For colder climates
Buying Guide | All About Baby Sleeping Bags
Getting little ones to drift off to sleep is no mean feat. But there are lots of ways you can help create a comforting environment to aid their night-time routine. Introducing a baby sleeping bag is one of them, but with so many options out there, it can be tricky to figure out which style to choose. To lend a hand, we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the collection and find the best fit for your baby.
The formula for a great sleeping bag? Breathable cotton and easy-fasten side zips, all tied together with beautiful prints to match your nursery scheme. But, most importantly, thanks to the shoulder straps, there’s no need to worry about any movement down into the bag. So, baby can wriggle freely through the night, and you can sleep soundly knowing that they’re safe.
Image by Tartine et Chocolat
16 Aug 2023
What is a baby sleeping bag?
Essentially, a baby sleeping bag is wearable bedding that is enclosed around the feet and has shoulder fastenings to ensure babies can’t move down inside it. They are free of hoods, excess material and attachments that can pose a risk to babies as they snooze. Sleeping bags offer comfort and warmth, and they’re also really practical for night feeding and creating a recognisable bedtime routine. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they come in a range of beautiful designs too.
Your baby can wear a sleeping bag from birth, so long as it's a good fit: the neck opening should be snug enough that your baby can't wiggle their head through the hole. It's also a good idea to check the thickness of your baby's sleeping bag from season to season to make sure they're not too warm or too cold.
How to choose the right sleeping bag for your baby
Tog ratings simply describe the thermal insulation of bedding. Just as we choose a different duvet for different seasons as adults, lots of baby sleeping bags come in range of tog ratings, generally between 0.2 and 3.5. The higher the rating, the warmer the sleeping bag will be, so you can make an informed decision based on the climate you live in and your baby’s sleeping environment. Plus, it’s a great excuse to have multiple styles of these beautiful essentials to keep them snug as a bug in winter and cool as a cucumber through the summer months. As cosy as it may look, it’s important to make sure that their sleeping bag isn't too thick throughout the warmer weather, as babies can overheat easily.
Here is a rough guide for choosing the right tog level for your baby's sleeping bag:
24°C/75.2°F or higher = 0.2 tog
20°C/68°F – 24°C/75.2°F = 1 tog
14°C/57.2°F – 20°C/68°F = 2.5 tog
Below 16°C/60.8°F = 3.5 tog
Images by Tartine et Chocolat and aden + anais
Choosing the Perfect Sleeping Bag
Most importantly, are sleeping bags safe?
Both The Lullaby Trust and the NHS advise that a well-fitting baby sleeping bag is a comfortable and safe option for babies. However, what your baby wears is only part of the equation when ensuring they’re as safe and as comfortable as can be. It's also advised to monitor the temperature in your baby’s sleep environment with a thermometer, aiming to keep it between 16 and 20°C, and that your baby's sleep space is kept as clear as possible: no toys, blankets or extra bedding. The Lullaby Trust has a huge amount of information to help you plan for new arrivals, including lots of helpful articles on safe sleeping for babies if you're interesting in learning more.
