Safe and Healthy Sleep

Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag for your Baby

4 May, 2023

With so many baby sleeping bag options available, how do you choose the right one for your child? In this blog, we'll explore the factors you should consider when choosing a baby sleeping bag.

Safety

Research has shown that baby sleeping bags reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as they prevent your child from overheating and help maintain a constant and stable body temperature. A baby can wriggle about as much as they like in a baby sleeping bag without accidently covering their head, which is a risk when using blankets or duvets. A sleeping bag also helps to ensure that your baby remains on their back because the design makes it harder for them to roll over, keeping them safe and secure all night long. Make sure the sleeping bag you choose is from a trusted brand that includes all of the safety features such as a fitted neck and armholes, which prevent your baby from slipping down inside the bag. Also, ensure that the sleeping bag complies with the minimum safety requirements of BS 8510:2009 standard.

Which Tog?

It is important to consider the TOG rating which is based on the room temperature where your baby will be sleeping. TOG stands for “Thermal Overall Grade” and is a measure of thermal resistance. The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the sleeping bag will be. Togs are available in 0.5 Tog, 1.0 Tog, 2.5 Tog and 3.5 Tog - you can find out more about these Togs in our Tog Guide. Baby sleeping bags should be sent away to a laboratory for testing to ensure the are at the correct Tog weight. At Slumbersac, we send our baby and toddler sleeping bags away to Intertek for Tog testing so that every bag meets the approved weight and safety requirements.

Material

The material of the sleeping bag is also important. You want to choose a fabric that is soft and gentle on your baby's skin. Cotton and bamboo are good options as they are breathable and hypoallergenic. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can cause your baby to overheat and potentially irritate their skin.

The Zip

The zip on the sleeping bag should be of good quality and easy to use with a cover. On smaller sizes, you should look for a sleeping bag with a zip that runs from the bottom to the top as this makes it easier to change your baby's nappy without having to remove the entire sleeping bag. 

Size and Age

The size and age of your baby are also important factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag. Most sleeping bags are available in different sizes, so make sure you choose one that is appropriate for your child's age and weight. A sleeping bag that is too big or too small can be uncomfortable for your baby and may even be a safety hazard. Please refer to our Sleeping Bag Size Guide for guidance on which baby sleeping bag you should buy, depending on your child's length and weight. 

Types of Sleeping Bags

At Slumbersac you can choose between our standard baby sleeping bags and sleeping bags with feet. 

Standard Baby Sleeping Bag

Our standard baby sleeping bags are available in six different sizes, from newborn up to 10 years old. When choosing the right size sleeping bag for your child, it is important to remember that they should be able to kick and wriggle freely in the sleeping bag. Ideally your baby’s feet should be positioned at 3/4 of the sleeping bag, leaving the bottom quarter of the sleeping bag 'empty'.

Sleeping Bag with Feet

Some babies don't get along with standard baby sleeping bags so Slumbersac's sleeping bags with feet are a great alternative. Sleeping bags with feet are fantastic for active toddlers as they start learning to walk, giving them the freedom to move around, reducing the risk of falling over, while still enjoying the comfort of their sleeping bag at bedtime. Lots of toddlers don’t like having their feet covered at night. The design allows you to pull the legs down so their little feet are tucked in for a warm and comfortable night's sleep, or their feet can be left outside of the bag, so they don’t feel restricted. Our sleeping bags with feet are available in six different sizes, from 12 month old toddlers up to six-year old children. 

A Trusted Brand - Why Slumbersac?

Slumbersac has over 15 years experience. Our sleeping bags are designed for mums by mums so come with all the practical elements you would expect. They are made from 100% pure cotton, making them super-soft and ideal for sensitive baby skin. They can also be machine washed and tumble-dried.

Remember that every baby is different, so choose a sleeping bag that works for your child's individual needs. With a little research, you can find the perfect sleeping bag to keep your baby comfortable and safe while they sleep. If you are still struggling to choose, we have created a handy filter to help you decide which includes Tog, Colour, Design and Size. We have a fantastic selection for boys and girls so you are guaranteed to find a sleeping bag that your little one will love! 

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