Safer Sleep Guide: Choosing the Right Baby Sleeping Bag
Ensuring your baby sleeps safely is crucial, and a key element of this is managing their sleep environment’s temperature to prevent overheating. The Lullaby Trust and similar advisory bodies strongly advocate for baby sleeping bags due to their safety. However, the type of fabric used is paramount, as some materials can hinder your baby’s natural temperature regulation.
1. Choose Natural Fabric for Temperature Regulation
Sleeping bags crafted from 100% natural fabrics are the best choice for safe sleep, offering superior breathability and temperature control compared to synthetic alternatives. Synthetic fills, like polyester, can disrupt your baby’s body heat regulation, potentially leading to overheating. Instead, opt for natural fills like wool or bamboo which provide safer and more comfortable temperature regulation:
- Wool-filled bags: These are great for temperature regulation but consider the practical aspects such as washing and sensitivity if your baby has eczema.
- Bamboo-filled bags: Bamboo is excellent for thermoregulation, making it ideal for maintaining consistent body temperature, thus offering comfort across all seasons.
2. Correct Neck Size to Prevent Risks
Ensure the sleeping bag fits properly around your baby’s neck to prevent their head from slipping inside, a situation that could lead to overheating or even suffocation. Choose bags that comply with safety standards like BS8510:2009 or EN 16781, and always check the fit before use.
Ensuring a snug fit around your baby’s neck with their sleeping bag is crucial for safety. If the neck opening is too large for your baby’s head, it’s better to wait a few more weeks before using a bag intended for newborns. Always check that there’s no risk of your little one slipping through the neck opening—safety first! If in doubt, hold off until your baby grows a bit more to ensure a secure fit.
Check out our safely sized baby sleeping bags
3. Appropriate TOG Rating
The TOG rating of a sleeping bag indicates its warmth and should be chosen based on the nursery’s temperature. Bags with natural fills are generally safer as they cover a broader range of temperatures, reducing the guesswork at bedtime.
4. Flamability Considerations
Always ensure the sleeping bag meets flammability standards. Remember, while bags must pass these tests to meet regulations like BS8510:2009, no fabric is entirely flame-resistant. Keep all sleeping environments free from open flames.
5. Follow Instructions Carefully
Each sleeping bag comes with specific instructions that should be adhered to meticulously. These guidelines are designed to ensure your baby’s safety and comfort throughout the night.
Top Tips For Safer Sleep
When selecting your baby’s sleeping bag, don’t be swayed by marketing alone. Read labels carefully; what’s advertised as ‘100% natural’ might still contain synthetic materials like polyester.
Regularly check on your baby to ensure they are comfortable and not overheating.
