: Some buyers reported problems with the zipper.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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