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!"

Sunday Sleep Dilemma

Q: How do I soothe my child's sleep terrors?
A: Remember from my post the other day, sleep terrors are different than nightmares. Taking that into consideration, if you have identified that your 18 month old+ is having night terrors, you may ask, what you can do to soothe them. Recall, your child is not awake during night terrors, so soothing is some what more for you than your child. If your child is out of their bed- gently guide them back to their bed (REMEMBER they are asleep and act accordingly). It is normal for them to last as long as five to fifteen minutes.

According to Dr. Marc Weissbluth in Happy Sleep Habits Happy Child "Night terrors appear more often when a child has a fever or when sleep patterns are disrupted naturally, such as on long trips, during school vacations, during holidays, or when relatives come to visit. Recurrent night terrors are also often associated with chronically abnormal sleep schedules. Enabling them to get more sleep is the way of treating over-tired children who have frequent night terrors. I have observed that night terrors disappear when the parents moved the bedtime earlier by only thirty minutes."

So friends:
-Don't freak out- as a out of control sleeping, screaming child can be concerning.
-Make sure they aren't sick.
-Take them calmly and gently back to their bed- you don't need to wake them up.
-Evaluate their sleep schedule- are they getting enough sleep. Make adjustments as needed.

Article Review Day 11: Rythmic Movement Disorder

Rythmic Movement Disorder is dyssomnia.

I am just going to tell you what the article states on this issue. It is beyond me.

"Rhythmic movement disorder involves the rhythmic movement of large muscle groups, such as the head and neck, and occurs when the child is drowsy, attempting to fall asleep, and can continue into stage 1 sleep. The first incidence usually occurs before the second birthday; headbanging and body-rocking are the most common types seen in practice. Polysomnographic monitoring during an episode can rule out a medical cause such as seizure activity. The disorder is usually transient and self-limited and seldom requires treatment."

Sleep Product Review: Traveller by phil & teds

I have been a mother for five years. During those five years, I have lugged around a heavy pack-n-play everywhere- onto airplanes, to grandma's house, to playgroups, to friends houses, to the beach- wherever sleep needed to happen I took that heavy piece of baby equipment. Many times I have been seen with a pregnant belly, toddler on hip, diaper bag on shoulder, pack-n-play in hand, and preschooler holding onto my leg. I could not have done as much as I have without that wonderful portable sleep environment, for which I am very thankful!

But, over the years I have also wished that it wasn't so heavy- that it wasn't something I had to "lug around", and could possibly cause a back injury (slightly kidding- I have a bad back and I am not that big of a person). Well, friends there is now something that is lighter, something that can lessen our load as mothers and fathers. It is called the Traveller by phil & teds . This sleep cot is made to travel with its compact size (it can easily fit in the overhead baggage compartment on an airplane or the storage space under a stroller) and light load- a mere 6 pounds when all is said and done. This really is the travel bed to buy if you are looking for a lightweight, easily luggable portable sleep environment.

What else does the Traveller offer you may wonder?

• A self-expanding mattress that fits in-between two pieces of flame retardant fabric (the seal is on the inside of the lining). Tip: you will need to help it along for the first few times by blowing into the valve. This mattress is a thermo-insulated pad- like a camping pad.
• Rip stop fabric- if you get a hole in the material it will stop right there.
• Easy to put together- honestly it is not as fast as a pack-n-play being opened by a seasoned user, but it is pretty dang quick.
• The fabric is easy to clean by just wiping it off. There is no option for a sheet since the mattress is in-between two pieces of fabric. You could use an infant sleeping bad, or place something like the Phil & Ted Cocoon or Snuggle and Snooze inside for young babies.
• There are breathable screens for closing it up if you choose, a UV screen option called Slim Shadee (for snoozing on the beach), and stakes for keeping it outside camping if you desire. It really is an inside and outside playpen/sleep option.
• It is very strong- don't worry about it not being as sturdy as its alternatives. It also includes the bonus of a Global Safety Certification
• And it fits through doors all set-up. Can you believe that?
  

So, as you consider the travel bed for you and yours, I would consider what you plan on using it for- if it is just going to sit in your house and never move by all means go with the standard travel bed. If you plan on travel, visiting, and the parental role of "lugging", you may want to consider the Traveller and lighten your load.

The Traveller comes in Black, Red, and a limited edition Graffiti print.
You can purchase it for $199.

Sunday Sleep Dilemma

Q: What are some ways I can deal with my child when he wakes up crying and screaming because he has had a nightmare?

A: Getting woken up in the middle of the night in and of itself can be a frustrating experience, so stay calm- be patient... If your child has come to your room, I suggest walking him back to his room. If he is in his own room screaming go to his room. In your sleepy haze identify if this is a nightmare or night terror (see the post from May 21).

Now, that you have identified it as a nightmare try and calm him down- usually you being there and holding him will do just that. If needed, you may have to take him potty or get him a drink of water (possibly place one on his night stand before bed). Once he has calmed down, you can ask him to tell you why he is so upset. Then you can talk to him about it and how funny things can happen in our heads- try to understand his fears and make sure not to make fun of them. At this point you may want to help him think about telling the bad guys to "go away". If you are a praying family you can pray for him and pray for the room. You can look around the room and talk about how safe it is and how safe the house is and how close mommy and daddy are to his room. "Communicate the idea of safety over and over again (NSF)." "Teach your child coping skills and alternative ways to respond." Keep in mind that he needs to go back to sleep and get needed rest (as do you- which I'm sure is ringing in your head). Make sure he is calm when you prepare to leave him. He may start to freak out when you actually leave- at that point you can say that you will leave the door open a crack for tonight if you want. Nightmares can be difficult to deal with, below is a list of possible strategies to try.

Nightmare prevention strategies (of course these are not fool proof):

-Consider everything that your child puts into his mind- TV, movies, video games- and remember each child and the way they process things is different
-Consider any undue stresses you or your husband inadvertently put on your child- arguing, talking about stressful situations...
-Consider any other negative situations that could be provoking the nightmares (kids at school...)
-Spend some time in the dark at other times- play flashlight tag or read a story in the dark with a flashlight. Even clean or play under bed, in their closet, or wherever seems scary- "Make friends with the dark."
-Be wary to bring your child into your bed- if you do it may quickly become your child's way of coping with nightmares- habits are formed quickly.
-Be wary of introducing a light on, nightlight, door open, or other such thing that may end up hindering sleep- be deliberate about the choices you make. Some suggest that the nightlight may suggest that darkness is something to fear.
-Give your child some resources to use during the nightmare: tell the child that he/she can tell the 'bad guy or bad thing' to "go away" or tell the child to choose to not go to the scary place in the dream.
-Add something to your bedtime routine: prayer for the situation and protection during dreaming, a snack (complex carbohydrate and protein combo), take some extra time to calm down before bedtime (soothing music, mellow story time- think about the books you are reading).
-After the nightmare: have the child tell you the "story" of it and have each family member (or whomever) change the ending to a happy ending where the "child surmounts of obstacle".
-Leave a cup of water on their night stand- don't bring them water in the night.
-Monitor your child's nightmares- if they become extreme or too often you may want to consult a doctor.

Resources used:
-Laurie Walker, "How to Stop Nightmares in Children"
-Sleep Foundation, "Children and Bedtime Fears and Nightmares"
-Marc Weisbluth, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child

Other Resources You May Want to Check Out:
- Alan Siegel, "Nightmare Remedies"
-American Academy of Sleep Medicine, "Sleeping Scared: Nightmares in Children"
-Center for Effective Parenting, "Nightmares"

Article Review Day 10: Sleep Terrors vs. Nightmares

My oldest daughter has nightmares every once and awhile. She wakes up upset and tells me about the nightmare or "bad dream" as we call them. They are usually about something that she has heard about or seen the day before. I am already very cautious about what my children watch on television, but I am extra cautious about what my daughter watches since she is very sensitive. I am also cautious about the conversations my husband and I have around her and the other kids- I don't want my children to be burdened with undue stress that they don't understand.

Nightmares occur in 25% to 50% of children ages 3 to 6. Both boys and girls struggle with these. "Occasional nightmares are not worrisome, but recurrent nightmares or those with disturbing content may indicate excessive daytime stress. You should gently question children regarding their daytime experiences such as tv shows or encounters with other children to try to determine possible frightening content or situations." After you figure out why your child is having these nightmares you should do whatever you can to "eliminate or reduce the child's exposure" to whatever is causing the nightmares.

I know parents that also struggle with sleep terrors. You may wonder what the difference is? Both are just being scared during sleep, right?

Well, sleep terrors usually begin after 18 months old, where nightmares usually begin between 36 and 72 months old. Sleep terrors usually occur during the first third of the night, where nightmares occur during the last half of the night. Sleep terrors occur during NREM (non-rapid eye movement, stages 1 to 4) and nightmares occur during REM sleep (stage 5). With sleep terrors the child appears extremely agitated- screaming, increased heart rate, and dialated pupils could occur. With nightmares the child is sometimes agitated but to a much lesser extent. The child does not wake up during sleep terrors even though they may seem awake and they don't usually remember in the morning; the child does wake up with a nightmare and can remember details and often still remembers in the morning. The child does return to sleep easily with sleep terrors and it is suggested that you gently guide them back to their bed. The child does not return to sleep easily with nightmares.

"Children with more violent, prolonged, or unusual episodes should be evaluated at a pediatric sleep disorders center. Although sleep terrors are often very disturbing to parents, they can be reassured that sleep terrors are a developmentatl phenomenon and are not a sign of underlying issues."

Please share your experiences with sleep terrors and nightmares.

And another resource from a recent article from the National Sleep Foundation: nightmares

Sleep Ponderings from Me: How I Deal with the Light Nights

I have been sick this past week, so last night I was laying in bed while my husband put our kids down. I heard my three-year old son telling him, "It's not bedtime. It's still light outside. Why do I have to go to bed in the day?"My husband proceeded to tell him that even though it it light out it is still night time and bedtime, kissed him, and told him goodnight.

At our house, we don't use the light to determine our childrens' bedtime; we use their amount of needed sleep. Our kids need to go to bed at 7pm (give or take a few) to be well-rested and thus well-tempered the next day. Both my husband and I can tell a significant difference in their behavior if their needed sleep is compromised, so we make it a point to do this as infrequently as possible... even when they protest, even when it is still light out; even when they protest about it being light out. You can see it in the way my husband handled my son's "light outside" question.

Some tips for keeping their bedtime appropriate as the days get longer:
-continue with your sleep schedule and bedtime routine
-make sure their bedroom is dark- darkness cues sleep
-use a sound spa to drown out outside noises that may provoke curiosity and wandering
-stick to the plan- don't waiver by your child's protests- it is good and ok to set boundaries and say no
-pay attention to the clock- make sure that you eat dinner at the same time and not let the continued light push evening events back and thus push bedtime back