Stay Cool This Summer: The Best Breathable Sleep Sacks for Your Baby

As the weather warms up, keeping your baby cool and comfortable during sleep becomes a top priority! One of the best ways to do this is by using a summer sleep sack.

This week, I packed up my winter quilts for my summer quilts - and just like how I need a lighter bedding in the warmer months, so does your little one. 

In this post, we'll introduce you to the best summer sleep sacks for babies, with a focus on breathability and temperature regulation. We'll also discuss the key features to look for when choosing a sleep sack and answer some common questions parents have about their use. Sleep sacks are available at Nest & Sprout, and if you're local to using Prince George, we'd love if you came for a visit. 

What are TOG Ratings and Why Do They Matter?

First, we have to familiarize ourselves with the language of sleep sacks. Lucky for us, this is an industry standard terminology - so not everyone is doing their own measurements. 

TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) is a unit of measurement used to describe the warmth and insulation provided by a textile material. It is a standard measurement used in the textile industry to indicate how well a product can keep you warm. 

TOG ratings can range from 0.2 to 4.0 (typically max out around 2.5TOG unless it's a speciality product), with a lower number indicating a lighter and cooler fabric, and a higher number indicating a heavier and warmer fabric. The higher the TOG rating, the more insulation the product provides.

Even if a product feels heavier or lighter, it can still meet the same TOG based on the textiles thermoregulation and insulation of the product. 

It is important to choose the right TOG rating for your baby's sleep environment to ensure they stay comfortable and safe. Overheating or underheating can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in babies. The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends that the ideal room temperature for a baby's sleep environment is between 20-22°C (68-72°F), and suggests using a sleep sack with a TOG rating appropriate for the room temperature. Despite this, we know life happens where the room temperature will be different because it's a heat wave, or deep cold. 

It's important to note that these temperature ranges are just general guidelines, and you should always use your own judgement and check on your baby frequently to make sure they are comfortable and not too hot or too cold. We see families break into their own preferences based on their house (drafts) and their child, plus their chosen sleepwear for bed. 

Our Top Picks for Breathable Summer Sleep Sacks

Here are our top picks for the lightest and most breathable summer sleep sacks, all designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable during warm summer nights. These sleep bags are recommended for warmer nights of 24-27C.

That said, many of our customers use these lightweight bags with the right layer of clothing to give their child the ultimate comfort. We find that the lightweight bags are a best seller for their versatility and comfort for little ones. 1TOG wearable blankets are also available at Nest & Sprout, shop our sleep sack collection.

1. Bamboo Jersey Sleeveless Sleep Bag 0.5 TOG from Nest Designs

Made from a blend of rayon from bamboo, avocado, and cotton, the newest collection of  Bamboo Jersey Sleeveless Sleep Bag from Nest Designs is the perfect choice for hot summer nights. With a TOG rating of 0.5, this sleep bag is designed for rooms between 24-27 degrees Celsius. It features a 2-way zipper for easy access during diaper changes and is made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric to keep your baby cool and comfortable.

If you're yearning for the simplicity of a bamboo sleep bag with beautiful collection of solids, this is the sleep bag for you. Designed in Vancouver, these bags are luxurious for your family.

2. Baby Sleep Bag | 0.5 Tog from Loulou Lollipop

The Baby Sleep Bag from Loulou Lollipop is made from a blend of ultra-soft and bamboo and organic cotton, making it perfect for babies with sensitive skin.

With a TOG rating of 0.5, this sleep bag is ideal for rooms between 24-27 degrees Celsius. It features a 2-way zipper for easy diaper changes and a sleeveless design that allows babies to move their arms freely.

This bag is great for families who love fun new prints, and the texture of muslin. These have been one of our most popular wearable blankets over the years. 

3. Love to Dream Swaddle UP Lite 0.2 TOG

The Love to Dream Swaddle UP Lite is the lightest sleep sack on our list, with a TOG rating of 0.2. Ideal for room temperatures between 75°F and 81°F, this sleep sack features a patented design that allows you to swaddle your baby with their arms up in a natural position.

Made from a stretchy blend of cotton and elastane, this sleep sack from Love to Dream is designed to be snug and cozy around your baby's torso, while still allowing plenty of room for their legs and hips to move freely.

This bag is great for summer newborns who need to still be swaddled but during the hot summer months. Available in a few different sizes, the Swaddle Up Lite bags can be great addition for our July babies. 

All of these sleep sacks are designed to be breathable, lightweight, and comfortable, making them perfect for warm summer nights. Plus, with their easy-to-use designs and high-quality materials, you can trust that your baby will sleep soundly and safely all night long.

When it comes to choosing the right sleep sack for your baby, there are a few key factors to consider. First, is the sleep sack available in your Childs size? The Love to Dream Swaddle bags are designed for newborns and infants, while Nest Designs and Loulou Lollipop have a wider range of sizes. 

Next, you'll want to consider your baby's sleep environment. Is the room temperature consistent or does it fluctuate throughout the night? If you run an air conditioner all year, or your child sleeps in the cold basement - then maybe a 0.5 TOG isn't the right choice, and you might consider a 1 TOG sleep sack. 

If your baby seems too warm or too cold in their sleep sack, don't panic. Try adjusting the layers underneath the sleep sack, such as adding or removing a onesie or adjusting the room temperature. One of the nice thing about these lighter weight sleep sacks is that you can layer onesies, sleepers, socks and other sleepwear to get that warmth or coolness they need. 

	Brand	TOG	Sizes	Zipper	Fabric Type	Price Range
	Nest Designs	0.5	0-6 months, 6-18 months	Two-way	50% Rayon made from Bamboo, 25% Avocado, 30% Cotton Silky Soft Bamboo	$50.00
	Loulou Lollipop	0.5	0-6 months, 6-18 months	Two-way	70% rayon from bamboo, 30% cotton Muslin Material	$48.00
	Love to Dream	0.2	XS (4-8 lbs), S (7-13 lbs), M (13-18.5 lbs), L (18.5-24 lbs)	Two-way	93% Cotton, 7% Elastane Soft Cotton Knit	$49.95