So you’ve seen or heard about Nested Bean Zen Sack and Zen Swaddle products and you want to know if they really work and if they’re safe? Keep reading for an honest Nested Bean review.
As a new parent, I’m always on the lookout for products that promise better sleep for my baby—and, let’s be honest, for me too. That’s why I was intrigued by the Nested Bean and its lineup of wearable blankets, designed as a safer alternative to loose blankets, to help little ones sleep better.
In this blog post, I’ll talk about a comprehensive review of Nested Bean’s products, particularly the Zen Sack Classic, sharing my personal experience and insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your family.
Overview of Nested Bean
What Is Nested Bean?
Nested Bean has emerged as a game-changer for frustrated parents. Their products, including the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack and Zen Swaddle, are designed to provide gentle pressure, mimicking a parent’s touch. This concept aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep recommendations. They offer a range of sizes, from small size for newborns to larger sizes for toddlers, emphasizing safety, comfort, and ease of use.
The company says that their wearable blankets can replicate the pressure typically provided by a parent’s hand, designed to help soothe babies to sleep. They’re especially helpful for tummy sleepers and side sleepers, with their adjustable snaps and double zipper design making diaper changes easier while keeping the baby snug.
Features of Nested Bean
Here’s what caught my eye when examining the key aspects of the Nested Bean Zen Sack:
- Weighted Pressure Pads: Known as cuddle pads, these gently weighted centers on the chest mimic the cuddle effect of a parent’s touch, which can soothe babies and potentially lead to longer sleep.
- Adjustable Fit: As my child grows, I appreciate products that can adapt. The Zen Swaddle and Zen Sack offer adjustable features to ensure both safety and comfort for the baby.
- Material Quality: The fabric matters, especially for something in direct contact with a baby’s sensitive skin. Nested Bean opts for luxuriously soft materials—like cotton and bamboo—that promise breathability and a cozy slumber.
- Ease of Use: Any parent knows, straightforward products are a blessing. From the simple securing mechanisms to the machine-washable design, these sleep aids are created with a hassle-free experience in mind.
- TOG Rating: The thermal overall grade (TOG) rating assures me that my baby will maintain a comfortable body temperature, making the Zen Sack suitable across various climates, from summer days to colder months.
As a first time mom with a young baby (she’s 5 months at the time I’m writing this), I’ve been up a lot of late nights now.
Before my baby could differentiate between night and day, I spent a lot of sleepless nights on my phone searching for a magical cure to make her sleep.
This resulted in a lot of late night purchases (Hello, Amazon Prime!) and sleep deprived decisions. One night I was scrolling through the forums on BabyCenter and reading a sleep related thread about what other moms were doing to try and get their babies to sleep.
There was the mom who said her baby slept for several hours straight once she put her baby in it the first night. Anything over 2 hours straight sounded like music to my ears at that point.
I checked out the website, reading Nested Bean review after review to see what other moms were saying. They were saying a lot of good things! So, one late night in December when Rhyan was just 10 weeks old I purchased the Zen Sack from Nested Bean.
To Swaddle or Not To Swaddle?
A little bit about Rhyan, I don’t think she was a fan of swaddling. Not sure if it’s my technique or she just doesn’t enjoy being wrapped tightly like a baby burrito.
We got mixed results, swaddling didn’t really impact the length of time she was able to sleep in my opinion.
The bright side to this is we never had to transition her out of swaddle! This is why I went straight to the sleep sack.
She did seem to enjoy touch and having me near her to sleep so the Zen Sleep Sack was looking like a good option.
Nested Bean Review
So the million dollar question is does this sleep sack really work? My answer is yes…in conjunction with a solid predictable night time routine. Initially, there were no significant changes in how long my baby slept. The sleep sack alone is NOT going to put your baby to sleep or magically make them sleep in longer stretches overnight.
The night time routine that works for us is first feeding, then bath or wipe down and finally bedtime story. After getting out of the bath or getting the wipe down, I change the baby into pajamas.
What pajamas consist of is a onesie and the Nest Bean sleep sack. We live in Texas and this is a pretty comfortable combo for the baby year round.
If you’re wondering what you need to dress your baby in under the sleep sack, I’ll help you out with that! Check out my complete nighttime sleepwear guide if you want to know what to dress baby in at night for sleep.
Sleep is a complex process influenced by numerous factors, and immediate results are not always the norm.
My baby was one of those babies who initially would not sleep unless I was holding her. This was frustrating and unsafe for my own sleep. I loved holding my baby but I was terrified that I would fall asleep while holding her and drop her!
A huge benefit to this sleep sack that others don’t have? The weighted center is designed to feel as light as your hand on your baby’s chest.
One of the things I do when putting Rhyan to sleep for the night is to rub those beans in the cuddle pad or weighted center lightly in a circular motion. This soothes her and when I remove my hand the sensation of touch is still there all night.
Since I’ve been using this sleep sack nightly since she was just 10 weeks old, she knows that putting it on is a signal for bedtime. Integrating the sleep sack into our bedtime routine was straightforward. Its use became a signal for sleep time, helping to create a consistent and calming pre-sleep environment.
I’ve seen her calm down when I place her into the sack and zip the bottom up. It’s a part of a nightly routine that means we are winding down for the night.
How Fast Does It Work?
This is honestly going to vary. Every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. In my case, the use of this product as he gets older has resulted in noticeable improvements in sleep duration. It seems the weighted sensation really does help mimic the feeling of being held, aiding in helping babies self-soothe.
Pros and Cons of Nested Bean
Pros
After putting Nested Bean’s sleep aids to the test, I’ve noticed several benefits that stand out. Their designs are both innovative and safe, always keeping the baby’s well-being in mind. A few of the key advantages include:
- Replicates a Parent’s Touch: The weighted pressure pads mimic a gentle touch, which can soothe babies, leading to improved sleep.
- Adjustable Fit: The sleep aids’ design considers growth, meaning they can be adjusted to fit babies as they grow, offering longevity and value.
- High-Quality Materials: Nested Bean uses only premium fabrics that are soft and gentle on a baby’s skin, reducing irritability and discomfort. I’ve washed this sack multiple times per week and it does not pill or get rough. In addition, the sack still feels as soft and comfy as day one.
- Easy to Use: Simplicity is key when you’re juggling parenting duties. The products are straightforward, making nightly routines as hassle-free as possible.
- Suitable for All Seasons: Thanks to the TOG rating system, parents can choose the appropriate product depending on the temperature, keeping babies comfortable throughout the year.
Cons
Despite the many benefits, there are a few drawbacks that some parents should consider. When evaluating Nested Bean, it’s only fair to discuss these to give you a full picture:
- Price Point: High quality often comes with a higher price tag. Nested Bean products can be pricier compared to traditional sleep aids.
- Weighted Feature May Not Suit All Babies: Like adults, babies have personal preferences. Some might not respond well to the weighted aspect of Nested Bean sleep aids.
- Limited Mobility for Older Babies: As babies grow and become more active, the sleep sack might restrict their movement, particularly for those who are learning to roll, crawl, or stand.
- Dependency Development: There’s a possibility that the baby might become dependent on the sleep sack for sleep, which could make transitions to other sleeping arrangements more challenging.
Is the Nested Bean Zen Sack Safe?
Using your sleep sack can help with creating a safe sleeping environment. We don’t need to use loose blankets or bedding since the baby can wear her blanket. I don’t have to worry about loose objects causing suffocation.
The weighted center does not concern me either. Nested Bean did their research:
As per physiotherapy standards, the application of weight equivalent to 10% of one’s body weight is considered to add positive or therapeutic pressure to relieve stress and induce calm. The weight of the center area of our products is calibrated at 2 ounces. For babies 7 lbs. and over, 2 ounces of weight is less than 10% of their chest weight. This weight is simply meant to mimic the gentle sensation of your palm on your baby’s chest, which at times can be more than 2 ounces.
Nested Bean, https://www.nestedbean.com/pages/faq
My baby has never seemed uncomfortable while wearing this sleep sack due to the weighted center.
What Else to Know About Nested Bean
As your baby grows, you might need to upgrade to a larger size. The Nested Bean comes in multiple sizes, so check the size chart to ensure a proper fit for your baby’s current stage.
The level of customer support offered by Nested Bean, including their responsiveness and helpfulness, is amazing. After submitting my order, I eagerly awaited its arrival. To their credit, Nested Bean gets their orders out fast. I got my Zen Sleep sack the same week. When you’re waiting on something that helps your baby sleep, you want it pronto!
The Nested Bean Sleep Sack can be purchased directly from their website or through other retailers, but make sure you compare prices and availability.
Nested Bean Review Summary: Is It Worth It?
Overall, I would recommend the Nested Bean Sleep Sack to parents who are looking for a sleep aid to complement their existing bedtime routine. It’s especially suited for those who value the concept of a comforting, gentle touch for their baby and are willing to invest in a quality product.
Who should use the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack? This is a good sleep sack for all babies, but especially if your baby:
- Doesn’t like being swaddled
- Needs to be held to sleep
- Needs help with settling or self-soothing
The key strengths of the Nested Bean lie in its design and the sense of comfort it can provide to both babies and parents. Its safety features, quality of materials, and ease of use also contribute to its overall appeal.
However, it’s important to remember that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The effectiveness of the sleep sack can vary, and it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for sleep challenges.
Paired with a consistent, soothing nighttime routine, the Zen Sleep sack really is a wonderful positive sleep association.