Product Review: Baby Sleep Bags

Even though baby sleep bags have been used for the last 25 years and are the norm in many European countries, I was not familiar with the "baby sleep bag" until I started to look for something that would work to keep babies warm while camping. I wanted something that would be like a sleeping bag with the goal of keeping them warm and be safe. Low and behold, I came across the baby sleep bag- not designed for camping specifically, but for keeping babies warm in their own beds. The baby sleep bag actually promotes safe sleep by taking the place of blankets that could be dangerous to a baby or toddler and allows the child to move around naturally in their bed avoiding getting caught up in blankets. It encourages back sleep (although my daughter will sleep on her tummy too) reducing SIDS risk factors and increasing safer sleep. They are made to keep a child at a comfortable temperature all night long making for better sleep. They are also safe because a baby can't slip down into them.

The sleep bag can be useful in a crib, while camping, some in a car seat, or wherever your child needs to sleep with extra warmth. And just like any commonly used sleep "extra" that triggers the thought "It is time for bed" a sleep bag can do that too. On first look, you may think the large size and length is odd (I did), but it provides for greater movement, and air circulation, so the baby does not overheat. As your baby grows up, starts standing in her crib, and just moving more overall, you can see the necessity for the size. My one year-old daughter can even walk around in hers.

A sleep bag is worn over pajamas. You will need to decide on the weight of the pajamas based on the temperature of your sleep environment. I reviewed four bags- many have similar characteristics, but you will have to decide which is best for you and your situation. I highly recommend trying one before you decide to throw a blanket in the crib for extra warmth.

MerinoKids Baby Sleep Bag

The Merino Sleep Bag comes in very cute prints and sizes for ages 0-4 years. It goes on easily and is made from a thin, soft fabric that wears well. It is a year-round sack. It is perfect for sleep environments of 65 to 75 degrees. They also have a winter weight bag for sleep environment temperatures of 59 to 68 degrees. You wear pajamas under, and Merino suggests avoiding synthetic fabrics that don't release heat or moisture. Merino Kids' New Zealand Merino wool fabric is unique to other sleep bags. It is made of natural merino fabric that readily absorbs and releases moisture to warm and cool a child and regulate their body temperature so they don't overheat or wake up cold as the temperature in their room changes through the night. For sleeping in a stroller or car seat it comes with a safety belt aperture. Another unique element of this bag is that besides being made of natural material, it is naturally fire resistant. You might think- wool? Allergies? Washing? I don't know? Well, it is allergy safe and can be machine washed. Another plus, is that Merino wool is naturally resistant to stains and odors and so washings can be less frequent if the bag is left to air.

Cost: Even though the MerinoKids baby sleep bag is pricier-$119- than other sleep bags it can be used for a long time, is all natural, and has the special attributes of Merino wool. They come sized for newborn to 24 months or 2-4 years. That is a lot of use out of one bag with some unique features.



Camping tip: Try the winter weight bag with one or two layers of warm pajamas underneath depending on conditions.

Mom Story: "Both of my children sleep in the toddler-size Merino Kids sleep sacks
and love them. They are reluctant to take them off in the morning and
will sit happily playing in them. My children started with the Merino
Kids Baby Sleep Bag from the newborn age. and it was a natural
progression for them to move to the toddler-size."

Grobag Sleep Bags

"A Grobag Baby Sleep Bag is a wearable blanket that will keep your baby at a comfortable temperature all night long." The Grobag comes in different "togs" for different seasons as well as a variety of different colors and patterns. It is made out of 100% polyester fiber batting and is surrounded by 100% cotton. It has a full length zipper and zipper guard so zippers don't touch skin. It comes with a 2-way zipper on the front and back that works with stroller harnesses and 5-point harnesses. It is machine washable. Check out the Grobag site for some other safety tips while using your Grobag. Grobag is very interested in sleep safety and has partnered with the FSID (Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths).

Cost:$40



Camping tip: Try the 2.5 tog with 1-2 layers of warm pajamas underneath depending on conditions.

Mom Story: "I was given a Grobag when my son was three years old. We had previously not used anything like a baby sleep bag. Even though he was older and slept in a bed, he often woke up cold from kicking off all of his covers. Once, we started using the Grobag (which did take a week or so to get used to) he stopped waking up at night and woke up warm."

Lullabag by cloud b
"The LullaBag is a sleep bag that is specifically
designed to help babies sleep through the night.
With the LullaBag, baby stays at a constant comfortable
temperature, which greatly improves the quality
and duration of baby’s sleep, not to mention
Mom and Dad’s! Because the LullaBag promotes
back sleep and replaces loose bedding, it is a
safer way to put baby to sleep- reducing certain
risk factors associated with SIDS." It comes in two sizes: birth-9 months and 9-18 months. It comes in soft materials with simple embroidery or plain: Lightweight Cotton, Deluxe Fleece, Pointelle Cotton, or a New Bamboo material that is coming out this month. All bags the have a Polyester Innerfill.

Cost: $32-36



Camping tip: Try the Pointelle Cotton with 1-2 layers of warm jammies underneath depending on conditions.

Mom Story: "We live in a cold house; we only have wall heaters. After having my baby, I started searching for something that would keep him warm, so I wouldn't have to worry so much. I knew blankets were an unsafe choice. I ran across the Lullabag and have used it for the past couple weeks. It has been great and kept him warm."

Dreambag

The Dreambag comes in a variety of fresh prints with the goal of keeping baby safe and warm as he sleeps. It comes in 3 togs for the different warmth needs and 3 sizes (0-6 months, 6-18 months, and 18-36 months). The material all feels nice to the touch. The outside is 65% poyester and 35% cotton, the inner padding is 100% polyester, and it has a 100% cotton lining. It too can be machine washed.

Cost: $45-50



Camping tip: Try the 2.5 Tog with 1-2 layers of warm jammies underneath depending on conditions.

Mom Story: "I am always worried about my baby when we go camping- she sleeps in a little baby tent deal which is great. But, even with two layers of pajamas on, she doesn't stay warm all night. I tried using the Dreambag with a pair of warm pajamas the last time we went camping and it made a huge difference!"