A sleep sack can be a great tool to help train your baby to go to sleep. It is a sleeping bag for your baby and designed such that once the baby is in, they can’t crawl out. Considering using a sleep sack for sleep training might be a good idea.

The idea that sleeping is a skill you don’t naturally possess might seem strange to you. It’s not uncommon for parents to be exhausted to the point where they fall asleep the moment, they lay their heads down. Unfortunately, your child doesn’t possess the same ability. Parents may find it necessary to sleep train their babies, while others may not.  

Whether you choose to sleep train your baby is entirely a personal decision, just like the sleep training method you choose.

Sleep sacks come in different fabrics, both light and heavy for warm months and cold months respectively.

What’s more, they also come in different sizes for different aged kids from infant to around 3 years.

Now that you know what a sleep sack is, did you know that a sleep sack can help in sleep training your baby?

How to Sleep Train Your Baby

Most parents choose to sleep train their babies when they notice that their baby needs attention or wants to play at an odd time of the night, or when they notice that their baby has no concept of the difference between night and day.

Parents may feel exhausted and on the verge of losing their minds due to a lack of sleep.

It’s important to note that in the world of sleep training, there is a lot of information available, leaving many parents confused, frustrated, and uncertain of what sleep training is and how to do it.

You can train your baby to get into a sleeping mode whenever they get into the sleep sack. And here’s how:

Cues to Sleep:

An effective sleep training benefit of a sleep sack is that it establishes a comforting routine for your child. In this way, your child learns that it is bedtime and starts to relax and prepare for sleep. As you put their sleep sack on, don\’t be surprised if you see your baby rubbing their eyes

Using the Sleep Sack

It is possible that you will have trouble with sleep training if your baby is transitioning from the swaddle to the sleep sack.

Slowly introduce the sleep sack, so your baby learns that it is now time to sleep whenever they are in it.

As soon as baby learns that the sleep sack means going to bed, it will be easier to train them to fall asleep as they know what to expect.

Are Baby Sleep Sacks Safe?

All parents and caregivers have the primary responsibility of ensuring that their babies remain safe while they sleep.

This is why it is important for parents and caregivers to know how to keep their babies safe while sleeping in the crib.

When parents are asleep, babies should only be placed in cribs or pack-n-plays that are completely empty.

When the baby can turn over or is eight weeks old, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the baby stop being swaddled.

As a result, only use a sleep sack without sleeves to avoid excess fabric when transitioning a child from a swaddle to a sleep sack.

Provides Warmth for Baby

In order to ensure crib safety, blankets should not be used in the crib; a sleep sack can be used instead. A sleep sack is similar to a sleeping bag. It will provide warmth and comfort for your baby. Unlike a blanket, your child cannot remove the sleep sack, so they won\’t wake up as they would if a blanket fell off when they moved.

The Importance of Keeping the Baby’s Arms Free

A child’s freedom of movement can be restricted by some sleep sacks that cover the arms too much. Many children practice rolling over in their cribs.

You, as the parent, are not watching your baby while you are asleep and if they become trapped on their stomach due to excess fabric on their arms, the situation will be extremely dangerous.

 Know When You Can Start Sleep Training

Is there a right time to start sleep training? The answer is a resounding yes. The best time is when your baby is between 4 months and 6 months old. According to experts, your baby during this time can make it through the entire night without needing to feed.

That said, if your baby is older than 6 months, and it’s just now that you’ve come across this information, there is no reason that you cannot sleep train your baby.

At this age, babies are often able to self soothe, and may not require night feedings

On the other hand, you can also start sleep training when your baby is 3 months old. However, keep in mind that during this time, your baby is still too young and it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician before starting this early.

Adopt an Ideal Routine for Your Baby

Sleep training is all about routine. For instance, you can start by putting on the sleep sack every time you want the baby to go to bed. The baby will soon start associating the sleep sack with bedtime.

If you play a lullaby at bedtime, ensure it is the same lullaby. This will be a helpful cue and will tell the baby that every time they hear the lullaby, it is time to get ready for bed.

You can get the room ready for sleeping together, by closing the blinds and turning off the lights, while telling the baby that it is time to go\” night night now\”.

When you finally put them in the crib, say goodnight and leave, that is, if they have progressed up to this point in the training.

Parents should choose a sleep training method that they feel comfortable using, and should not be afraid to try other methods if one type does not work for their child.

Types of Sleep Trainings

•             Controlled Crying/Ferber/Graduated Extinction

•             The Fading (FIO)

•             Chair Method

•             Extinction/Cry-It-Out (CIO)

•             Pick-Up/Put-Down

Understand the Process of Sleep Training

Being successful at sleep training means that your baby can go to bed without you having to rock them.

This also means that when it’s time to go to bed, you can simply place them in their crib while being awake, and they will instantly know to go to sleep.

Keep in mind however that there are days when your baby simply will not want to sleep, and this is fine. Most times, however, your sleep training will work.

Acknowledge the Need for Patience

Sleep training is not going to be an easy affair. You will need the patience to see the process through and to ensure that baby sleeps at the best time for both of you. So that even you get to enjoy a peaceful and restful night.

That said, knowledge is power and as with many areas of life, equipping yourself with the right know-how is the first step towards succeeding in your sleep training.

How long You Should Sleep Train Your Baby For?

There are many different methods available to sleep train your baby all of which have varying degrees of success.

Some methods are highly effective and can yield results as soon as 3 or 4 nights. Others will take much longer.

The most important thing for you as a parent is to use your instincts and choose a method that best works for both you and your baby.

Babies Sleeping Through the Night Without Training

Most babies do not start sleeping through the night until they are 3 months old, or about 12 to 13 pounds. By six months of age, about two-thirds of babies can sleep through the night regularly.

It is important not to compare your baby with others. It is possible that your baby will sleep through the night one day either by themselves or through sleep training.

Final Thoughts

Many first-time parents are often stressed from not getting sufficient sleep. By sleep training your baby, both you and your child can enjoy sufficient rest throughout the night. If a sleep sack does not work for sleep training your baby, just make sure to choose a method that best works for both you and your baby.