The Safety of Baby Bunting Bags

Pediatricians now recommend that you put your baby to sleep in a crib free from blankets, crib bumpers and pillows. All the things that give a baby's crib a cozy and inviting look to adults pose a suffocation risk for babies, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Baby bunting bags --- also called sleep sacks -- can keep your baby warm at night instead, but only if they fit properly. Bunting bags should not be used when your baby is in his car seat.

  1. Sleeping

    • Baby bunting bags are safer than blankets, which can tangle around your baby's face and reduce his flow of oxygen. But this is only if the bag fits properly. A bag that's too large could ride up over your baby's face or allow him to slip down into it, increasing rather than decreasing his risk of suffocation. Don't buy a sleep sack big enough to grow into; select one that fits well, especially around his neck, when you buy it.

    Riding in the Car

    • Baby bunting bags should never be used when your baby rides in his car seat. Although the bags often have slots that allow the car seat buckles to pass through and are designed for car use, it's never safe to strap your baby in wearing heavy clothing of any kind, including bunting outfits. The car seat straps must fit tightly to your baby's body to hold him in place during an accident; a heavy coat or blanket doesn't allow for a tight fit. A bunting that fits around the car seat and doesn't go underneath your baby, or between him and the safety restraints, is safe to use, according to The Car Seat Lady website.

    Overheating

    • Overheating during the night could increase your baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome, better known as SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports. Keep his room between 68 and 72 F, Consumer Reports suggests. Your baby should be comfortable lightly clothed. If he is sweating, your baby is too warm.

    Alternatives

    • A one-piece outfit with arms and legs that conforms to your baby's body is safer than a baby bunting, both at night and in the car. If you worry that's he's cold, layer him with a long-sleeved undershirt and a pair of pants or leggings, covered by a one-piece outfit that fits well. Don't put a hat on his head at night, since it could slip over his face. In the car, put a blanket over the car seat after he's strapped in; use a mirror that allows you to keep an eye on him and make sure the blanket doesn't cover his face.

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