1. What is a baby sleep sack?

A baby sleep sack is essentially a baby sleeping bag, or wearable blanket that is worn over pajamas. It is a safe alternative to loose crib bedding, and has been popular in Europe for over thirty years. Not only does it help to decrease the risk of SIDS by eliminating loose blankets in the crib, but also rules out the chance of little legs getting caught between crib slats. In addition, babies are kept consistently warm all night since blankets aren’t being kicked off during sleep. This all equates to a better night’s sleep for everyone!

2. Can you give more details on your sizing?

See chart below for the heights and weights that correspond to our sizing.

** We recommend that you wait until your baby reaches 10 pounds before using our sleep sacks and always use the baby’s current size rather than buying bigger to “grow into”.  We all know that little bundles of joys come in all shapes and sizes, so the size chart is just a guideline.  Keep in mind what clothing size the baby is currently wearing, and chances are he’ll wear the same size sleep sack.

3. What are your baby sleep sacks made of?

 All fabrics used by Violet’s Peapod are made of the finest quality natural fibers.  For our organic knit version, only 100% certified organic cotton is used.  For the print version, 100% cotton woven fabric is used for the shell.  Cotton is known for it’s year-round comfort, versatility, breathability, absorbency, and durability.  The filling, or batting, is made of 100% super wash wool that will not shrink when laundered.  Wool is absorbent, resilient, naturally flame resistant, comfortable, provides cushioning, and is the perfect insulator.  Violet’s Peapod was extremely selective when choosing the fabrics for their sleep sacks, because your baby deserves the very best!

4. Will the wool batting cause my baby to be too warm at night, or will it irritate his/her skin?

Wool is warm, yet light enough to be used for the entire year, as it gently wicks away excess moisture, keeping your baby cool in hot weather. The wool should not irritate your baby’s skin, as it never touches the baby’s skin directly. Wool is used as a filling in our sleep sacks, and the only fabric that will come in contact with the baby’s skin is 100% cotton.

5. What are the washing instructions for your baby sleep sacks?

We recommend that you machine wash our baby sleep sacks in cold water, but without bleach. You may tumble dry them on low, but for best results lay flat to dry.  Then press with a cool iron if necessary.

6. When should my baby begin to use a sleep sack, and for how long?

Newborns are often swaddled for the first few weeks of life. Violet’s Peapod recommends using a sleep sack once your baby’s weight reaches 10 pounds. We offer sleep sacks for infants up to 24 months old, or up to about 33 pounds. Typically, baby sleep sacks are worn until your little ones graduate to a toddler bed.

7. How many baby sleep sacks should I buy?

We recommend that you buy two sleep sacks at a time, which coincide with your infant’s current size. Nighttime wettings do occur, and it’s best to have an extra one handy while the soiled sleep sack is being laundered.

8. Why are your sleep sacks so pricey?

 Violet's Peapod takes great pride in bringing you only the best, most unique baby sleep sacks on the market.  Our price point is greater than those sold at major retailers because we love to buy local!  Every step in the creation of our peapods is done within in the United States.  We hand-select our high quality 100% natural fabrics and batting from reputable vendors (never fabric jobbers or off-price vendors). Plus we quilt, cut and sew all garments within the country.  Our organic knit fabric is even milled right here in the U.S.! Buying local does cost a little more, but feeling good about your purchase is priceless.

9. Do you give back to the community?

Yes, we do!  In addition to supporting the local economy by having our sleep sacks made locally, Violet's Peapod gives back to the community by donating to local & national charities & nonprofits such as Twins by the Bay, The Aneurysm & AVM Foundation, The Handmade Toy Alliance, Moms In Bloom, YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Shepherd's Gate Women's Shelter, BABI, United Cerebral Palsy of NYC, Birthways, elementary schools,  preschools, and various mother's groups.  We also donate scraps of fabric to quilting groups that do charity projects.

10. Are your sleep sacks CPSIA compliant?

 Yes, they are.  Although the stay was extended until February 2011, we have had all of our zippers tested for lead and phthalates using either a government-approved 3rd party lab or by using XRF laser technology.  We are proud to say that our sleep sacks have passed the CPSIA standards with flying colors.  General Conformity Certificates are automatically provided to all stores who sell our merchandise, and can be provided to online customers upon request.

11. Are your fabrics treated with flame retardants?

No.  Our natural fabrics meet the appropriate flammability standards without the use of chemical flame retardants. We use only select fabrics which are either naturally flame retardant due to the type of fiber, or they meet the standards by being a plain surface fabric with a certain weight /square yard. 

12. Is it normal to have a few flecks on my organic knit sleep sack?

 Yes, it is normal. Organic fabrics are not treated in the same fashion as conventional fabrics, so you may find some natural imperfections. In our opinion, these slight imperfections only add character to the fabric. 

13. If there isn't the size I want on the pull down menu, are you sold out permanently?

Not necessarily.  Sometimes we run out of a popular size and restock within a month or two.  For sale items and limited time prints, once we sell out of a size they are no longer available.  Feel free to email us anytime if you have any questions about the availability of certain items. 

14. Where can I buy your organic tees and caps?

We sell our peapods at SF Bay Area fairs, and at these events we occasionally offer organic tees and caps that we appliqué by hand.  Although we do not sell these handmade creations on this website, you can buy them on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/VioletsPeapod?ref=seller_info.  Happy shopping!