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Your guide to baby sleeping bags

baby sleeping bags
Sophie Martin
Medically reviewed by
11th Oct 2024
 

Creating the perfect sleeping environment for your baby will help to ensure they get the best night’s sleep possible – which in turn, could mean that you will too!

A baby sleeping bag can take the stress out of bedtime and help your little one drift off to sleep more easily.

We’ve put together our ultimate guide to buying a baby sleeping bag...

What is a baby sleeping bag?

It is essentially a purposely designed wearable blanket that will help them maintain the correct temperature overnight. It also eliminates the need for any additional blankets. Such is their popularity that there are many available on the market, ranging from newborn swaddle sleeping bags, to those which help your baby transition to sleeping independently. They also come in a range of fabrics which offer higher and lower ‘tog ratings’ to take you safely through the seasons.

What are the benefits of a baby sleeping bag?

  • They allow your baby to move freely, wriggle and kick their arms and legs without restriction
  • They ensure they stay at safe temperature (when paired with the correct sleepwear) whichremoves any danger of them getting too hot and overheating
  • Baby sleeping bags eliminate the need to add any additional covers, which could come loose and cover your baby’s face – or see them end up in a tangle
  • They are great to use wherever you are, so are great for sleep on the go and also for travelling
  • They work really well for feeding your baby as you can simply lift them from their crib whilst still inside– before placing them back when they have finished
  • Your baby will come to associate their sleeping bag with nap times and bedtime - helping promote winding down and a peaceful night’s sleep
  • They offer peace of mind for parents who can relax knowing that their baby’s sleeping space is as safe as it can be
  • They can easily be washed if your baby has any sickness or leaky nappies.

How to choose your baby sleeping bag

Like everything baby-related, it can feel a little overwhelming when trying to decide which sleeping bag is best for your little one. As well as different sizes for age and weight, baby sleeping bags have a number of ‘tog’ ratings – which is essentially how warm they will be.

What is a tog rating?

‘Tog’ stands for 'Thermal Overall Grade' -- and is used in the textile industry to rate how warm a piece of clothing or a duvet is. Baby sleeping bags come in a variety of togs usually ranging from 0.5 to 3.5. There are also some available with an even lower tog rating of 0.2, which is ideal for heat waves or  extremely hot weather.

You will probably need at least a couple of sleeping bags with different tog ratings to ensure your baby is comfortable year-round.

What tog should I buy?

The sleeping bag and the tog rating you choose will be dependent on a number of factors such as how warm the weather is outside - and in turn, how that affects the temperature in the room where your baby is sleeping.

As the temperatures start to dip as autumn rolls in, or as the sun starts to be a more frequent visitor in spring – it may be time to review the tog rating of your baby’s sleeping bag – or add/remove layers of their sleepwear. The idea is to ensure your baby has enough layers and warmth to keep them snuggly and warm – without the risk of them overheating as this increases the risk of SIDS.

Many sleeping bags have also been designed within a ‘safe’ range to ensure your baby never gets too hot.

Tog guidelines

These are guidelines only; you always need to check your baby to ensure they are not too hot. If his neck is damp, he may be too hot.

  • Room under 14 degrees: Use a 3.5 tog, with a cotton bodysuit and sleepsuit. It is unlikely you will ever use a tog of this thickness unless you are in a very cold climate. 
  • Room under 16 degrees: Use a 2.5 tog bag with a cotton bodysuit and sleepsuit.  
  • Room at 17-21 degrees: Use a 2.5 tog with a cotton bodysuit. 
  • Room at 22 to 25 degrees: Use a lightweight 1.5 tog with a cotton bodysuit. 
  • Room above 25 degrees: Use a 0.5 tog sheet or muslin bag and a short-sleeved bodysuit. These are ideal for very hot weather and summer holidays abroad.
baby sleeping bag tog

How to keep your baby safe at sleep time

In addition to selecting the correct sleeping bag, there are a few things you can do to ensure your baby’s sleeping space is as optimum as possible. If possible, try to keep your baby’s room at a constant temperature – the ideal is around 18 degrees.

If you’re unsure about how hot your baby is as they sleep, have a quick feel of their hands and feet, as well as their forehead to ensure they are not too warm or too chilly. If your baby feels sweaty and cold to the touch (check their tummy, chest and back of neck) this is a sign that you need to adjust their clothing or the room temperature. Your baby’s skin should always be warm and dry to touch. You can find out more about baby sleep safety, here...

Baby sleeping bags – sizes and styles

As well as tog ratings, baby sleeping bags come in a number of different sizes to suit your baby's stage as well as their weight.

It’s a good idea to check your baby's weight to ensure you are choosing the right size  this will be more accurate than simply going with the age range specified). Bear in mind that not all sleeping bags are suitable from birth -- it often depends upon how much your baby weighs.

Baby sleeping bag sizes

Typically,baby sleeping bags come in three sizes:

  1. 0 - 6 months
  2. 6 - 18 months
  3. 18 - 36 months

Styles of baby sleeping bags

There are also a number of styles of baby sleeping bags available, including swaddle bags, transition bags and bags with legs and arms. Many are also designed to best support hip health (allowing plenty of room for your baby to maintain the ‘frog-legged’ position whilst sleeping), with a more fitted shape at the top and plenty of room and a ‘balloon’ shape at the bottom.

Swaddle baby sleeping bag

Swaddle baby sleeping bags are a popular choice to use from birth, allowing your baby to sleep safely without loose blankets and be held closely to promote a better night’s sleep. A swaddle design is useful for calming the Moro reflex – also known as the ‘startle-reflex’ – an involuntary action which causes your baby to jolt their head back and extend their arms and legs – often waking themselves up in the process. This type of reflex is seen in newborn babies and usually disappears by the time they are 3 months old.

Transition baby sleeping bag

When a baby starts to roll over or show signs of doing so, it's time to release them from their swaddle and allow their arms to be free. A transition sleeping bag helps to transition your baby from sleeping in a swaddle to sleeping independently. This style of bag often allows you to open up the arms to allow your baby to go ‘arms free’.

Baby sleeping bag with legs

Some sleeping bags come with built- in legs which allow your baby more freedom and can be worn outside of their sleeping area for toddling around and playing. These are great for toddlers and babies on the move.

How should my baby’s sleeping bag fit?

Always choose a baby sleeping bag suitable for your baby’s age and weight. Not all newborn sleeping bags are suitable form birth depending on your baby’s weight, so always check. They typically come in three sizes – 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18-36 months, though exact sizes will vary between brands.

  • All bags should conform to the new British standard for baby sleeping bags (BS 8510:2009).
  • You can buy a baby sleeping bag with sleeves or a hood, but it is recommended that you never use these because there is a risk your baby might overheat.
  • The arm holes should be snug enough, so your baby cannot get their hands inside the bag. Sleeping bags for smaller babies have additional poppers to help the bag fit.
  • The neck holes should not be so big that your baby’s head could slip down inside the bag but should be a comfortable size.
  • All openings should have smooth seams without sharp edges, zips or any attachments that could be hazardous.

What to look out for when choosing a baby sleeping bag

  • Avoid baby sleeping bags that have extras such as sleeves or a hood. These make it more difficult to monitor your baby's temperature and could cause them to overheat. This could increase the risk of SIDS.
  • Ensure that the bag offers a good fit around the arm holes. Your baby should not be able to get their hands or arms inside the bag. To keep small babies safe, some sleeping bags have additional poppers to ensure a good fit.
  • Sleeping bags should not be used in addition to additional blankets or duvets. This presents the danger of overheating which can put your child’s life in danger.
  • Look for sleeping bags which fit snugly across the chest but are roomy at the bottom. It is important that sleeping bags allow a baby to adopt a ‘frog-legged’ sleeping position as this helps to promote healthy hip development.
  • Never use a sleeping bag which has drawstrings or other strangulation hazards.
  • Ensure there are no uncomfortable tags or zips on the inside of the sleeping bag, which could irritate your baby and get in the way of a peaceful night’s rest

The best baby sleeping bags in 2024

Our team have been researching the best baby sleeping bags available and have handpicked these for you, based on reviews from other parents and safety considerations and value for money. Here are our favourites...

1. SnuzPouch Sleeping Bag (Cloud Nine)

SnuzPouch Sleeping Bag

Tog rating: 1.0

What we love: Handy nappy changing zip and cloud design, made by trusted baby brand Snüz, the SnüzPouch sleeping bag has been tested to the highest safety standards and is crafted from super soft cotton which is free from any harmful chemicals. What we love about this design is the additional easy access for nappy changes during the night. This particular model is best for summer temperatures and is available in a range of patterned fabrics.

 

2. SnuzPouch Sleeping Bag (Grey stars)

SnuzPouch Sleeping Bag

Tog rating: 1.0

What we love: Handy nappy changing zip and star design. Another SnuzPouch baby sleeping bag -- this time in a cosmic star design. With muted greys printed on super-soft fabric, it also features a side zip for getting them in and out -- plus double poppers (on the shoulder and underarm) for extra safety.

 

3. Mamas & Papas Dreampod Sleeping Bag

Mamas & Papas Dreampod Sleeping Bag

Tog rating:1.0

What we love: Handy nappy changing zip and bright rainbow print. Great for nurseries with a temperature of 20 degrees and over, this luxury sleeping bag makes summer sleeping as restful as possible. The Mamas & Papas Dreampod is made from super soft cotton which has also been certified as free from harsh chemicals or substances so is gentle against your baby’s delicate skin (Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified).

 

4. Snuz Sleeping Bag

Snuz Sleeping Bag

Tog rating: 2.5

What we love: Can be used from newborn to 6 months and is made from a super-soft jersey cotton which makes it perfect for delicate baby skin. It's also most suitable for temperatures under 20c.

 

5. Mamas & Papas Dreampod

Mamas & Papas Dreampod

Tog rating: 2.5

What we love: Super soft jersey fabric and cute print. With a 2.5 tog rating, this Dreampod is perfect for cooler nights when the room temperature falls beneath 18 degrees. It is crafted from the softest jersey fabric and features a cute print.

 

6. The Little Green Sheep Organic Baby Sleeping Bag

The Little Green Sheep Organic Baby Sleeping Bag

Tog rating: 2.5

What we love: The unique, luxury ,organic linen and cotton blend that makes this the perfect baby sleeping bag all-year round. It also features under-arm poppers for correct sizing and a side zip fastening for easy changes. 

 

7. Love to Dream Sleepsuit Sleeping Bag

Love to Dream Sleepsuit Sleeping Bag

Tog rating: 1.0

What we love: This sleepsuit is a snuggly multi-tasker. This is a very clever sleepsuit that can be used for both sleep as well as play and has built-in legs and feet which allow your little one to move around their sleep sace safely. The 1 tog Love to Dream sleepsuit is perfect for a room which has a temperature between 20 and 24 degrees and is made from fabric that promotes better temperature regulation to help reduce the risk of oversleeping. It also has a very clever design which offers a twin zip for easy nappy changes.

 

8. Tommee Tippee The Original Grobag

Tommee Tippee Baby Sleep Bag

Tog rating: 2.5

What we love: Its unique shape which is snug at the top promotes a hip-healthy position on the bottom. This brilliant baby sleeping bag works in the early days by swaddling your baby with his arms tucked inside, before allowing their arms to be released as they grow. The Snuggle Baby Sleep bag’s unique hourglass design ensures optimum positioning, while its 2-way zip is handy for night-time changes.Suitable for all year round in rooms maintained at temperatures between 16 and 20 degrees.

 

9. HALO Swaddle Sleeping Bag

halo swaddle baby sleeping bag

Tog rating: 1.5

What we love: That this is a 2 in 1 sleeping bag with all the ease of a baby sleeping bag but the comfort and reassurance of a swaddle without any of the faff. We also love that this bag can be used in three different ways to suit all babies and their preferences. 

 

10. Baby Winter Sleeping Bag

baby winter sleeping bag

Tog rating: 3.5

What we love: This super snuggly sleeping bag is perfect for winter, especially as the price of energy continue to sore. With detachable sleeves, three different zippers and a cute woodland animal print design, this is a great sleeping bag to have for winter time. 

 

11. Tommee Tippee Baby Sleep Bag for Newborns

Tommee Tippee Baby Sleep Bag for Newborns

Tog rating: 1.0

What we love: The swaddle design which mimics the closeness of the womb. Tommee Tippee Swaddle Bags have been expertly designed to mimic the closeness your baby felt in the womb. The swaddle design holds them closely inside the sleeping bag at the top of their body, suppressing the startle reflex that can suddenly wake babies up from their sleep. This means a better night’s sleep for your little one – and (hopefully) for you! It is also designed to let their legs comfortably lie in the ‘frog leg’ position which is essential for hip health. This Steppee bag in soft blush is perfect for warmer weather in rooms where the temperature is 20 -24 degrees.

 

12. aden + anais essentials Baby Sleeping Bag

aden + anais essentials Baby Sleeping Bag

Tog rating: 1.0

What we love: The fabric gets softer with every wash! Made from 100% cotton muslin, this superlight sleeping bag is simple and practical and its durable weave will get softer with every wash. The fabric also allows for optimal airflow which reduces the risk of overheating and helps baby to get a restful stretch of sleep. The sleeping bag is roomy and allows for all those baby kicks and it has a handy zip which opens from the bottom for fuss-free changing. The large star shape print is also a winner.

 

13. aden + anais Baby Mid-Season Sleeping Bag

aden + anais Baby Mid-Season Sleeping Bag

Tog rating: 1.5

What we love: Breathable multi-layer fabric and simple design. Another simple design by aden + anais, this mid-season sleeping bag is made from 4 layers of muslin cotton, to give it a 1.5 tog rating. This breathable high-quality sleeping bag also has a cute print which would complement a range of nursery styles. It also washes really well and comes highly rated in reviews from parents.

 

14. Sleeping Baby Zipadee-Zip

Sleeping Baby Zipadee-Zip

Tog rating: 77-78 degrees Fahrenheit (U.S. brand)

What we love: The range of bright designs. Zipadee-zip swaddle transition sleeping bags come in a range of bright, bold prints ranging from tractors and foxes to monsters and rainbows. This woodland design has a twee vintage feel to it and would suit baby girls and boys. The Zipadee-zip wearable blanket is a popular US brand and offers the enclosed feeling of a swaddle but without limiting their movement. Its starfish shape also allows the baby's legs to move around without restriction-- making for a super safe and cosy sleep.

 

15. Love to Dream - Warm baby sleeping bag

Love to Dream - Warm baby sleeping bag

Tog rating: 2.5

What we love: A swaddle sleeping bag which allows an upright position for arms. This Love to Dream Swaddle baby sleeping bag is a favourite with parents and gently swaddles your baby to help them sleep better. Love to Dream swaddles allow your baby's arms to fall in the upright position as they would naturally be, rather than traditional swaddles that position the arms by their side or across their chest. This warmer sleeping bag is best for temperatures ranging from 16 - 20 degrees. Love to Dream also has transition baby sleeping bags (stage 2) and a sleeping bag which promotes independent sleep (stage 3).

 

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