A well-fitted sleeping bag is among the safest bedding options for your baby. With the right size, your little one can move freely, and properly sized neck and armholes ensure that the baby won't wriggle out. Because we know, once they start wiggling they just can't stop!
Are sleeping bags safe for newborns?
In short the answer is yes. It is perfectly safe to put a newborn in a sleep bag. So long as it fits well around their head and shoulders to ensure there is no risk of them sliding down.
In fact, they actually help prevent SIDS as they stop baby from wriggling around and going under blankets and bedding.
If you'd prefer to, you can skip the swaddling stage altogether and go straight to sleeping bags. Swaddling isn't for everyone and sleep bags have their own benefits. You can still achieve a cosy, wrapped up feeling, without having to worry about the blanket unfolding.
To Swaddle or Not to Swaddle
Swaddling a baby is the traditional practise of wrapping your baby in thin soft blanket that mimics the feeling of the womb.
Swaddling is typically done by wrapping a blanket around the baby's body, leaving the head exposed. The goal is to create a tight but comfortable wrap that keeps the baby's arms and legs securely contained.
Many parents find that swaddling can help calm a fussy baby and promote better sleep by preventing the baby's startle reflex from waking them up. However, it's important to note that swaddling should be done carefully to avoid overheating or restricting the baby's hip movement.
Sleep Bag vs Swaddle
There are many pros and cons to both methods and I am here to break it down for you:
Sleeping Bag Advantages
- Super easy to use and convenient
- Make night time nappy changes easier
- Come with different togs depending on temperature
- Freedom for baby to kick and wiggle
- Great for the safety of you baby
- Helps baby sleep comfortably and peacefully
- Comes in handy when your baby starts to roll over
Sleeping Bag Disadvantages
- Need to ensure you use the right tog dependant on temperature
- Can sometimes be difficult as your baby gets older
Swaddle Advantages
- Can soothe baby as it mimics the womb
- Reduces risk of scratching themselves
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Helps prevent startle reflex
Swaddle Disadvantages
- May contribute to hip dysplasia if swaddled too tight
- Could interfere with the natural development of a baby's motor skills
- Risks of rolling over
- Can increase the risk of overheating
- May take time to learn to swaddle efficiently and effectively
What to Look for in Baby Sleep Bags
There are all sorts of factors to consider when choosing your sleeping bag for baby. From size to material, safety to style, the options are endless. Let's delve into the right one for you!
Size
Always look at the size guide when purchasing your sleeping bag for babies. As a general rule, take your babies age and select accordingly. Often starting at newborn sleeping bags, they usually go up to around 36 months.
Material
When selecting a sleep bag material, consider the current season, the temperature of the baby's sleep environment, and any specific preferences you may have. We recommend a bamboo sleep bag to sure ultimate comfort and breathability. Bamboo is also hypoallergenic and temperature regulating.
Safety
To ensure the safety of a baby sleep bag, choose the appropriate size with snug neck and arm openings to prevent suffocation risks. Check for secure zippers, with hazard-free designs, and ensure you are using the correct tog dependant on temperature.
Style
We're not saying it needs to be stylish, it's more about the design of it instead. Consider looking at sleep bags for babies with a two-way zipper (yes they exist!) and press stud straps. This allows easy access to your little one as they wake.
Tog
Opt for sleep bags made from breathable fabrics, considering the tog rating for temperature regulation. You will need a thinner tog of around 0.5 - 1.0 in summer, but potentially a cosier tog of 3.5 in the cooler months. A good general tog is about 2.5.
Let's Talk Togs
First things first, the higher the tog, the thicker the sleep bag will be. It's good to monitor the temperature of the room your baby is sleeping in to determine which tog will be best. Although using your initiative is good too (mama's instinct right?).
The ideal temperature for a baby to sleep in is between 16°C - 20°C with babies under 12 months being a little more vulnerable to overheating.
When selecting the right tog sleep bag, think about the time of year. A good general tog is about 2.5, however this may change depending on the seasons. That's why it is good to have a few different tog sleeping bags just in case. Follow our baby sleeping bag guide for further help!
Your baby's clothing will also vary depending on the temperature too. With bamboo fabric their temperature will regulate naturally, however it's good to dress them accordingly so like goldilocks preferences, they're 'just right'.
Getting baby sleep sacks with the appropriate tog is key. A 0.5 tog sleeping bag is great for summer, where as a 3.5 tog sleeping bag will keep baby cosy in winter.
Hot vs Cold: The Do's and Don'ts