Contents
At a Glance
- There are three main reasons why you should by a baby sleeping bag for your child: (1) warmth, (2) safety, and (3) comfort.
- There are two ways to classify sleeping sacks for infants: (1) by tog rating and (2) by size. The tog rating system is widely used in the United Kingdom, and it indicates the level of thermal resistance or warmth of certain product. As for sizes, there are three available: (1) 0-6 months, (2) 6-18 months, and (3) 18-36 months.
- The ideal sleep bag fits a particular season; has enough space between the baby’s feet and the bag’s bottom hem; and, is made from natural materials.
What is a Baby Sleeping Bag?
A baby sleeping bag is like a wearable cover or blanket that infants wear when they sleep at night to protect them from the cold. It is specially designed to be worn like a coat, but its bottom is usually sealed to hinder the child from kicking it off at night. The infant still wears his regular sleepwear underneath the sleeping bag. However, the combination of the clothing he wears varies depending on the room’s temperature. Need some good rest yourself? Check out our pregancy pillow review.
Why You Should Buy Baby Sleeping Bags
There are three main reasons why you should by a baby sleeping bag for your child: (1) warmth, (2) safety, and (3) comfort.
- Warmth. Baby sleeping bags guarantee continued protection from the cold all through the night. Blankets and bed sheets can do the same job but not as effective since they can easily be kicked off by your baby while asleep. You won’t encounter such a problem with a sleep sack, allowing your child to get adequate and uninterrupted sleep.
- Safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against leaving a loose or unwrapped blanket in the baby crib as it heightens the risk of suffocation. The design of baby sleeping bags, on the other hand, serves as a preventive measure against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Comfort. Like adults, babies may also have a preference in their sleep position and how they want to be covered. Aside from warmth and safety, these sleep sacks for infants may also provide the comfort that they need when sleeping alone at night.
Types of Baby Sleeping Bags
There are two ways to classify sleeping sacks for infants: (1) by tog rating and (2) by size.
By TOG Rating
What is a TOG rating? Well, it’s a rating system widely used in the United Kingdom, and it indicates the level of thermal resistance or warmth of certain product [Source: IDFL]. It was originally used to gauge the warmth levels of duvets. But nowadays, the tog ratings also apply when determining how warm baby sleeping bags are and in what room temperature they are most suitable. However, unlike duvets, the tog rating numbers among sleeping bags are significantly lower. For example. A sleeping sack with a tog rating of 0.5 or 1 is suitable for summer or spring. Bags with a rating of 2.5, on the other hand, are standard items and are supposedly suitable for all-year use.
As a guide, you may refer to the table on tog ratings of baby sleeping bags provided below:
| Tog Rating | Description | Best Suited Room Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | Suitable for the summer and for nurseries or rooms with warm temperature. | 75 - 81°F |
| 1 | Slightly padded sleeping bags that are also suitable during the summer and for the baby’s daytime naps. | 69 - 74°F |
| 2.5 | Standard sleeping bags supposedly usable all-year round, except during the summer. Padded just enough to keep the baby warm at night. | 61 - 68°F |
| 3.5 | Best for cold months and in very cold rooms. Padding is very thick to ensure that baby is always warm and comfortable. | 61°F and below |
By Size
Aside from their TOG ratings, baby sleeping bags also differ in size. There are generally three sizes available for infants: (1) 0-6 months, (2) 6-18 months, and (3) 18-36 months. However, most manufacturers also sell sleeping bags for kids between 3 and 10 years old.
Measurements of sleeping bag sizes per age group vary from one brand to the next. Therefore, to get the right size, you need to refer to the sizing chart of a specific manufacturer. However, many brands base their sizes on the child’s weight and length from shoulders to feet. An example of this type of size chart is provided below.
Baby Sleeping Bags Size Chart (Based on Child Age, Weight, and Length)
| Approximate Child Age | Child Weight | Child Length |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 4.5 – 10 lbs. | 19 – 22 in. |
| 0 - 6 months old | 9 – 18 lbs. | 22 – 27 in. |
| 6 – 18 months old | 18 – 29 lbs. | 27 – 35 in. |
| 18 – 36 months old | 22 – 40 lbs. | 30 – 40 in. |
Other brands, however, provide more specific measurements per size, including:
- Length: Measurement of the bag from the shoulder to its bottom hem.
- Width: Measurement of the sleeping bag’s widest part.
- Chest Width: Measurement across the chest area.
- Back of Neck: Measurement across the back of the sleeping bag’s neck hole.
Below is an example of baby sleeping bag size chart with specific measurements:
Baby Sleeping Bags Size Chart (Based on Specific Measurements)
| Age Range | Length | Full Width | Chest Width | Shoulder Width | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 22” | 14” | 9” | 6” | 7” |
| 0 - 6 months old | 28” | 18” | 12” | 9” | 9” |
| 6 – 18 months old | 35” | 21” | 13” | 10” | 12” |
| 18 – 36 months old | 43” | 22” | 15” | 11” | 15” |
Things to Consider When Buying Baby Sleeping Bags
There’s more to buying baby sleeping bags than just finding one that you think would look good on your baby. Here are a few purchase criteria that you must always keep in mind whenever you’re shopping for a sleeping sack for your child:
- Season
You should buy a baby sleeping bag that fits a particular season. The tog rating system is the best basis to use in this case. Bags with higher tog ratings are for the cold while those with lower tog ratings are for warmer weather.
- Size
For safety reasons, you should buy a sleeping bag that fits your baby now, not one that he can grow into. The ideal sleep sack should have a gap of about 15 cm between the baby’s feet and the bag’s bottom hem.
- Fabric
The outer layer of a sleeping bag is in direct contact with your baby’s skin. And so, it is best if your chosen sleep sack is made from natural materials like cotton and polyester. As for the fillings, either fleece or down are preferred.
- Closure
There is no better choice between zippers or buttons, or between front or side openings. However, you should always make sure that they are sewn tightly and covered with fabric. You should also choose which works best for you and your child, especially when you’re changing diapers.
Optimal Sleeping Temperature for Babies
The ideal temperature for a baby to sleep in is 60 to 68 °F. As a parent, it is crucial that you make sure your baby isn’t overheated or too cold. Therefore, you need to dress your child according to the temperature of the surroundings and the sleeping bag you are using. You may need to put him in a baby bodysuit or cover his hands and feet with mittens and socks.
Below is a helpful guide you may refer to in selecting clothes for your baby every night.
| Temperature | Tog Rating of Sleeping Bag | Recommended Baby Clothing Underneath |
|---|---|---|
| 75-81°F | 0.5 | Sleeveless cotton body suit |
| 74°F | 1 | Short-sleeved cotton body suit |
| 69°F | 1 | Short-sleeved cotton body suit |
| 68°F | 2.5 | Short-sleeved cotton body suit |
| 1 | Short-sleeved cotton body suit + Pajama Top | |
| 65°F | 2.5 | Long-sleeved & full leg cotton body suit |
| 61°F | 2.5 | Long-sleeved & full leg cotton body suit + Sleeveless cotton body suit |
| 2.5 | Long-sleeved & full leg cotton body suit + Short-sleeved cotton body suit | |
| 3.5 | Long-sleeved & full leg cotton body suit | |
| 57°F | 3.5 | Long-sleeved & full leg cotton body suit + Sleeveless cotton body suit |
| 3.5 | Long-sleeved & full leg cotton body suit + Short-sleeved cotton body suit |
Popular Baby Sleeping Bags Brands
Care and Cleaning Tips for Baby Sleeping Bags
#1: Always check the care label first for any special instructions to make sure you’re cleaning your baby’s sleeping bag the right way.
#2: Keep the zippers of your baby’s sleeping bags closed before washing them.
#3: Use gentle detergent without any bleaching agent to maintain the original colors of the sleeping bag’s fabric.
#4: Wash dark-colored sleeping sacks separately, at least for the first few washes.
#5: If you want to iron your baby’s sleeping bag, use low heat only and cover the zippers with a cloth.
Q&A about Baby Sleeping Bags
When is the right time to use a sleeping bag for my baby?
Sleeping bags are suitable for your child as soon as he is six weeks old.
How do I select the best sleeping bag for my baby?
Your chosen sleeping bag should keep your baby safe and comfortable at all times. To find the best, you need to consider your baby’s age, your local weather, and the size and tog rating of the sleep sack.
How many sleeping bags should I buy?
It pays to have more than one sleeping bag for your baby. Ideally, you should buy at least two sleeping bags, especially during the winter since their thick padding takes longer to dry during this season.
Are there really sleeping bags that can be used at any temperature throughout the year?
There are standard sleeping bags that are supposedly usable throughout the year. In reality, however, you’ll need to adjust your baby’s clothing if you want to use the same sleeping bag for different seasons. Hence, to make things easier for you and safer for the baby, most parents buy at least two bags with different tog ratings. When is the best time to start using baby sleeping bags?