Our guide to choosing the perfect sleeping bag
When you're about to become a parent, you don't expect that choosing a sleeping bag , also called a sleeping bag , will become an almost impossible mission... What is a TOG ? How many sleeping bags should you plan for? How to choose the material ? Don't panic, we're here to explain everything to you!
- How many sleeping bags should I buy?
- Which sleeping bag for maternity?
- Should you wear a sleeping bag in summer?
- How to dress baby at night?
- Do you need a sleeping bag with sleeves?
- When to stop using the sleeping bag?
Which TOG sleeping bag should I choose?
What is a TOG?
Another strange word in the maternity jargon… But don’t worry, it’s easy to understand! It’s a heat index that helps you know which sleeping bag to use depending on the temperature of the room .
The principle? The higher it is, the warmer the sleeping bag is and therefore ideal for a cold room. And vice versa. For example, a TOG 1 sleeping bag is perfect for a room heated to 22°, while an index 3 is suitable for a room around 16°.
What TOG sleeping bag should I buy?
At Cocoeko, we advise you to bet on a TOG 2 sleeping bag . Why? Because it is versatile! It is suitable for rooms between 18° and 22° , or around 10 months out of 12. It is also called the “ all-season sleeping bag ”. It is quite thick thanks to its wadding padding, which makes it very cozy.
For the summer period, also consider a sleeping bag with an index of 1. It is lighter, without wadding . Our cotton gauze models, for example, are perfect for warmer nights.
And what about the TOG 3?
Important information: pediatricians and the Ministry of Health recommend keeping a newborn's room around 19° . Neither too hot nor too cold, it is ideal for baby's safety and well-being. As a result, a sleeping bag with such a high index is often less useful in the first few months.
What material should you choose for a sleeping bag?
Choosing the material of a sleeping bag is crucial, as it influences not only its warmth , but also the comfort , safety and well-being of your baby. Here are the best options and some tips for choosing:
Cotton: the essential material
- Softness and breathability : Ideal for babies' sensitive skin, it prevents irritation and regulates body temperature to avoid overheating.
- Hypoallergenic : Perfect for respecting the delicate skin of newborns.
- Oeko-Tex Certification : Check that the cotton is Oeko-Tex certified to ensure the absence of harmful substances.
Cotton gauze is particularly appreciated by parents: light, ultra-soft and thermoregulating, it is suitable for both summer and winter.
Wadding: padding for winter
For thicker sleeping bags (TOG 2 or 3), the wadding , inserted between two layers of cotton, guarantees optimal insulation while remaining breathable . It is ideal for keeping baby warm during the winter, while avoiding the risk of overheating.
Materials to avoid
Avoid synthetic materials such as polyester in direct contact with the skin. They promote perspiration and can be uncomfortable for the child.
How many sleeping bags should I buy?
The number of sleeping bags you need depends on several factors: how often you wash, the atmosphere in your room, and the season. Here are two options that will fit your needs and budget:
For small budgets
If you are on a tight budget and do laundry regularly, three sleeping bags are enough to manage your daily life:
- Two TOG 2 sleeping bags (all seasons) : Perfect for a room between 18° and 22°, they cover the majority of the year. With two copies, you are at peace in the event of a small accident or during laundry rotations.
- A TOG 1 sleeping bag (lighter) : Ideal for summer nights or warmer rooms (above 22°).
This trio will allow you to meet all of baby's needs without exceeding your budget while keeping a backup solution for the unexpected.
The ideal quantity
If your budget allows, opt for five sleeping bags for even more peaceful organization :
- Three TOG 2 sleeping bags (all seasons) : These versatile sleeping bags are your best friends, suitable for a room between 18° and 22°. With three of them, you can manage laundry without stress, even in the event of a leak or nighttime accident.
- Two TOG 1 sleeping bags (lighter) : Perfect for summer periods, they are practical for dealing with warmer nights, especially if you live in an area with a hot climate.
With five sleeping bags, you are perfectly equipped according to the season and can concentrate on baby's well-being in complete peace of mind, avoiding the stress of laundry.
Which sleeping bag for maternity?
Which TOG should you choose for maternity?
Most maternity wards ask you to bring a TOG 2 sleeping bag in your birth suitcase. Why? Because it is perfectly suited to the usual temperatures in maternity rooms , which generally range between 20°C and 22°C .
Our advice for choosing well:
- A size suitable for toddlers: Choose a newborn size sleeping bag (0-3 months, approximately 55 cm), perfectly designed for all newborns. It will be well adjusted to prevent baby from slipping inside, while keeping your infant warm and safe. In addition, even in the event of premature birth , this size is also suitable!
- Soft and natural materials: Choose 100% cotton , a breathable material that allows your newborn to stay warm while avoiding overheating. For example, cotton gauze , known for its incomparable softness, is ideal for the fragile skin of newborns.
- A practical closure: Up to the age of 6 months, parents particularly appreciate sleeping bags with a side closure . They open wide and flat, which makes it easier to install baby, even in the middle of the night. The snap straps also allow the sleeping bag to be closed gently, without the risk of waking him.
Should you wear a sleeping bag in summer?
The advantages of the sleeping bag in summer
Even in summer, a sleeping bag has advantages for baby:
- She reassures him by recreating a cocoon reminiscent of his mother's womb.
- It helps keep him warm if the thermometer drops during the night.
Use the right sleeping bag according to the temperature
- From 22 to 25°C: Choose a TOG 1 sleeping bag in cotton gauze, light and breathable, perfect for summer.
- Above 25°C: A sleeping bag is not necessary. A simple light cotton bodysuit is enough to prevent baby from getting too hot.
How to dress baby at night?
Depending on the room temperature
Here is our little guide to help you choose the outfit to dress your baby in under their sleeping bag for a peaceful sleep .
How do you know if your baby is cold?
The best way to check if your newborn is well covered is to touch his neck or back :
- Warm: Your baby is neither too hot nor too cold.
- Cold: He needs an extra layer.
- Damp or humid: It is too hot, remove a layer of clothing.
Do not rely on the hands or feet to assess the temperature: their blood circulation is still immature, they can be colder than the rest of the body without this meaning that the baby is cold.
Do you need a sleeping bag with sleeves?
Why avoid sleeping bags with sleeves?
Experts advise against using sleeping bags with sleeves for babies because they can restrict their natural movements . Here's why:
- They can prevent babies from moving freely and bringing their hands close to their face, a gesture that reassures them.
- They limit the possibility of having the arms “in the air” in the cactus position , an instinctive posture in infants, which contributes to better body regulation .
What to do if baby is cold?
If you think your child is cold, it is best to add a layer of clothing (such as a long-sleeved bodysuit or warm velour pajamas) or to adjust the warmth index of the sleeping bag.
As a reminder, specialists recommend maintaining the room temperature at around 18°C minimum for the comfort and safety of your child.
When to stop using the sleeping bag?
At what age should you stop using a sleeping bag?
The sleeping bag can be used until baby begins to show signs of autonomy in his movements, generally around 2 to 3 years . Before the age of 18 months, specialists consider that children are too small and would risk suffocating with a duvet. Here are some signs to help you identify that you may consider stopping the sleeping bag:
- He can no longer stand his sleeping bag and moves his legs excessively.
- He takes off his sleeping bag by himself.
- Your baby is able to move around easily.
How to gently stop sleeping bag use
The transition from sleeping bag to duvet can seem tricky for parents, as we often worry about disturbing our child's sleep. Here are some tips to make it go smoothly :
- Choose a suitable duvet: Opt for a baby duvet specially designed for toddlers. Its smaller size is easier for your child to handle and limits the risk of them getting lost under the duvet or it falling on the floor.
- Introduce the duvet gradually: Start by using the duvet during naps . This will allow your child to get used to it gently, without disrupting their nights.
- Another option is the sleeping bag with feet: If your child tends to uncover himself during his sleep, a sleeping bag with feet can be an excellent alternative. It offers more freedom of movement while keeping him warm.
