There are sleeping bags in all sizes, all colours and with many different patterns. But how to choose the right sleeping bag, and why is it useful?
Why do you need a sleeping bag?
A sleeping bag forms a comfortable cocoon around the Baby’s little body: it keeps it warm and gives it a feeling of security. In addition, it ensures safe sleep:
- Your Baby can’t get under the covers.
- Your Baby turns on his stomach less quickly when he is not yet able to get back on his back.
- Your Baby cannot uncover himself and therefore catch a cold.
- Larger babies have more difficulty standing up and getting out of bed.
- After a while, your Baby will connect the sleeping bag and bedtime on their own.
Which sleeping bag for your Baby?
What size?
When choosing a sleeping bag, size is everything. To know the size needed for the sleeping bag, measure your Baby from shoulders to feet. Add 10 to 15 centimetres, and you will get the right size! Warning: never buy a sleeping bag that is too big. If the neck or arm openings are too big, your little one could slip out of his sleeping bag.
For which season?
You can opt for a summer, winter or four-season sleeping bag, depending on when you will use it. Summer sleeping bags are often sleeveless, terry or thin cotton and have low TOG value. In general, winter or four-season sleeping bags have removable or non-removable sleeves. They are often fleece and are known for their high TOG value. Feel free to read this article if you want more information on the TOG value and how to dress a Baby for sleep.
How many sleeping bags do you need?
Depending on the frequency of your washes, we advise you to have two to three sleeping bags per size and per season at home. This way, you’ll always have another sleeping bag when another gets dirty.
Practical: a sleeping bag for on the go
Do you want to use the sleeping bag in the car seat or stroller? Choose a sleeping bag with special openings for car seat belts or a sleeping bag with a zipper to separate the legs. Nothing could be more practical when you have to take the car early in the morning with Baby or when you visit relatives in the evening.
The right temperature! How to dress a baby for sleep?
Is your Baby sleeping? Smell her small neck from time to time. If it’s warm and dry, it’s OK! If the back of the neck is rather damp and clammy, your child is too hot. It is essential to choose the right outfit for sleeping in a Swaddle Wrap according to the temperature of Baby’s room. Is it hot? Opt for a sleeping bag (or no bag at all) and light clothing. The colder it is in the room, the warmer the sleeping bag can be, and the more layers your child can wear.
TOG value of a sleeping bag
A garment’s TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) value indicates its thermal capacity. It is determined by laboratory tests and is mainly used for sleeping bags, swaddling blankets and quilts. The higher the TOG, the warmer and more insulating the garment. If it’s cold in the (Baby’s) room, choose a baby sleeping bags with a higher TOG value.
What sleepwear for your child?
Summer or winter sleeping bag? Pyjamas
? Short or long sleeve bodysuit? A little hat, mittens or extra socks? Baby needs to be well wrapped up to feel good. If it is between 18° and 19°C in the bedroom, a winter sleeping bag from TOG 1 will do the trick, coupled with pyjamas and a long-sleeved bodysuit. If your Baby is sleeping in a colder or warmer room, the diagram below will show you how to dress him.
A healthy atmosphere
The ideal temperature for your Baby’s room is between 18 and 20°C. But the air in the room must also be healthy (40% to 60% humidity). If the air is too dry, you can place an air humidifier with a built-in hygrometer to measure and keep the humidity level.
