Swaddle, Transition Sleep Suit, Baby Sleeping Bag: A New Mum’s Guide on What Baby Should Be Wearing to Bed and When

Choosing the right sleep solution for your baby can be overwhelming. With options like swaddles, transition sleep suits, and baby sleeping bags (or sleep sacks) available, it’s important to know what each offers and how they can safely support your baby’s sleep.

Swaddles

Swaddles are designed to provide a snug, womb-like feel that helps calm newborns and reduce their startle reflex. They keep babies secure with an arms-in design, promoting better sleep in the early months. However, as your baby grows and starts rolling, swaddles become restrictive—making the transition to other sleep solutions necessary.

Transition Sleep Suits

A transition sleep suit bridges the gap between swaddling and independent sleep. These one-piece sleep garments provide openings for the arms and legs, allowing your baby to gradually adjust to more freedom while still enjoying a cozy, secure feel. Transition sleep suits support the move from the confined comfort of a swaddle to a more active sleep environment, making them an excellent choice as your baby begins to explore their surroundings.

The SNOOZYBABY transition sleep suit is an Australian alternative to the Merlin Sleep Suit, designed to offer both comfort and safety—while also looking adorable on little ones! Unlike the Baby Merlin Sleep Suit, SNOOZYBABY has been approved by the INPAA so you know it meets Australian Safety Standards, and features a TOG rating to help parents ensure the room temperature is appropriate for their baby.

Baby Sleeping Bags / Sleep Sacks

Baby sleeping bags, also known as sleep sacks, are wearable blankets designed to replace loose bedding. They offer a safe, enclosed space for your baby to sleep, reducing risks like suffocation or overheating. Many sleep sacks feature a secure zipper and come in various TOG ratings to suit different room temperatures. Whether called a sleeping bag or sleep sack, their key benefit is keeping your baby safely wrapped up through the night.

How Many Sleeping Bags Should You Have for Your Baby?

The number of sleep sacks you need depends on a few factors:

• Growth Stages – Babies grow quickly. Having 2-3 different sizes ensures you’re covered as your baby outgrows one.
• Cleanliness – Spit-ups and nappy leaks are common. Keeping at least 3-4 sleep sacks on hand means you’ll always have a clean one ready.
• Seasonal Needs – You may want a lighter sleep sack for warm weather and a higher TOG option for colder nights.

A good starting point is to have a few sleep sacks in different sizes and TOG ratings to cover various needs.

Making the Right Choice

Each sleep solution serves a different purpose:

• Swaddles are ideal for the early months, offering comfort and security with an arms-in design.
• Transition Sleep Suits help your baby ease into independent sleep while still feeling secure.
• Baby Sleeping Bags/Sleep Sacks provide a safe and practical solution as your baby grows, eliminating the risks associated with loose bedding and can be used until your little one moves in to a big bed.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a swaddle, transition sleep suit, and baby sleeping bag comes down to your baby’s age and developmental needs. While swaddles are perfect for newborns, transition sleep suits and sleep sacks are excellent as your baby becomes more active.

Ultimately, you need to have some of all of these options on hand.

Happy sleeping!