Baby sleeping bags are wearable blankets, and are becoming increasingly popular in Israel. It’s unlikely you used them as a baby, but a lot of parents are choosing to use them now, as they are a replacement to unsafe, loose blankets, and keep baby’s temperature constant throughout the night.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A BABY SLEEPING BAG?
The main thing is that unlike blankets, they can’t be kicked off by your baby. This means there is no risk of suffocation, or risk of your baby getting cold. If your baby is older, having a baby sleeping bag may stop them from being able to climb out of their cot.
WHEN CAN YOU START USING A BABY SLEEPING BAG?
It is best to start using a baby sleeping bags once the swaddling phase is over and baby is rolling over. Select the right size based on your baby’s weight. The most important thing to check is how the sleeping bag fits around the baby’s neck. There should be no possibility that your baby’s head can slip down into the bag in the night.
WHICH TOG DO I NEED TO GET?
The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleeping bag. It’s important to use the right tog as babies can’t regulate their own temperature so can easily become too hot or too cold. Too hot is particularly bad is it is thought to be a cause of SIDS.
You’ll most likely want a few levels of TOG sleeping bags, just as we use different bedding depending on the season. Always check the temperature of the room your baby sleeps in using a dedicated room thermometer and select appropriate sleeping clothes.
0.3 TOG: Room Temperature: 24°C+
1.0 TOG: Room Temperature: 21 – 24 °C
2.5 TOG: Room Temperature: 16 – 22 °C
DO BABIES’ ARMS AND HANDS GET COLD IN A SLEEPING BAG?
They are deliberately sleeveless so babies don’t overheat. Babies often have cold hands in the nights as they have poor circulation. It is no indication of their overall temperature.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR IN A BABY SLEEPING BAG?
Two-way zip sleeping bags make night time nappy changes easier as you can open the bag from the bottom.
Natural materials are best as they are much more breathable. Most baby sleeping bags are cotton with a polyester filling.