The sleeping bag is an essential item in the baby’s wardrobe, so much so that in the French and other European countries’ wardrobes it appears at the top of the list. This is because it will contribute to the child’s sleep, making it comfortable to rest and safe in the cot. And precisely because it is such an important product that will be part of the daily routine of the little ones, it is important to pay attention when choosing the infant sleeping bag.
Why are sleeping bags good for babies?
No matter how cute the baby sleeping bag model is, you should observe a number of issues regarding the production of the sleeping bag that goes beyond aesthetics. Safety, for example, is one of the topics that need to be considered. Check out some reasons to bet on the baby sleeping bag to be part of the night of your child!
It is safe: the recommendation in relation to children’s sleep is to sleep face up and without objects in the cot that can hinder breathing, such as blankets, pillows, stuffed animals or toys. This is to avoid the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, popularly known as “cot death”, which occurs when some object covers the baby’s face and results in asphyxia. With the sleeping bag this does not happen, as it is designed to allow the baby to be covered, while leaving the face free for breathing.
Contributes to the baby’s sleep ritual: the sleep ritual is a sequence of actions that repeated every day, in the same order and around the same time, will cause the baby to relax and get ready for sleep. This gives the child security because he feels familiar with what will happen next in his routine. Among the steps for the sleep ritual, putting on your baby’s pyjamas and sleeping bag will reinforce the sleeping moment, contributing to a peaceful night’s rest.
It is a familiar object when travelling or changing routine: children are sensitive to any change in routine, even more so when it involves sleeping or eating. With the baby sleeping bag, the baby will have a familiar object with the reference of the smell of the cot and of home. This will make them calmer at bedtime.
Keeps baby warm in the right measure: the baby sleeping bag is comfortable for your baby’s sleep. This is because it will keep the little one warm in the right measure, without you having to get up several times to check if he is still covered. Combine the sleeping bag model + the right outfit and you’ll have a child ready for a dream night’s sleep!
How do I choose a baby sleeping bag?
Now that you know the importance of having a baby sleeping bag for your baby, see what points you should compare for the perfect sleeping bag.
Is the size suitable for your baby?
When buying, check the size options and look for a baby sleeping bag suitable for your baby’s age/size. A sleeping bag that is too big is not safe for little ones to sleep. So ideally, the first size should suit newborns up to 6 months maximum. It is possible to find options for RN up to 3 months and 3 – 6 months, but then it depends on the parents’ preference and pocket because they will be models used for less time. A small sleeping bag will leave the child uncomfortable, without space to stretch the legs or with tight straps. Then, it’s important to observe the growth and at the right moment to make the transition to a bigger model.
Note: Please note that sizes in months are general age guidelines, as child development does not necessarily follow such patterns. That’s why you should pay attention to the size indicated in centimeters. The standard for a sleeping bag up to 6 months is to fit until the baby measures 70 cm, up to 24 months 90 cm, and up to 3 years and a half 110 cm.
Considering this, if your baby measures 70 cm at 5 months you can already buy the bigger size, from 6 – 24 months, for example. On the contrary, if your baby measures 60 cm at 6 months, it is better to wait a bit before going up to the next size. In short, take into consideration the age, but also the size of your baby.
Another tip: You can also find sizes 6 – 12 months, 12 – 24 months, and also options of evolutive models 6 – 24 months, which are adjustable as the child grows.
The season according to the temperature of the bedroom
In the variations of sleeping bags, you will find winter and summer models. In other countries, it is also possible to choose sleeping bags according to a thermal resistance measurement called TOG. Such measurement will help to choose the sleeping bag in the function of the temperature of the room. A low TOG (0,5 for example) goes to define a thinner and lighter baby sleeping bag. Already a high TOG (as 3) will determine a thick and hot sleeping bag.
Materials that respect baby’s skin
You can find sleeping bag models in different materials. However, natural fibres, such as cotton and linen, are more comfortable and let the skin breathe, being more delicate to the baby’s skin. They also minimise the chance of allergies or skin irritations.
In contrast, synthetic materials like soft or micro soft do not let the skin breathe and will leave the baby sweaty. This can result in irritations and even rashes, especially in the little folds. The same goes for fabrics composed of a mixture of natural and synthetic materials, like plush, for example.
The details that make your life easier
It is important that the baby sleeping bag does not have details that can hurt the baby, such as lace, frills, string or applications that can even fall and be swallowed by the child in the cradle. Exactly to avoid that, conventional buttons must be avoided. The best option is the pressure button, for being safer and also more practical when closing.
The zip must have, preferably, an internal finish that protects it from direct contact with the baby’s skin. It should also be of good quality so that it does not open by itself or get damaged with time and use. It should be found on the side, so as not to disturb the child and not to be within reach of curious little hands!
The zip should also be fully open, so that you can easily lay the baby down when he/she is sleeping, without having to move the child too much, running the risk of waking him/her up! The models that dress like a jacket, without opening straps, may have this defect when dressing, for example! In short, always think about practicality when putting on, changing a nappy, or breastfeeding.
Extra tip! Have at least two sleeping bags for the child, to take turns using and be able to maintain the washing routine without it affecting their sleep.
