← Ask your own question

Are sleep sacks safe for newborns to 6 month olds?

Yes, sleep sacks are considered a safe and recommended alternative to loose blankets for babies from birth to 6 months, as long as they fit properly and the baby's head stays uncovered.

Canadian and international guidelines all list sleep sacks as a safe way to keep a baby warm without the suffocation risk of loose blankets.

Strength of evidence

Good

Based on consistent guidance from Canadian public health bodies and the AAP; supported by an observational review of injuries linked to poorly fitted wearable blankets, not a randomized trial.

What the evidence says

Health Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society, and HealthLink BC all say sleep sacks (also called wearable blankets) are a safe way to keep a baby warm during sleep, and many parents use them instead of a loose blanket. The key safety rule is fit: the sack needs to be the right size for your baby, because a too-big sack can let your baby slip down inside and risk overheating or suffocation, while a too-tight one can restrict hip and leg movement, which is especially risky if baby rolls onto their tummy. The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees, describing wearable blankets as preferable to loose blankets because they lower the chance of the fabric covering baby's head or causing entanglement.

Choose a thin, lightweight sack appropriate for room temperature so baby doesn't overheat, since overheating is itself a SIDS risk factor. One caution applies to swaddle-style sleep sacks that hold the arms snugly against the body: these should be stopped as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll, usually around 3 to 4 months, because a swaddled baby who rolls onto their tummy may not be able to move to a safer position. Non-swaddling sleep sacks that let baby move their arms and legs freely can be used for as long as you like, including through 6 months and beyond.

Also avoid weighted sleep sacks or blankets, which the AAP specifically advises against, and always place baby on their back on a firm, flat surface for every sleep, regardless of what sleepwear they have on.

Sources

✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC

Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review

Answer checked August 3, 2026

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so this may not apply to you. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. What Founded Parent cannot do

Have a different question? Founded Parent searches published paediatric guidelines and peer-reviewed research, then tells you how strong the evidence actually is.

Ask a question

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so its answers may not apply to you. Never delay or disregard advice from a qualified health professional because of something you read here. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.