Encourage a restful snooze for your baby – and all the family – with our favourite sleeping bags
Forget blankets, duvets, and swaddling wraps that resemble an origami puzzle. When it comes to snuggling your baby up for bed, a sleeping bag is your BFF.
Choose wisely and they're the safest, easiest and comfiest option for your baby's slumber.
In fact, The Lullaby Trust – the UK authority on the prevention of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) – names sleeping bags as one of its 'recommended safe sleep essentials.'
Like a wearable duvet – worn over PJs or just a nappy depending on room temperature – baby sleeping bags come in a range of togs (thicknesses) and sizes, and are designed to be used without any other blankets on top.
The benefits of baby sleeping bags
They can’t be kicked off which means no sudden wake-ups from the cold and no loose material to get tangled up or cover your baby’s face.
Your baby may sleep more soundly thanks to both the secure feeling of the bag, and the ease and comfort of having a cover that moves when they do.
Most come with a simple size and tog system so you can choose your bag based on your baby’s age, weight and room temperature for maximum comfort and no overheating.
Night feeds and nappy changes (if you opt for a bag that unzips fully at the bottom) can be done with minimal disturbance.
Your baby may start to recognise the bag as a source of comfort and a signal for sleep, promoting a smooth and regular bedtime and nap routine.
They can be washed easily in the event of nappy or milk explosions.
They’re easily portable for travelling.
Which tog of baby sleeping bag should I choose?
The following is a rough guide:
2.5 tog: ideal for use all year round, for temperatures between 16-20°C 1.0 tog: suited to warm summer temperatures between 20-24°C 0.5 tog: best for hot weather with temperatures between 24-27°C (75-81F)
Remember the temperature is based on your child’s individual room, not the weather, so it’s worth getting a room thermometer for accurate measuring. You can also layer your baby’s clothes underneath according. As their arms are not covered by the bag, a long-sleeve vest or sleepsuit might be a good choice.
Which size of baby sleeping bag should I choose?
Sleeping bags come in a range of sizes to correspond to a child’s weight or age. Ensure they have plenty of space for their feet to kick around – they should be able to move their legs into a ‘frog leg’ position for healthy hip development. Neck and arm openings must not be too loose, to prevent their hands and faces from slipping inside.
Bags with concealed zips and poppers are also a good idea to prevent sharp edges. If your baby likes being particularly active, consider a style with ‘legs’ – like a padded sleepsuit. Those with hoods and sleeves, however, should be avoided as they can pose an overheating risk.
Why we love it: You can't go wrong with this 2.5 tog bag that'll see your little one through several seasons. It's made from 100% jersey cotton, and it’s machine-washable and suitable for tumble drying.
Other key details include easy popper fastenings at the shoulders, zip coverings under the arms to keep your little one comfy – even if they're only wearing a vest – and head openings that are roomy, but not too loose, for maximum safety credentials.
Need to know: There isn't a two-way zip, allowing you to lift the bag up for nappy changes, although the zip does go all the way around one side and the bottom making it super easy to pop your baby in and out.
Why we love it: With its unisex neutral colourway and on-trend safari print, this chic design could pass for a style triple the price. But it's not just the aesthetics we've fallen in love with. Made from 100% cotton, it feels soft and unbelievably comfortable yet comes in a lightweight 1 tog, making it ideal as the weather gets warmer.
Need to know: Great for spring and summer but you'll need a thicker tog during the cooler months.
Why we love it: We'd always recommend getting two sleeping bags in each size and tog so you're prepared for when those inevitable poonamis or sickness bugs strike. For value, look no further than ASDA's sleeping bag multipacks. With each set containing two 2.5 tog bags, they offer brilliant bang for your buck.
Need to know: We liked the diagonal zip on this design although some parents might find it a little harder to navigate.
Why we love it: This isn't the cheapest of choices but if you're looking for a sleeping bag that allows you to swaddle your little one, it's a smart investment.
The stretchy fabric and double poppers at the sides allow you to tuck your baby's arms in, offering a comforting swaddling effect without having to faff with blankets and wraps. Snuggling them up in this way is thought to mimic the secure feeling of being in the womb and suppresses the startle reflex that often wakes newborns up.
The bag also has a 'hip healthy accreditation' – in short, it's snug on top but specially designed at the bottom to allow a natural leg position as approved by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Need to know: Remember swaddling is no longer safe once your baby can roll. This varies in each child, with some learning as early as two months and others lasting until around four or five months old.
Why we love it: This 100% jersey cotton bag ticks all the usual boxes including being machine washable.
There are a few handy additions, though, that make it really stand out. It's one of the few bags on the market that comes in a 1.5 tog – the perfect transitional weight for spring, autumn or nap times when baby's room is likely to be a little warmer.
The two-way zip also makes for easy nappy changes and extra poppers under the arms allow your child room as they grow.
Need to know: While we rate this design, it's on the pricier side, particularly for a lightweight sleeping bag.
