When it comes to choosing your baby's sleeping bag, there are a few things to take on board concerning safety, comfort and practicality.
Choosing Your Baby’s Sleeping Bag: What You Need To Know
Baby sleeping bags are great because they stop your little one from wriggling under the bedding and covering their head. In fact, with a baby sleeping bag, you don't have to worry about blankets. Instant peace of mind.
A sleeping bag also helps baby stay on their back by making it tougher for them to roll over so they stay safe and sound throughout the night.
The question is, with so many types on the market, which baby sleeping bag should you choose?
Here's what you need to know.
Safety Standards: How Should a Baby Sleeping Bag Fit?
Baby sleeping bags are sold by age and weight, and it's (of course) important to shop for the correct size for your baby. But remember, babies' heads are all different sizes, so it's best to try on the sleeping bag you choose for your little one to make sure it's the perfect fit.
Some sleeping bags have specific designs or features suitable for different stages, like Love 2 Dream's Swaddle Up option for newborns or detachable sleeves for older babies.
A sleeping bag needs to fit well around the neck and shoulders to prevent your baby's head from slipping down inside it. Look for the British safety standard BS EN 16781 - this standard ensures that the sleeping bag is as safe as it can be. Over and above that safety standard, there are a few other things to take into account.
What Is the Best Material for Baby Sleeping Bags?
Research shows that baby sleeping bags lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by preventing overheating and maintaining a consistent, stable body temperature for your child. And when it comes to temperature control, it's important to look at the material the sleeping bag is made from. You'll want to invest in a product made from breathable, soft fabrics that will help regulate your baby's body temperature and reduce the risk of overheating.
Natural Fabrics vs Synthetic Fibres
Organic baby sleeping bags made from 100% natural fibres are by far the best bet for your precious bundle. They're breathable and will help your baby regulate their temperature. Pure Earth Collection and Babipur have a fantastic range of natural sleeping bags made from bamboo, one of the leading fabrics for thermoregulation. Bamboo fabric has natural thermo-regulating properties, so it can adapt to the body's temperature. It keeps little ones cooler in hot weather by wicking away moisture and warmer in cooler conditions due to its insulating properties, so they can enjoy a comfortable night's sleep all year round.
When shopping for your baby's sleeping bag, watch out for polyester wadding. It's still widely used in baby bedding and is often the go-to for many trusted brands, so don’t forget to read the small print in the descriptions. Sleeping bags can still be marketed as bamboo but be stuffed with polyester, which isn't great at regulating temperatures, even with a tog rating. Polyester is also quite flammable, so if you can, steer clear.
What TOG Sleeping Bag Should You Choose?
According to the Lullaby Trust, a room temperature of 16-20°C combined with a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag is best for sleeping babies.
You'll find there are different TOG-rated sleeping bags to choose from, which can be a bit confusing.
Let's break it down.
TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and indicates the warmth of the sleeping bag. They range from lightweight (0.5 TOG), best for warmer temperatures, to heavier (2.5 TOG), suitable for cooler nights. It's best to choose a TOG rating suitable for your baby's room temperature.
If you're shopping somewhere like Pure Earth Collection, you can opt for a bamboo sleeping bag for all seasons, which will see your baby snooze through temps 13-27 degrees, taking the hassle out of wondering what to dress your baby in for bed.
TIP: Don't forget, the clothing your baby wears underneath their sleeping baby will need to be taken into account when choosing the correct tog for your baby.
Choose an Easy Sleeping Bag for Nighttime Changes
When choosing your baby's sleeping bag, it's worth considering how easy it is to get it on and off and access your baby during the night for those all-important changes. Opting for a bag with a zip that opens from the bottom makes nappy changes much easier. Underarm poppers are also helpful for getting your sleeping bag on and off your baby, as well as stopping your little one from slipping around inside the sleeping bag.
Remember...
Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe usage and avoid adding extra blankets or items inside the sleeping bag that could potentially increase the risk of suffocation or overheating for your baby.
