Blankets or Sleep Sacks - Which Is Best for My Baby?

Blankets

In the new world of safe sleeping, baby blankets are not recommended by the baby sleep safety experts. They all recommend a sleep sack, certainly since the Back to Sleep campaign came into being in December 1991.

However, if you like to see your baby tucked into a blanket, then a cellular blanket is the best choice. It keeps your baby warm while allowing good airflow.

The cellular blanket must be used singularly and not tucked in tight, so it's not possible for your baby to slip underneath. Of course, your baby should sleep "feet to foot" - feet to the end of the cot or crib, as per the 1991 Back to Sleep campaign.

Sleep Sacks

Fabric Choices

First is your fabric choice: cotton, organic cotton, muslin, or bamboo. See our article on sheets - it goes through the features and benefits of these fabrics.

Size

The size should be snug but not tight or restrictive around the chest, with a nice roomy space around the lower body.

Tog Ratings

Most important is the tog rating - this is shown on the garment:

• 1.5 Tog: Room temperatures between 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C)
• 2.5 Tog: Room temperatures between 61°F to 68°F (16°C to 20°C)
• 3.5 Tog: Room temperatures below 61°F (16°C)

Size Guide

• Small (0-6 months): Height 58-66cm
• Medium (6-12 months): Height 66-76cm
• Large (12-18 months): Height 76-89cm
• Extra Large (18-24 months): Height 89-100cm (not often used)

Zip Design

You can have a front zip - these are the quickest to use.

Or two zips, one each side - these are a bit easier to use with newborns because of all the nappy changes, "especially at 3am!"