The Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleeping Bags: From Swaddles to Sweet Dreams

So, your little one is growing up and it's time to transition from swaddles to sleeping bags. This is such an exciting milestone, but it can also come with a lot of questions. What happens when my baby comes out of a swaddle? Do I really need a sleeping bag?

Why Transition to a Sleeping Bag?

First off, congratulations on no longer having a newborn! Your baby is likely rolling over or sitting up, which means it's time to move on from swaddles. While it might be a bit sad to see your tiny bubba growing up, this new phase is full of fun and adventure!

Sleeping bags are designed to promote safe sleep. Unlike blankets, which can be kicked off or wrapped around your baby, sleeping bags stay in place and keep your baby cozy all night long. They act like a fitted quilt, ensuring your baby stays warm without the risk of suffocation.

Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag

Sleep Bags vs. Sleep Suits

You might be wondering, what's the difference between a sleep bag and a sleep suit? Both are great options, but they have some differences:

Sleep Bags: These offer a cozy, contained sleep environment. They act like a blanket and eliminate the need for loose blankets in the crib. There's plenty of room for those kicking legs, and they can even help prevent little climbers from getting out of the cot. Sleep bags come in various TOGs and sizes, making them suitable for different seasons and ages.
Sleep Suits: These are similar to sleep bags but have legs, allowing your little one to move around more freely before bedtime. They are great for active babies who like to move around before falling asleep. The feet often have grips, and some designs allow you to roll the foot covering up if your baby prefers their feet out. Sleep suits also come in various TOGs and sizes.

Understanding TOG Ratings

You may see the word TOG and be thinking what does this actually mean. TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade, which measures the warmth of the sleeping bag based on the room temperature. Here's a quick guide:

0.2 TOG: For the hottest nights.
0.5 TOG: For warm summer nights.
1.0 TOG: For mild temperatures.
2.5 TOG: For cooler nights.
3.5 TOG: For the coldest winter nights.

Always check the room temperature and choose the appropriate TOG to ensure your baby is comfortable. luckily all brands include the room temperature guide with information on how to dress your baby. If using air-conditioning in your child's room, you can start with a 1 tog and even get away with using it all year round.

Tips for Using Sleeping Bags

Check the Room Temperature: A baby's room should ideally be between 18-22 degrees Celsius. Adjust the TOG rating of the sleeping bag accordingly.
Choose the Right Size: Don't go up a size thinking your baby will grow into it. A sleeping bag that's too big can be dangerous.
Don't Overdress Your Baby: The sleeping bag is designed to keep your baby warm, so there's no need for extra layers.
Check for Cold Limbs: It's normal for your baby's hands and feet to feel cold. Check the back of their neck to see if they're warm enough.

There are so many brands out there, but here are a few of my personal favorites:

Love to Dream: They offer a wide range of sleeping bags and sleep suits. I love that their sleep suits have legs, making it easy for your little one to move around before bedtime. They come in various TOGs and sizes, perfect for every season. Love to Dream is available in a range of TOGs from 0.2 TOG for the hottest nights to 3.5 TOG for those winter chillers. Their sleep bags and suits range from 3 months up to 4 years old, while their swaddles are great from birth.
Bubbaroo Joey Platinum Swag: Filled with 100% pure Australian wool, these sleeping bags are luxurious and help regulate your baby's temperature. They come in a range of sizes and TOGs, and are perfect for taller toddlers. Bubbaroo's TOGs start at 0.5 TOG for warmer summer nights and go up to 2.5 TOG for super cold nights. Their bags start from 0-6 months and the largest size is 18-36 months.
BabyStudio: Their sleeping bags are made from organically grown cotton and lined with jersey cotton, making them super soft and comfortable. They also come in various sizes and TOGs. BabyStudio offers a range of sizes from newborn to 6 months, all the way up to 18-36 months. This brand is known for being the longest bag on the market.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning to a sleeping bag is a big step, but it's one that can make a huge difference in your baby's sleep quality. If you have any questions or need advice on choosing the right sleeping bag, don't hesitate to hit the WhatsApp button on our site and ask away. We're here to help you every step of the way!

Celine

babaloo Product Expert