A sleeping bag is one of the few baby purchases where the choice genuinely affects sleep. Too warm, too light, or the wrong size, and nights get complicated. Here's how to choose without getting it wrong.
TOG: where to start
The TOG rating measures how well a sleeping bag insulates. It's the number one criterion to check, before brand or design.
- TOG 0.5: rooms at 25°C and above. Often in cotton muslin, very airy.
- TOG 1: rooms at 22-24°C. For mild spring and summer weather.
- TOG 2 to 2.5: rooms at 18-21°C. The most versatile, usable most of the year in most homes.
- TOG 3 to 3.5: rooms at 15-17°C. For winter or homes with little heating.
Most families need two sleeping bags: a TOG 1 for summer and a TOG 2.5 for the rest of the year. There's no need for one per season if the room is well heated.
Size: the thing people forget to check
A sleeping bag that's too big is a safety problem: baby can slip down inside it and end up with their head covered. Always check the neck measurement given by the manufacturer.
- Birth to 3-4 kg: size 0-6 months or newborn, depending on the brand
- 4 to 8-9 kg: size 6-18 months
- 9 kg and up: size 18-36 months
If you're hesitating between two sizes, take the smaller one: the neck should be snug, not loose.
With or without sleeves?
Sleeveless sleeping bags are more common and suit the majority of situations. Baby's arms don't need to be inside the bag for baby to stay warm.
Sleeved models are useful for very cold rooms (below 16°C) or for babies who kick everything off at night. If the room is at a good temperature, they're optional.
Fabrics by season
The fabric matters as much as the TOG for your baby's comfort.
- Cotton muslin: light, breathable, ideal for summer (TOG 0.5-1)
- Cotton jersey: soft, versatile, right for spring and autumn (TOG 2-2.5)
- Velour or brushed cotton: warm and comfortable for winter (TOG 3-3.5)
- Bamboo: temperature-regulating and very soft, worth considering for sensitive skin
Avoid polyester and synthetic fabrics, which make babies sweat and don't breathe.
Sleeping bag or sleep sack: what's the difference?
None. They're two names for the same product. Shape, use, safety criteria: everything is identical.
Swaddle sleeping bags: who are they for?
Swaddle sleeping bags have wraps that envelop the arms and hold baby in a position reminiscent of the womb. They can help infants who struggle to fall asleep on their own and startle when laid down.
They should only be used with baby on their back, and dropped as soon as baby shows signs of wanting to roll over, generally around 3-4 months.
When to change sleeping bags?
Two reasons to change: size (when the feet reach the end of the bag) and season (when the room temperature shifts by more than 3-4 degrees on average). Also check the elasticity of the neckline: if it's gone loose and stretched, that's a sign of wear.
Browse our selection of baby sleeping bags and sleep sacks, available in several TOG ratings and sizes from birth to 3-4 years.
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