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Your guide to swaddling and baby sleeping bags
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Very young babies are used to being confined in the womb and love to be cuddled, so it makes sense that your baby might benefit from a more supportive approach, such as swaddling, to help him/her to settle down, either to sleep or to just rest and relax
Sleeping bags are an alternative to baby blankets or swaddling.
If you use a sleeping bag, it needs to be hoodless, and have the right size opening at the neck so your baby won't slip down inside the bag.
The advice is to never use one with a duvet and to make sure your baby doesn't become too hot; be sure to choose a lightweight sleeping bag.
Our top tips for using a baby sleeping bag:
1. Pick the right size
It's really important to make sure you get a sleeping bag that's the right size for your baby. If you buy one that's too big your baby's head could slip down into the sleeping bag, so it's vital to get this right.
2. Choose the right tog
Summer 0.5 tog Baby Sleeping Bag, £15.95 (two-pack)
Baby sleeping bags come in different togs - from 0.5 to 3.5 togs. Even though it might be tempting, you should never put your baby in a sleeping bag and then put a duvet or blanket over it as this could make your baby overheat. Instead, put more layers on the baby itself such as a warmer/thicker sleepsuit.
3. Wait until your baby's big enough
You can put your baby in a sleeping bag from birth, as long as your baby weighs 8lbs 8oz or (4kg). If they don't weigh this at birth you should wait until your baby is bigger before using a sleeping bag.
4. Have more than one sleeping bag
Twin pack 2.5 tog, £36
Once your baby gets used to sleeping in a sleeping bag, it's a good idea to make sure you have a couple on hand, in case one's in the wash or you need to do a late-night change. Two-packs are available from a number of retailers and you'll often make a saving buying them this way.
5. Take them when you travel
Travel Grobag, £29.95
Baby sleeping bags are like a bed away from home, so offer great comfort for babies when you go away. They can be used on the journey itself too - a number are designed so they fasten around pram and car seat straps.
How do I swaddle my baby for sleeping?
If you want to try swaddling, make sure you follow these guidelines:
- Remove all excess clothing
- Use a sheet (rather than baby blankets or shawl) and fold it into a wide triangle
- Place your baby in the middle of the sheet so that her neck is level with the top edge of the sheet.
- Place your baby’s arms high up on her chest so that if required you can assist hand to mouth for comfort sucking, then gently wrap first one corner of the triangle then the other right around the baby securing both ends of the sheet underneath the baby’s body
- Ensure baby’s arms are high up on her chest, then if she is hot or uncomfortable she can wriggle them out of the sheet
The charity Lullaby Trust has more information on safe swaddling: read more about it here.
Why use a baby sleeping bag?
Experts say that baby sleeping bags can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by preventing overheating.
Another benefit of sleeping bags is that they prevent babies from kicking off the covers in the night.
Sudden temperature changes can disturb a baby's sleep, so a sleeping bag that stays on all night is ideal.
Grobag, Snuzpouch and Ergopouch are all brands of swaddles and baby sleeping bags that are suitable for newborns.
Most baby and toddler sleeping bags cost around £20 to £30, with the larger toddler sizes being more expensive on the whole.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can often pick them up in supermarkets and discount high street stores for £10 or less.
Alternatively, if you’re splashing out, sleeping bags in luxury fabrics like merino or cashmere can cost as much as £150.
What should I look for when buying a baby sleeping bag?
Baby and toddler sleeping bags are usually lightly padded all-in-ones with armholes.
Some have a thick padded waistband that holds them in place around your baby’s tummy instead, so just his legs are inside the bag.
Sleeping bags for small babies usually have poppers at the shoulders and a zip that runs down one side and along the bottom.
This helps the sleeping bag fit snugly, and makes it easy to unzip for overnight nappy changes.
The downside of popper sleeping bags is that they become easy for babies to break out of as they get older and more mobile.
For that reason, sleeping bags for babies from six months usually have a single zip fastening that runs the length of the front.
These are harder for babies to undo – especially as they often have a fabric tab that covers the zip pull.
It’s also quite common for the zip to open from bottom to top; this means that if your baby manages to partially unzip the sleeping bag, he can’t wriggle out, which he would be able to do if it opened from the top.
It should be noted, though, that zip-up sleeping bags aren’t foolproof – toddlers often work out how to escape from them!
Baby and toddler sleeping bags are sold in different tog ratings according to the range of room temperatures that they are suitable for.
2.5 tog sleeping bags are designed for year-round use in rooms between 15 and 21C. 1 tog bags have lighter padding and are suitable for rooms between 19 and 24C, and 0.5 tog sleeping bags are for the height of summer, in temperatures above 24C.
You can also buy 3.5 tog sleeping bags for extremely cold weather, but unless your baby’s room drops below 15C he shouldn’t need more than a 2.5 tog bag.
Although you can buy different weights depending on the room temperature, you’ll also need to adjust the clothing your baby wears underneath – in the hottest weather, for example, he might just wear his nappy, while on cold winter days, he might need a vest and sleepsuit.
Most baby sleeping bags come with a guide to what your baby should wear.
Sleeping bags come in a whole range of designs, from pretty pastels to bright and funky prints.
They typically come in three sizes: 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18-36 months – although this varies between brands.
Not all 0-6 month sleeping bags are suitable from birth, especially if your baby is a lower than average weight, so make sure you check the weight restrictions.
One other useful feature to look out for in a baby sleeping bag is whether it can be used in a pushchair or car seat.
These styles – often known as travel sleeping bags – have a two-way zip at the front and a slit at the back that allows you to feed the crotch strap of the harness through and fasten it around your baby.
This is a handy function for naps on the move, or if you’re putting your baby to sleep in the buggy or car and want to lift him straight into bed later.
Can you put baby's arms inside sleeping bag?
Baby and toddler sleeping bags come in different fibres, including wool, merino and cashmere.
Some also have sleeves, which may be detachable, and a hood.
However, British safety standards say that you should only use cotton sleeping bags and never use one with sleeves or a hood, as these put your baby in danger of overheating, which is linked to cot death.
Sleep safety advice you need to know
1. Put baby to sleep on their back
When experts recommended that babies be placed to sleep on their back in the early 1990s, the rate of death from SIDS dropped dramatically. Statistics are now over 50% lower.
This is because babies who sleep on their front are more likely to overheat, have pauses in breathing, and rebreathe air they have just inhaled, which is low in oxygen.
Placing your baby to sleep on their back until they are at least 12 months is sound advice for protecting your baby – and you should make sure that relatives and babysitters know the rules, too.
Once they start rolling at five or six months old, you will find them in all sorts of different positions.
There is no need to panic, as their risk of SIDS has started to drop by this age, but it is worth moving them to their back when you find them in a different position.
It's also best to place your baby in the "feet to foot" position, with their feet at the end of their cot or Moses basket, according to the NHS.
2. Choose safe bedding
There have been several studies that link a higher risk of SIDS to soft sleeping surfaces, such as beanbags, sofas, comforters, waterbeds, and quilts. The NHS advises not to use duvets, quilts, baby nests, wedges, bedding rolls or pillows when your baby sleeps.
You should use a mattress that is firm, flat, well-fitting, clean and waterproof on the outside. Cover the mattress with nothing but a single well-fitted sheet.
Avoid using blankets and instead choose a sleeping bag that will keep your baby warm without any risk of their head becoming covered.
The "feet to foot" position will also help to prevent them from wriggling under the covers and their head becoming covered.
Never place soft toys inside the cot and avoid cot bumpers, which pose a risk to your baby and prevent air circulating freely.
Learn more about choosing baby bedding.
3. Avoid sleep positioners
You will find various sleep positioners on sale that promise to keep your baby on their back throughout the night.
The official advice is not to use them, after a spate of infant deaths through suffocation. Instead, make a habit of checking your baby regularly.
4. Let baby sleep in their own bed
According to the NHS, there is an association between co-sleeping with your baby on a bed, sofa or chair, and SIDS.
It can be tempting to cuddle little on the sofa all evening, but being a parent is tiring and you run the risk of dozing off too.
If that happens, your baby is at a much higher than average risk of SIDS, so you should always take your sleeping baby and place them in their basket, crib or cot to sleep on their own when they drop off.
It's especially important not to share a bed with your baby if you or your partner are smokers, have recently drunk alcohol or have taken medication or drugs that make you sleep more heavily.
Learn more about safe co-sleeping.
5. Never let them sleep for too long in their car seat
Babies can get very hot sleeping in their car seats, which means they are at a much greater risk of SIDS.
Their heads are also positioned in a way that can inhibit breathing, so you should always transfer them to their cot, crib, or Moses basket as soon as you get home.
The same rule applies for prams, bouncy seats, infant carriers, slings and swings, especially if your baby is under four months old.
In the car, you should ideally have a second adult travelling in the back with your baby, or you can use a mirror to keep an eye on them. If your baby changes position or slumps forward then it's advised to take them out and sit them upright.
6. Sleep in the same room as your baby
Statistics prove that sleeping in the same room as your baby for at least the first six months reduces the risk of SIDS significantly.
However, avoid sharing a bed with your baby as it poses risks.
Instead, place their crib, cot, or Moses basket next to your bed so they are close when they wake, and place them back inside after their feed.
7. Make sure they don't overheat
It's important that your baby doesn’t overheat when they are sleeping.
Dress them in one more layer than you would wear in the same temperature – and make sure you check on your baby regularly for signs that they are hot, such as sweating or damp hair.
Invest in a thermometer for the baby’s room so you can make sure their room is close to the NHS recommended temperature of about 18C.
Never cover their head when they are sleeping with hoods or hats, as this can increase their body temperature dramatically, and may also pose a suffocation risk.
8. Stop smoking
The NHS also advises that parents can reduce the risk of SIDS by not smoking during pregnancy or after the baby is born.
Don't let anyone smoke in the house, ask visitors to smoke outside, and avoid taking your baby into smoky places.
You can find more info on SIDS by visiting the charity Lullaby Trust, which raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and offers emotional support for bereaved families.
Read on:
• The best sleeping bags for your baby
• The sleep safety rules you need to know
• The best buys for getting your baby to sleep through
