Which sleeping bag should choose

Considered a valid alternative to blankets and sheets, the sleeping bag is a recommended item for new parents to ensure a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. Thanks to its ability to keep the baby’s body temperature constant, it promotes a regenerating sleep, helping to reduce awakenings, and it also performs an important containment function, giving the baby a feeling of warmth and protection.

However, not all models on the market have the same features: there are many requirements to be considered when choosing a sleeping bag. Let’s see together which are the main ones and how to find your way among the main products.

When it is time to choose a sleeping bag, it is important to consider some objective aspects that mainly concern safety and quality, and others that are closely linked to the child’s growth phases and use.

In particular, the three determining elements when choosing a baby sleeping bag are:

• Design. There are various models on the market, from the classic sleeveless one to versions with separate feet for older children. Another detail that can make a difference is the closure, which can be zipped, with press studs on the shoulders or bottom, and with braces, ideal for giving your child greater freedom of movement. Always check when purchasing that there are no seams, zips, or elastics in the back and that the buttons open easily.

• Age of the child. Choosing the ideal sleeping bag must take particular account of the child’s growth phases: one of the most frequent mistakes is to choose a larger size with the idea of being able to use it for longer. To choose the right size, it is therefore necessary to base the choice on the individual characteristics of the child, with particular reference to age. A 70 cm long sleeping bag is ideal up to 6 months of age, while from 6 to approx 24 months it is better to choose a length of 85-90 cm. For children from 1 to 3 years of age, models of approx. 85 cm length and equipped with holes for feet are recommended, while from 4 to 6 years of age, it is preferable to choose a model of 110 cm length.

• Season and temperature. In addition to length and size, another determining factor to evaluate is the season or temperature. There are, in fact, winter and summer models, which have very different characteristics: whether they have long or short sleeves and versions with or without feet, the most important element to consider is breathability. It is best to choose sleeping bags made of natural fabrics that are soft and gentle on the skin: the most suitable for colder temperatures are velvet and fleece, which are warm but light, while cotton and polyester are ideal for summer and mid-seasons.

There is one last, but no less important aspect to evaluate when deciding which sleeping bag to buy: the TOG. Let’s see what it is and why it is so important.

TOG, an acronym for ‘Thermal Overall Grade’, is a unit of measurement used to indicate the thermal isolation of a fabric, an aspect that cannot be underestimated when it comes to choosing an ideal sleeping bag for babies. The TOG of sleeping bags generally varies from 0.5 to 1.0 for the lighter models, perfect for summer, to 3.5 for the heavier, winter models. TOG 2.5, on the other hand, is a standard model that can be used in winter, autumn, and spring in combination with appropriate clothing for the infant.

In order to find your direction to choose the most suitable TOG of the sleeping bag, it is extremely important to consider the temperature: if in summer, for example, the temperature is above 28°C, it is advisable to leave the baby uncovered. Generally speaking, from 18°C to 20°C it is recommended to choose a heavy sleeping bag, 1.5 to 2 TOG, and to have the baby wear a long-sleeved bodysuit, while from 16°C to 18°C it is better to opt for a winter model, 2.5 to 3 TOG, to be worn with heavier bodysuits. From 22°C upwards, it is preferable to buy a lightweight model, 0.5 to 1.5 TOG, and to dress the baby in short sleeves or only in a nappy.