MIDWIFE’S ADVICE: Sleeping bags for babies and children up to 4 years old, a guide for parents

Healthy sleep is crucial for the development of babies and young children. Providing them with a comfortable sleeping environment is one of the most important challenges for every parent. Baby sleeping bags are an increasingly popular choice that ensures safety and comfort during sleep. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right model and how to use it in the best way.

Why choose a sleeping bag for a child?

Sleeping bags, also known as “wearable blankets”, have gained popularity in Europe for many years. It is a practical alternative to traditional quilts and blankets. Here are some reasons why a sleeping bag may be the best choice for your child:

Ease of use

The baby sleeping bag is extremely easy to use. Just put your child inside and close the silent zipper. You don’t have to worry about the baby uncovering himself at night, which often happens when using blankets.

Increased security

Sleeping bags eliminate the risk of covering the baby’s head with fabric, which is one of the key recommendations for preventing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The baby does not have the opportunity to throw off the blanket or get tangled in the bedding, which ensures greater safety during sleep.

Thermoregulation

Footmuffs are available in different thicknesses and sizes, allowing you to adapt them to the season and room temperature. This ensures that the baby maintains an optimal body temperature throughout the night, without the risk of overheating or cooling down.

Convenience for the child and the parent

By using a sleeping bag, parents do not have to worry about the child uncovering themselves at night and getting cold. A sleeping bag also helps children fall asleep faster, as they associate it with a sense of security and comfort.

Mobility

Many parents appreciate the possibility of using a sleeping bag not only in a cot, but also in a stroller. This allows you to move your baby from one place to another without disturbing their sleep during a nap.

How to choose the right sleeping bag?

The choice of a sleeping bag for a child depends on several factors, such as age, size and season. It is important that the sleeping bag fits properly – a sleeping bag that is too large can be risky, as the child can slip in it, and too small will limit the child’s movements and affect their comfort.

TOG – what is it?

Many sleeping bags have the TOG marking, which determines the thickness of the material and thermal insulation. For example, a sleeping bag with a TOG of 1.0 will be ideal for use at a room temperature of around 21-24°C. TOG is just a guideline, so it is also a good idea to monitor the temperature in your child’s room and adjust the number of layers of clothes under the sleeping bag accordingly.

How to dress a child depending on the TOG and the temperature in the room?

Below is a detailed guide on how to dress your baby according to temperature and TOG.

TOG 0.5 – Lightweight footmuff for warm nights (temperature above 24°C)

Clothing:

• Diaper alone or
• Lightweight bodysuit with short sleeves
• The TOG 0.5 sleeping bag is the thinnest option, perfect for hot nights when there is no need for additional insulation.

TOG 1.0 – Medium sleeping bag for moderate temperatures (temperature 21-24°C)

Clothing:

• Short-sleeved bodysuit or
• Lightweight long-sleeved, long-legged pyjamas
• TOG 1.0 provides a light level of warmth, suitable for summer nights and warmer rooms.

TOG 2.5 – Sleeping bag for colder nights (temperature 16-20°C)

Clothing:

• Long sleeve bodysuit or
• Long sleeve pyjamas with legs (can be added underneath in the coldest conditions)
• The TOG 2.5 is a versatile footmuff for the transitional season, providing adequate warmth without the need for additional blankets.

TOG 3.5 – Sleeping bag for cold nights (temperature below 16°C)

Clothing:

• Long-sleeved bodysuit and long-sleeved pyjamas with legs
• Optional extra layer, such as fleece pyjamas in very cold conditions
• TOG 3.5 provides maximum warmth, ideal for cold, unheated rooms.

Remember that each child may have different thermal preferences, so adjust the clothing to their individual needs.

How to use a sleeping bag safely?

To ensure a safe sleep for your child, it is worth following a few rules:
Prevent overheating – choose the right layer of clothing under the sleeping bag, depending on the temperature in the room. Always check your baby’s neck or abdomen to make sure they are not too hot.
The right size – the sleeping bag must fit well to the height and weight of the child. It should have a snug neck and shoulders so that the baby cannot slide inside.
Place your baby on his back – always put your baby to sleep on his back, which is the safest position for babies.

When to stop using a traditional sleeping bag?

Usually, babies use traditional sleeping bags until they start to pull up standing up, which happens around 10-11 months of age. At this point, it is worth considering switching to another solution, such as a footmuff with legs.

Footmuffs with legs – comfort and freedom of movement

Footmuffs with legs are an increasingly popular option for older babies and toddlers who are starting to move, sit up and even stand up more intensively. They allow the child to move their legs freely, which makes it easier to learn to stand up and walk independently. Thanks to the legs, toddlers can move around the cot or even in the room more easily without the risk of tripping over a sleeping bag that is too long. At the same time, the footmuff with legs provides adequate warmth and comfort, eliminating the need for additional blankets. It’s ideal for active toddlers who need more freedom of movement but still need a safe and warm nighttime cover.

Emilia Adamczyk