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Understanding Baby Sleeping Bags: A Guide for Parents

9 Oct, 2023

Are baby sleeping bags safe?

Baby sleeping bags are a modern and practical alternative to traditional blankets. Not only do they provide cosy, comfort and warmth for your baby, but they are also designed to minimise safety risks. Compared to loose blankets, baby sleeping bags have a lower risk of your little one getting tangled or suffocating under the covers while they sleep. Slumbersac baby sleeping bags are available in a range of sizes to ensure a good fit. A well-fitting sleeping bag reduces the risk of the baby slipping in or getting caught in the fabric.

Our high-quality baby sleeping bags are made of breathable materials such as muslin, bamboo muslin, (organic) cotton and modal, which ensures that your baby does not overheat. Babies have delicate skin and tend to be more sensitive to harmful substances. Slumbersac baby sleeping bags are made from materials that have been certifed according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 to ensure they are free from any harmful pollutants and dangerous chemicals.

When should a baby start using a sleeping bag?

You can use a baby sleeping bag from birth. Swaddling can be a calming way to comfort newborns in the first few weeks of life and give them a feeling of safety and security. Swaddling wraps the baby's arms and legs tightly, similar to how they were in the womb. This can help them fall asleep. You should monitor your baby's sleeping habits and, if they often break free from swaddling or show signs of restlessness, a baby sleeping bag might be a better option. Additionally, some professionals have expressed concerns about the safety of swaddling, especially when it is not done correctly. There would be a risk of a baby becoming overheated or being held in an awkward position, which could lead to breathing problems. With the introduction of safe and well-designed baby sleeping bags as an alternative to swaddling, many parents have found a practical way to keep their babies warm and secure without restricting freedom of movement.

This means you can already use the baby sleeping bag for your newborn. However, if you decide to swaddle first, you can switch to baby sleeping bags later, around the second month of life. Typically, you can introduce baby sleeping bags when your baby starts to become active and roll over, at around 2 to 4 months.

How do you choose the right size baby sleeping bag?

Measure your baby's length from shoulders to feet and use our size information as a guide. You can use our size guide to help you. A baby sleeping bag should give enough room for your baby to move their legs comfortably. However, a sleeping bag that is too large can pose potential dangers that are sometimes overlooked. Although it may be tempting to choose a slightly larger sleeping bag to accommodate your baby's rapid growth, care should be taken to ensure that the sleeping bag does not fit too loosely. If sleeping bags are too large, there is a risk that the baby's head will slip through the neck opening. You should check regularly that the sleeping bag still fits well, as babies grow quickly.

What is the room temperature when using a baby sleeping bag?
The correct room temperature is crucial to ensure your baby is not overheating or too cold. Newborn babies cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so it is important to monitor the temperature carefully. A baby sleeping bag alone may not be enough to keep your baby warm or cool in extreme temperatures. This is why it is important to use the correct Tog and clothing for every season.

Here at Slumbersac, a leading brand of baby sleeping bags, we use the Tog system to help parents create the ideal room temperature for their little one. TOG stands for “Thermal Overall Grade” and is a measurement scale that measures the insulation of the sleeping bag. The higher the TOG value, the warmer the sleeping bag is.

What sets us apart from our competitors: Our sleeping bags undergo extensive laboratory testing. Our sleeping bags have to meet the standards of 0.5 TOG, 1.0 TOG, 2.5 TOG or 3.5 TOG to be approved for sale with a certificate. 

The 4 different TOG sizes and room temperatures:

0.5 TOG - For warm summer nights (24°C and higher).
1.0 TOG - For mild summer nights and the transition period (18 - 24°C)
2.5 TOG - For spring, autumn and cool summer nights (15 - 21°C)
3.5 TOG - For cold winter nights (below 18°C)

You can find out more about Tog in our Tog Guide.

How to check you baby is not overheating

Feeling the neck is a simple and effective way to determine whether your baby is at an appropriate temperature: Gently touch your baby's neck area with your fingers, especially behind the ears. A cool, dry neck indicates an appropriate temperature, while damp or sweaty skin may indicate your baby is too warm.

Are sleeping bags with feet safer than traditional sleeping bags?

In recent years, sleeping bags with feet have become increasingly popular as they allow freedom of movement. But the question arises: Are sleeping bags with feet really safer than conventional sleeping bags?

Traditional baby sleeping bags are a proven choice for many parents. They wrap around your baby's entire body to provide a cosy and contained environment similar to the feeling in the womb. Slumbersac sets itself apart from other brands by offering traditional sleeping bags not only for babies, but also for children up to 10 years old.

Sleeping bags with feet offer more freedom of movement and flexibility for your baby. They allow your baby to stretch their legs and move more comfortably while sleeping. Sleeping bags with feet can be a good choice as your baby begins to learn to crawl and walk, as they offer more flexibility. Children who attempt to get up and walk while in a traditional sleeping bag may have limited coordination due to the limited range of motion. This increases the risk of them tripping, falling or injuring themselves, making sleeping bags with feet a safe option.