The baby sleeping bag is your baby's number one sleep accessory: it keeps them warm all night without the risks that come with loose blankets. But between TOG ratings, sizes and seasons, how do you choose the right sleeping bag? This complete guide helps you make the right call for calm, safe nights.
Sleeping bag or sleep sack: what's the difference?
None! Sleeping bag and sleep sack describe exactly the same product: a kind of wearable sleeping bag for babies, with or without sleeves, that replaces the duvet and blanket. You can use either word: they're interchangeable.
What is a sleeping bag's TOG rating?
TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) measures how well a fabric insulates. The higher the rating, the warmer the sleeping bag. It's THE essential criterion for matching the sleeping bag to your baby's room temperature so they're never too hot or too cold.
Which TOG for which temperature and season?
The ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 18 and 20°C. Here's how to pick the TOG rating based on the room temperature:
| TOG rating | Room temperature | Season |
|---|---|---|
| TOG 0.5 | 24°C and above | Summer / heatwave |
| TOG 1 | 21 to 24°C | Mild summer / mid-season |
| TOG 2 to 2.5 | 18 to 21°C | Spring / autumn |
| TOG 3 and above | 16 to 18°C | Winter |
In practice, it's worth owning at least two: a light summer sleeping bag (TOG 0.5 to 1) and a warm winter sleeping bag (TOG 2.5 to 3).
Which sleeping bag size for your baby's age?
A sleeping bag needs to fit your baby: not too big (they could slip down inside it), not too small. Here are the usual benchmarks:
| Baby's age | Sleeping bag size |
|---|---|
| 0 to 6 months | 50 to 70 cm |
| 6 to 18 months | 70 to 90 cm |
| 18 to 36 months | 90 to 110 cm |
Your baby's head must never be able to slip through the neckline: check that the neck and armholes fit snugly.
Summer or winter sleeping bag: what should baby wear underneath?
Choosing the sleeping bag goes hand in hand with what your baby wears under it:
- Summer sleeping bag (TOG 0.5-1): a simple short-sleeved bodysuit is enough in hot weather.
- Mid-season (TOG 2-2.5): light cotton pyjamas.
- Winter sleeping bag (TOG 3+): warm pyjamas, possibly with a long-sleeved bodysuit underneath.
Golden rule: never add a blanket on top of the sleeping bag, and don't overheat your baby. The back of their neck should feel warm and dry, never damp.
With or without sleeves?
Sleeveless sleeping bags are the most versatile: they prevent overheating and work all year round if you adjust the outfit underneath. Sleeved models (often removable) come in handy in winter or in cooler bedrooms. A sleeping bag with removable sleeves gives you the best of both worlds.
From what age can you use a sleeping bag?
A sleeping bag can be used from birth and remains recommended for as long as your baby isn't climbing out of the cot (generally until 2-3 years old). It's safer than a duvet, which is not advised before 18-24 months because of the suffocation risk.
Frequently asked questions about baby sleeping bags
What's the difference between a sleeping bag and a sleep sack?
None: they're two words for the same product, a wearable sleeping bag for babies that replaces the blanket.
Which TOG for winter?
For a room between 16 and 18°C, choose a TOG 2.5 to 3.5 sleeping bag. Add warm pyjamas if needed.
Which sleeping bag size for a newborn?
For a baby from 0 to 6 months, go for a 50 to 70 cm size, snug at the neck and armholes for safety.
What does baby wear under a sleeping bag?
It depends on the TOG and the temperature: a short-sleeved bodysuit in summer, cotton pyjamas in mid-season, warm pyjamas in winter.
From what age can a baby sleep in a sleeping bag?
From birth. The sleeping bag is the safest sleep option, unlike the duvet, which is not advised before 18-24 months.
In short
To choose a baby sleeping bag well, remember three criteria: the TOG matched to the room temperature, the size matched to your baby's age, and the outfit worn underneath. With a light bag for summer and a warm model for winter, your baby sleeps safely all year round. Browse our collection of baby sleeping bags to find the ideal model.
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