Why Choose a Baby Sleeping Bag?
For new parents, settling a newborn baby can be a challenging task that often becomes stressful and tiring. Traditional swaddling, a blanket wrapping technique used globally, mimics the comforting feelings of being in the womb and can calm many babies. However, some newborns do not enjoy the sensation of being restricted. For these babies, an excellent alternative is the baby sleeping bag.
Baby sleeping bags are designed to allow ample room for leg movement without restricting or straightening the legs. This freedom of movement helps keep babies calm and safe, while also limiting the risk of overheating. Midwives recommend the use of baby sleeping bags from birth, as they provide several benefits.
One primary advantage of introducing a sleeping bag early is that it eliminates the need to transition an older baby into one, which can be stressful. By starting with a sleeping bag, newborns become accustomed to the routine, feeling safe and secure, and they will seamlessly transition to larger sizes as they grow.
When choosing a baby sleeping bag, ensure that the head cannot pass through the neck opening to prevent safety risks. Properly used, baby sleeping bags can reduce the risk of overheating and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), while also promoting healthy hip development.
At Slumbersac, we offer newborn sleeping bags in sizes 0-3 months (56 cm) for small babies weighing less than 4 kg, and 0-6 months (70 cm) for babies weighing at least 4 kg. These sleeping bags are designed to provide comfort and safety for your baby, making the transition from swaddling smoother and ensuring a restful night's sleep for both baby and parents.
When choosing baby sleeping products, there are only a few essentials that you need for their nursery:
- A cot or moses basket
- Mattress
- Sleeping bag
- Room thermometer
Why should you choose a baby sleeping bag
The Lullaby Trust recommends the use of a baby sleeping bag as these can help prevent the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The advantages of using a baby sleeping bag is that they prevent your baby’s head from being covered by wriggling under bedding. Sleeping bags also ensure your baby stays at a constant temperature, reducing the risk of them overheating.
When using a baby sleeping bag you don’t have to use any additional blankets or bedding. Baby sleeping bags also help babies to sleep on their back, which is the recommended sleep position by the Lullaby Trust and the NHS. Slumbersac baby sleeping bags all conform to the new British Standard (BS 8510:2009) so you can rest assured your baby will have a safe and comfortable night’s sleep.
What TOG should I use?
Baby sleeping bags are available in a range of different TOGs (weights), for use in different seasons, and depending on the room temperature. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the sleeping bag, making it suitable for colder weather. Lower tog sleeping bags are suitable for cooler weather.
Please refer to our handy TOG chart, which also highlights what your baby should wear underneath their sleeping bag, depending on the room temperature. You should always check your baby to make sure they don’t overheat. Remember it is better to be cool than hot and it is quite normal for the baby’s hands and arms to be cool. Feel the nape of your baby’s neck – if it is damp then your baby might be too warm.
What size should I use?
Sleeping bags are also available in different sizes, depending on the age and height of your baby. The arm holes should be snug enough, so your baby cannot get their hands inside the bag. Slumbersac sleeping bags have underarm poppers on sizes up to 36 months to ensure a safe and secure fit. Your child's head should not be able to pass through the neck hole when the sleeping bag is zipped up, otherwise it is too big.
Sleeping Bags with Feet
Sleeping Bags with Feet are fantastic for active toddlers as they start learning to crawl and walk. The design offers them the freedom to move around, reducing the risk of them falling over, while still enjoying the comfort of their sleeping bag at bedtime. Some of Slumbersac’s sleeping bags with feet also feature feet covers with non-slip soles so children can walk around safely on slippery surfaces and keep their toes warm and toasty.
