Shopping Cart
Finding the best summer sleep sack for your little one amidst rising temperatures can be a daunting task. You want to ensure their safety and comfort, avoiding any risk of overheating.
This becomes especially challenging as you sift through the myriad of options available. With so many brands claiming to have created the best sleep sack for summer, how can you feel confident choosing the right one?
We’ve faced this conundrum as parents ourselves, and we’re here to help you cut through the noise and enjoy peace of mind picking the perfect sleepwear for your baby. We’ve meticulously evaluated a variety of sleep sacks based on safety, comfort, and breathability to bring you the best for the summer season.
Save yourself time and uncertainty with Nested Bean's Zen Sack™ Premier. This ultra-light bamboo rayon fabric sleep sack features a 0.3 TOG rating, making it the ideal choice for keeping your baby cool and comfortable all summer long.
The Role of a Sleep Sack
First things first - what is the purpose of a sleep sack? If your child has already outgrown their weighted swaddle, you’ll likely experience the frustration of sleepless nights as they crave the warm, soothing embrace they once had.
But all good things come to an end, and making the swaddle transition is necessary for safety reasons after certain baby milestones - like showing signs of rolling over. At this point, you can reap the sleep sack benefits, as this is the next best thing!
A sleep sack is like a swaddle, only with holes for your child’s arms. This allows them to prop themselves up if they roll over. It also allows for the encouragement of self-soothing.
That’s really what it boils down to. By providing a safe, contained sleeping environment, sleep sacks minimize the risk of suffocation and entanglement, offering peace of mind for parents.
But, this is also one of the best infant sleep aids. Using a sleep sack can signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep, helping to establish a baby bedtime routine. This consistency aids in developing healthy sleep habits, crucial for a baby’s growth and development.
Sleep sacks are designed to be spacious enough for babies to move their legs freely. This freedom of movement is essential for proper hip development and prevents the restriction that can occur with improper swaddling techniques.
Do You Use Sleep Sacks in Summer, Though?
There’s clearly a lot to love about sleep sacks, especially our weighted sleep sack here at Nested Bean. Do you use sleep sacks in summer, though?
Yes - but you have to choose your sack carefully. Just as there is the best sleep sack for winter, there is the best sleep sack for summer that’s specially designed for this season. The main goal here is to prevent overheating.
Overheating in babies can lead to discomfort, disturbed sleep, and in more severe cases, pose health risks. Babies have limited ability to regulate their body temperature, making them more susceptible to overheating.
However, foregoing sleep sacks entirely isn't the solution, as they play a vital role in safe sleep practices. The key lies in choosing the right kind of sleep sack specifically designed for summer use. So, what should you prioritize as a parent searching for the best summer sleep sack?
What Should Parents Prioritize When Shopping for the Best Summer Sleep Sack for Baby?
Before we unveil the best sleep sack for summer, let’s talk about what you should consider as you begin shopping. Really, the most critical factor is the fabric itself - it should be lightweight and breathable. We’ll expand on this and other necessities in a safe sleep sack for beating the summer heat below.
The Ideal TOG Rating for the Summer Season
When shopping for a summer sleep sack, understanding and choosing the right TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) rating is crucial. What is TOG, though?
TOG is a unit of measurement that gauges a fabric's thermal insulation. For summer, a lower TOG rating is ideal to prevent overheating and ensure your baby’s comfort.
Look for sleep sacks with a TOG rating between 0.3 and 1.0, as they are specifically designed for warmer temperatures. These lighter TOG ratings offer sufficient warmth without the excessive heat retention that higher TOG sleep sacks may provide. This balance is key to maintaining a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your baby during hot weather.
Additionally, it's important to consider the temperature of the room where your baby sleeps. A sleep sack with a TOG rating that aligns with the nursery's ambient temperature will help regulate your baby’s body temperature throughout the night, reducing the risk of overheating and ensuring a safer sleep.
Fabric and Material Considerations Beyond Weight
TOG matters - but it only tells part of the story when it comes to the sleep sack fabric. You should also consider the softness of the material along with the source, as these play a significant role in your baby's comfort and safety.
Just as with the best swaddle for summer, materials like cotton or bamboo blends allow for better air circulation and help regulate body temperature.
These fabrics are not only effective in preventing overheating but also gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin. Whatever you do, avoid heavy or synthetic materials that can trap heat and cause discomfort.
Additionally, consider the fabric's moisture-wicking properties, as they can keep your baby dry and comfortable, especially on hot nights. Look for hypoallergenic materials if your baby has sensitive skin or allergies.
The right fabric choice will provide a combination of comfort, breathability, and skin-friendliness, making it ideal for summer use. But you should also consider longevity.
Ensure the material is durable and easy to care for, as frequent laundering is common with baby sleepwear. High-quality, natural fabrics can withstand regular washing without losing their shape or comfort, making them a practical choice for busy parents.
Design Features for Safety and Convenience
The design of a summer sleep sack should incorporate features that enhance both safety and convenience.
Safety-wise, opt for sleep sacks with a snug fit around the chest and neck to prevent them from riding up over your baby’s face. Look for designs without loose ribbons, ties, or buttons that could pose choking hazards.
Convenience is also key. Features like two-way zippers make diaper changes easier, especially during the night. A zipper that opens from the bottom allows you to change your baby without fully removing the sleep sack, minimizing disturbances.
Some sleep sacks also come with shoulder snaps or Velcro closures for easy dressing and undressing. For tummy sleepers or older babies, a sleep sack with adjustable armholes or a sleeveless design can provide more freedom of movement.
You should also consider sleep sacks with foot openings for toddlers who are walking or standing, as this feature offers greater mobility.
The right design features will not only ensure your baby's safety but also add practicality to your daily routine, making sleep times smoother for both you and your baby.
Size and Adjustability for Growth
Because babies grow quickly, size and adjustability are important factors to consider when purchasing a summer sleep sack.
A sleep sack that’s too big can be unsafe, as it increases the risk of your baby slipping inside the sack, while a too-small one can be restrictive and uncomfortable.
So, how should a sleep sack fit? Finding the sweet spot in the middle is important, and our intuitive size chart at Nested Bean makes it easy.
Look for adjustable sleep sacks that can grow with your baby. Many models come with adjustable shoulder snaps, waistbands, or length options, allowing the sleep sack to be resized for a perfect fit as your baby grows. This adjustability extends the usability of the sleep sack, offering better value for money.
Also, consider the age and developmental stage of your baby. For newborns and younger infants, a more fitted design is often preferable, while older babies may require more room for movement.
Some sleep sacks are specifically designed with extra legroom to accommodate kicking and wriggling. By choosing a sleep sack that can be adjusted for size, you not only ensure a safer sleep environment but also a more comfortable and longer-lasting fit for your growing baby.
Other Factors: Price, Brand Reputation, and More
While the TOG rating, fabric, design, and size are primary considerations, other factors like price, brand reputation, and additional features also play a role in choosing the best summer sleep sack for baby.
While it's tempting to opt for cheaper options, investing in a high-quality sleep sack from a reputable brand can ensure better safety, comfort, and durability. Compare prices across different brands, but remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best in terms of quality and safety.
Brand reputation is another key factor. Look for brands with positive reviews and a strong track record in baby sleepwear. Brands that specialize in baby sleep products often have a deeper understanding of what works best for baby's comfort and safety.
You can even look at policies like shipping, returns, and more to get a sense of how confident a brand is in its products and its desire to provide the best experience for its customers.
While there’s a lot to consider in your search for the best baby sleep sack for summer, we’ve got five great choices below to help you save time and stress.
So, What is the Best Sleep Sack for Summer 2024?
So, what is the best sleep sack for summer 2024 based on all the criteria we’ve just discussed? While each option below has its place, only one is worth adding to your child’s sleepwear arsenal. That’s the Nested Bean Zen Sack™ Premier. Discover what makes it the best summer sleep sack for baby below!
Nested Bean Zen Sack™ Premier
Widely known as the best bamboo sleep sack, the Nested Bean Zen Sack™ Premier expertly blends innovative design with ultimate comfort.
What sets it apart is the gentle weight, strategically placed to simulate the reassuring touch of a parent's hand. Weighted sleepwear is key in facilitating the transition from swaddle to sack, supporting self-soothing, and ensuring deeper, more restful sleep - crucial for healthy development. It also helps with separation anxiety in babies.
Designed with the summer climate in mind, the Zen Sack™ Premier boasts a feather-light 0.3 TOG rating. The fabric is a luxurious blend of 70% bamboo rayon and 30% cotton.
It’s not only soft and gentle on your baby’s skin but also excels in moisture-wicking and anti-microbial properties, ensuring your baby stays dry and comfortable. Its lightweight nature makes it an ideal choice for warmer climates, providing just enough comfort without the risk of overheating.
Size adaptability is a hallmark of the Zen Sack™ Premier, catering to a wide age range from 0 to 24 months. This adaptability is enhanced by features like the two-way zipper for effortless diaper changes and adjustable snaps that grow with your baby.
For tummy sleepers, the sack can be worn backward, accommodating independent rollers while maintaining safety and mobility.
Clinically tested and pulmonologist verified, the Zen Sack™ Premier not only meets but exceeds safety standards, making it a trustworthy choice for parents. Nested Bean's commitment to combining safety, innovation, and comfort makes the Zen Sack™ Premier the ultimate sleep sack for your baby's summer nights.
We don’t just have the best sleep sack for summer, though. You can count on us for all the best baby sleepwear. That includes our:
From the best baby PJs to the best transitional swaddle, the best swaddle for preemie, the best transitional sleep sack, and more, Nested Bean is a name you can trust for all things infant and toddler sleep.
Order today and find out firsthand how our products can help baby sleep better, and thus, help you get more sleep yourself!
“Night two of using the sleep sack and it worked! I was so impressed! Baby is sleeping so much better at night.” - Tina
“My baby boy loves his nested bean sleep sacks! He sleeps so well and I don’t worry about him being too hot or too cold! This bamboo one is OUR FAVORITE so far.” - Makayla
“Overall a great sleep sack. It’s easy to wash and the fabric is soft and cool for hot summer nights.” - Charidie
Aden + Anais Boutique Cotton Muslin Light Sleep Sack
There’s no question the Zen Sack Premier is the best sleep sack for summer. But if you prefer a cotton fabric to a bamboo blend, maybe the Aden + Anais Boutique Cotton Muslin Light Sleep Sack is more up your alley.
This sack emphasizes breathability and airflow to reduce overheating. Its design ensures it stays in place, eliminating the need for loose blankets. The extra-long size provides ample room for movement, and the inverted bottom zipper aids in easy diaper changes.
While the product focuses on organic materials and sustainability, it's worth noting that it has garnered a mixed response from users. With a 3.2-star rating, several reviews have raised concerns about zipper durability and the fabric potentially causing discomfort.
This feedback highlights the importance of carefully assessing product quality and user experience. Do your due diligence before buying to ensure you don’t end up in the same scenario as many other parents.
KYTE BABY Rayon Made from Bamboo Sleep Bag
The KYTE BABY Sleep Bag, made from a blend of bamboo rayon and spandex, is touted for its softness and suitability for sensitive skin.
Its design features include a double zipper for convenient diaper changes and a zipper flap to prevent irritation. The sleep bag's material is lightweight (0.5 TOG), making it suitable for warmer temperatures.
Still, it’s a bit warmer than the Zen Sack Premier’s 0.3 TOG rating. Depending on the climate you live in this seemingly minor detail can make quite a bit of difference in your child’s safety and comfort.
Furthermore, the price point can deter many parents from ever taking a chance on this sack - which is over $50. This could be a significant consideration for parents weighing the cost against the product's features and benefits.
While the sleep bag offers a range of color options and emphasizes comfort, its higher cost may not align with every parent's budget or value expectations.
HALO 100% Cotton Muslin Sleepsack
The HALO 100% Cotton Muslin Sleepsack is a popular choice, known for its safety and comfort features. It's designed to replace loose blankets in the crib, thereby promoting safer sleep.
The 0.5 TOG rating makes it suitable for warmer temperatures, and the sleeveless design helps reduce overheating. Its two-way zipper facilitates easy diaper changes, and the roomy sack design is recognized for promoting healthy hip development.
Again, though, the best summer sleep sack for baby is one that’s as lightweight and breathable as possible - the Zen Sack has a tangible edge here.
It’s also important to note that some users have raised concerns about the product's zipper functionality and overall durability, with reviews mentioning issues like zipper malfunctions and fabric discomfort. These points could be potential drawbacks for parents considering this option.
Woolino 4 Season Baby Sleep Sack
Finally on our list of the best baby sleep sack for summer we have the Woolino 4 Season Baby Sleep Sack. Yes, you heard correctly - one sleep sack that claims to do it all!
It’s praised for its use of premium fabrics like 100% Merino Wool lining and organic cotton outer. Its versatility across all four seasons is a standout feature, and the universal size caters to babies from 2 months to 2 years.
The sack includes thoughtful design elements like double shoulder snaps, two-way zipper, and closable seat-belt slots.
Despite these advantages, the price point is a significant consideration, as it is more than double the cost of most other options at $109!
Additionally, its claim to be suitable for all seasons might raise questions about its effectiveness in specific extreme temperatures. Parents may wonder if this “jack of all trades” approach truly meets their specific seasonal needs.
While it’s tempting to rely on a single piece of sleepwear year round, you are likely going to find that it falls short in either serving your child’s needs during the sweltering summer heat, the frigid winter chill, or both.
After all, you came here specifically for the best sleep sack for summer - and for that, the Zen Sack Premier stands alone!
More Tips on Safe Summer Sleep for Your Baby
There you have it - the best summer sleep sack for baby is just a click away at Nested Bean! But before we wrap this guide up, we want to offer a few more tips on creating a safe sleep environment for your child in summer specifically:
- Optimal Room Temperature: Maintain a cool, comfortable temperature in your baby’s room. The ideal range is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22 degrees Celsius). Use fans or air conditioning to regulate the temperature, but avoid direct airflow on the baby.
- Monitor for Overheating: Regularly check your baby for signs of overheating, such as sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, or rapid breathing. If they feel hot to the touch, remove a layer or adjust the room temperature.
- Safe Bedding: Keep the crib free of loose bedding, pillows, and plush toys. Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and ensure any sleep sack or swaddle is appropriately sized and positioned.
- Hydration: If your baby is formula-fed or on solids, offer regular fluids to keep them hydrated. For exclusively breastfed babies, increase nursing sessions as breast milk adapts to meet hydration needs.
- Shade and Ventilation: If your baby naps outdoors in a stroller, always provide shade and ensure there’s adequate airflow. Never cover the stroller with a blanket, as this can create a greenhouse effect and significantly increase the temperature inside.
- Sun Protection: Even indirect sunlight can raise the temperature around your baby. Use window shades or curtains to block direct sunlight during nap times.
You can learn more about how to dress baby for sleep in our blog. We have resources like what to wear under sleep sack, when to stop using sleep sack, sleep sack vs swaddle, when to transition from sleep sack to blanket, how to swaddle a baby, types of swaddles, and more.
You can also find tips on perfecting your baby sleep schedule or newborn nap schedule in general - such as how to get baby to sleep through the night, how to put a baby to sleep fast, how to get baby to nap longer, when to start sleep training, or the sleep regression signs.
At this point, though, it’s time you invested in the best sleep sack for summer as we bring this conversation to a close. Better sleep is just a few clicks away!
Bringing Our Guide on the Best Sleep Sack For Summer to a Close
The best summer sleep sack for baby, like the Nested Bean Zen Sack™ Premier, addresses overheating risks while providing the comforting embrace your baby needs for sound sleep.
In choosing the best sleep sack for summer, consider lightweight, breathable fabrics, appropriate TOG ratings, and designs that ensure comfort and safety.
Remember, a well-chosen sleep sack can significantly enhance your baby's sleep quality and safety during warmer months. This is not a decision you should take lightly, as your child deserves nothing but the best - and that’s exactly what you’ll get at Nested Bean.
Explore our full catalog today, where safety meets comfort, and give your little one the gift of serene, safe summer nights. Shop now to find the perfect summer sleep solution for your baby!