What are the benefits of a baby sleeping bag?
- Babies sleep soundly in a sleeping bag ensuring a constant temperature and avoids overheating while allowing freedom of movement.
What should parents look out for when looking for a sleeping bag?
- All baby sleeping bags should comply with British Safety Standards and it’s important that you check with the consumer.
- Cotton, Bamboo and Merino are the safest breathable fabrics for your baby’s sleeping bag and its essential to buy the correct Tog for the time of year. Usually 1.5 Tog Spring/Summer 2 or 2.5 Tog for Autumn and Winter.
How would you check the fit is right?
- Always make sure that the arm and the neck of the sleeping bag are a snug but comfortable fit for your baby. For smaller babies purchase a sleeping bag that offers a choice of under arm fastening for safe sleeping.
Always make sure that the arm and the neck of the sleeping bag are a snug but comfortable fit for your baby.
What is the best way to introduce a baby to using a sleeping bag if they haven’t been in one/only been swaddled?
- I would recommend that parents begin the transition to a sleeping bag around eight weeks by introducing a half swaddle (under your baby’s arms) to fully prepare your baby to sleeping in a sleeping bag around three months. The half swaddle will help your baby once the startle reflex disappears around twelve weeks.
Any watchouts that parents should be aware of?
- It is recommended that you avoid buying a sleeping bag with arms or a hood as there is a serious risk of your baby overheating.
- It is also recommended that until your baby is eighteen months old avoid blankets or extra covers with a sleeping bag to avoid overheating and helps to promote safe sleeping.
- When researching which sleeping bag to buy always consider the correct tog for the time of year.
When should a parent stop using a sleeping bag and transition to a duvet?
- You can safely transition to a duvet when your baby reaches 18 months. To help with this you can use a cotton top sheet to prepare your little one for a loose cover rather than a sleeping bag.
Top tips when choosing a sleeping bag?
- Choose the correct tog for the time of year.
- Consider the fit of the sleeping bag.
- Always choose a breathable fabric such as bamboo, Merino or Cotton.
- It’s a good idea to buy at least two sleeping bags for your baby.
- Check it complies with British Safety Standards.
