Baby sleeping bag: guide to choosing the best one
Is a blanket or a sleeping bag better for a newborn ? Which one to choose? Does it really help your little one sleep better?
If you have asked yourself at least one of these questions, you are in the right article because you will be able to discover all the information necessary to choose the most suitable sleeping bag for your little one.
What is a sleeping bag?
The benefits of a sleeping bag for your newborn
The baby sleeping bag offers numerous advantages, including:
- Safety : Unlike blankets, sleeping bags cannot inadvertently cover the baby's face, thus reducing the risk of suffocation (SIDS). In fact, these are also used in intensive care units for premature babies in a strapless, bag-shaped version to prevent the baby from slipping into the sleeping bag.
- Comfort : It is designed to be comfortable and snug, creating a sensation similar to that of when he was inside his mother's tummy and helping the baby to feel more secure and warm especially in the first 6 months. This could help the newborn to sleep more peacefully.
- Temperature regulation : Newborns are not able to regulate their body temperature well; therefore, choosing the most suitable sleeping bag based on the room temperature and dressing the baby correctly will ensure the correct temperature. Furthermore, by not risking taking them off while moving, the newborn will always remain covered and warm throughout the night.
- Promoting sleep : we know that every newborn is different and sleep is really subjective for each person, but it seems that the sleeping bag helps to reduce night awakenings by making the baby feel wrapped up and keeping him warm all night. The sleeping bag can be a help, but to best promote your baby's sleep you can discover the physiology of sleep and the effective practices recommended by the consultant Marika Novaresio in the video course "Sweet Dreams, Peaceful Nights".
When to start using it?
The sleeping bag can be used from the moment the baby is born , but it is important to make sure you choose the correct size and weight based on the room temperature.
The best model is the one with suspenders , that is, without sleeves to allow the child to have freer arms.
When Not to Use a Baby Sleeping Bag
There are some situations in which the sleeping bag is not recommended :
- Too hot temperatures : In very hot environments or during the summer seasons (above 25 degrees) the use of a sleeping bag is not recommended. It is always good to keep in mind that excessive heat is one of the risk factors for SIDS.
- Sick child : If your child has a fever or is sick, it is better to avoid the sleeping bag and opt for clothing with thermoregulating fabrics such as wool-silk so that he can vent his fever without overheating.
- Baby who moves a lot : When babies start to roll and crawl often at night they tend to move a lot more. In these cases the sleeping bag could hinder their movements and cause them to wake up more often. My advice is to evaluate what is best for the little one and not to force him in case he no longer wants the sleeping bag.
How to dress a newborn baby under the sleeping bag
One of the most common questions among parents concerns what to wear when using a sleeping bag .
If the sleeping bag is chosen correctly based on the size and temperature in the house, the baby should be dressed as when he is put to bed under the covers . It is advisable to wear clothing in natural and breathable fabrics ; therefore, avoid chenille onesies that cause the baby to sweat more and remain damp.
One of the best fabrics to have the newborn wear under the sleeping bag is wool-silk as it is a thermo-regulating fabric that dries quickly allowing the baby not to feel damp and wake up.