Things to consider
Things to consider
So now you know all about the benefits, TOG ratings and the different categories of sleeping bags, how do you know which one is right for you? Before you start shopping for your sleeping bag, it is good to know what to look out for and what the most important things to consider are.
Keep the following points in mind when you are shopping and researching to help you pick the perfect baby sleeping bag.
Age
Always choose a baby sleeping bag suitable for your baby’s age and weight to make sure it fits them correctly. If the sleeping bag is too big, the baby may be able to wriggle further into the bag and cover their head. Aside from TOG ratings, sleeping bags are also categorised by size to help you pick the perfect one for your little one. The sleeping bag may look long in length, but don't worry, these are designed so your little one has enough room to kick and move around inside.
Temperature
We have already touched on this previously, but temperature really is a very important factor when choosing your sleeping bag. Check the temperature of their room or sleeping environment before purchasing to make sure you pick the right one for the climate. Babies can't regulate their own temperature yet so it's important to pay close attention to the room temperature and TOG rating. It is likely you will need a couple of bags for seasonal changes, or you can opt for an all season sleeping bag.
Natural Fibres
Sleeping bags made from natural fibres will give you that extra peace of mind. Natural fibres will be the safest choice for reducing the risk of overheating. Whilst it isn’t necessarily unsafe to use a sleeping bag with synthetic fibres, natural fibres go a long way in creating a much more breathable environment allowing for greater temperature control than synthetic alternatives. Try opting for natural fibres such as organic cotton or bamboo which can all help reduce the risk of overheating. Our favourite is Merino wool, it is one of the safest fibres to dress your child in thanks to it's unique temperature regulating properties.
Night Changes
If you are regularly doing night time changes then we suggest choosing a sleeping bag with a zip or poppers on the bottom and sides. Features like this will make it so much easier when it comes to those night time changes by simply opening the sleeping bag at the bottom for easy access. This will mean you won't have to totally undress your baby to put a clean nappy on. Win win for everyone!
Longevity
Some sleeping bags have the additional feature of poppers under the arms and on the shoulders which lets you adapt the bags size for your growing little one. These adjustable features mean you can use the same sleeping bag for a longer period of time as it adjusts to your little ones development.
Safety Features
There are a few key things to look out for that ensure the sleeping bag you choose is safe for use. Make sure the sleeping bag you buy has all of these features;
- A safe sleeping bag should have shoulder straps with open and close fastenings such as poppers.
- Poppers under the arms.
- Ensure the neck hole isn't too big that your little ones head could slip inside of the sleeping bag.
- No extra accessories that can cause suffocation or choking hazard. Such as a hood, tassels or buttons.
- Has clear age and sizing information
- British safety standard of BS 8510:2009 or the more recent BS EN 16781:2018 on the sleeping bags label or packaging.