Our guide to choosing the perfect sleeping bag
When you're about to become a parent, you don't expect that choosing a sleeping bagWhat is a TOG? How many sleeping bags do you need? How do you choose the right material? Don't panic, we've got it all covered!
- How many sleeping bags should I buy?
- Which maternity sleeping bag
- Should I wear a sleeping bag in summer?
- How to dress baby at night?
- Do I need a sleeping bag with sleeves?
- When should I stop using the sleeping bag?
Which sleeping bag TOG to choose?
What is a TOG?
Another strange word in 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 room temperature.
The principle? The higher the number, the warmer the turbulette, making it ideal for a cold room. And vice versa. For example, a TOG 1 sleeping bag is perfect for a room heated to 22°, while a TOG 3 is suitable for a room at around 16°.
Which sleeping bag TOG to buy?
At Cocoeko, we recommend a TOG 2 sleeping bag. Why should you? Because it's versatile! It's suitable for rooms between 18° and 22°, i.e. around 10 months out of 12. In fact, it's known as the "all-season sleeping bag". It's quite thick, thanks to its wadding padding, which makes it very snug.
For the summer months, consider a turbulette with an index of 1. It's lighter, with no wadding. Our models in cotton gauzefor example, are perfect for warmer nights.
What about TOG 3?
A little important information: pediatricians and the French Ministry of Health recommend keeping a newborn's bedroom at around 19°. Neither too hot nor too cold, it's 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.
Not always easy to know how to dress baby for the night! Our"How to dress baby at night" application is here to help you make the right choice, depending on the temperature of the room.
What material to choose for a sleeping bag?
The choice of material for a sleeping bag is crucial, as it influences not only its warmth, but also the comfort, safety and well-being of your infant. Here are the best options and some tips on how to make the right choice:
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 the delicate skin of newborns.
- Oeko-Tex certification: Check that the cotton is Oeko-Tex certified to guarantee the absence of harmful substances.
The cotton gauze sleeping bag is particularly popular with parents: this lightweight, ultra-soft, thermo-regulating material is suitable for both summer and winter.
Wadding: padding for winter
For thicker sleeping bags (TOG 2 or 3), wadding, sandwiched between two layers of cotton, guarantees optimum insulation while remaining breathable. It's ideal for keeping baby warm in winter, while avoiding the risk of overheating.
Materials to avoid
Avoid synthetic materials like polyester in direct contact with the skin. They encourage 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: laundry frequency, room atmosphere and season. Here are two options to suit your needs and budget:
For small budgets
If you're on a tight budget and wash clothes regularly, three sleeping bags are all you needto manage your daily routine:
- Two TOG 2 (all-season) sleeping bags: Perfect for a room between 18° and 22°, they cover most of the year. With two, you can rest easy in case of minor accidents or during laundry shifts.
- A TOG 1 (lighter) sleeping bag: Ideal for summer nights or warmer rooms (over 22°).
This trio will enable you to meet all your baby's needs without exceeding your budget, while keeping a back-up solution for the unexpected.
The right amount
If your budget allows, opt for five sleeping bags for even greater organization:
- Three TOG 2 sleeping bags (all seasons): These versatile sleeping bags are your best allies, suitable for a bedroom between 18° and 22°. With three of them, you can manage laundry without stress, even in the event of an escape or night-time accident.
- Two TOG 1 sleeping bags (lighter): Perfect for the summer months, they're handy for dealing with warmer nights, especially if you live in a region with a warm climate.
With five sleeping bags, you're perfectly equipped for every season, so you can concentrate on baby's well-being without the stress of laundry.
Which maternity sleeping bag
Which TOG to choose for maternity?
Most maternity hospitals ask you to bring a TOG 2 sleeping bag in your birth suitcase. Why should you? Because it's perfectly suited to the usual temperatures in maternity wards, which generally fluctuate between 20°C and 22°C.
Our tips for choosing :
- The right size for toddlers: choose a sleeping bag birth size (0-3 months, approx. 55 cm), perfectly designed for all newborns. It will fit snugly to prevent baby from slipping inside, while keeping your infant warm and safe. What's more, this size is also suitable for premature births!
- Soft, natural materials: Choose 100% cotton, a breathable material that keeps your newborn warm and prevents overheating. For example, cotton gauzeis renowned for its incomparable softness, ideal for the fragile skin of newborns.
- Practical fastening: Up to the age of 6 months, parents particularly appreciate sleeping bags with side closure. They open wide and flat, making it easy for baby to settle in, 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 I wear a sleeping bag in summer?
The benefits of a sleeping bag in summer
Even in summer, a sleeping bag has many advantages for baby:
- She reassures him by recreating a cocoon reminiscent of his mother's womb.
- It keeps him warm if the thermometer drops during the night.
Using the right sleeping bag for the temperature
- From 22 to 25°C: Choose a TOG 1 turbulette in light, breathable cotton gauze, perfect for summer.
- Above 25°C: A sleeping bag is not necessary. A light cotton bodysuit is enough to keep baby warm.
How to dress baby at night?
Depending on room temperature
Here's our little guide to help you choose the right outfit to dress your baby under his turbulette for a peaceful night's 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:
- Lukewarm: Your baby is neither too hot nor too cold.
- Cold: It needs an extra layer.
- Damp or clammy: He's too hot, remove a layer of clothing.
Don't rely on the hands or feet to assess his temperature: as their blood circulation is still immature, they may be colder than the rest of the body, but this doesn't mean that baby is cold.
Do I need a sleeping bag with sleeves?
Why avoid sleeping bags with sleeves?
Experts advise against the use of sleeping bags with sleeves for babies, as they can restrict their natural movements. Here's why:
- They can prevent baby from moving freely and bringing his hands close to his face, a gesture that reassures him.
- 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's best toadd a layer of clothing (such as a long-sleeved bodysuit or warm velour pyjamas) or adjust the heat index of the sleeping bag.
For your child's comfort and safety, specialists recommend keeping the bedroom temperature at a minimum of 18°C.
When should I stop using the sleeping bag?
When to stop using a sleeping bag
The turbulette can be used until baby begins to show signs of independent movement, generally around 2-3 years of age. Before the age of 18 months, specialists consider that children are too small and risk suffocating in a comforter. Here are a few signs to help you identify when you should consider discontinuing the sleeping bag:
- He can no longer stand his sleeping bag and is waving his legs excessively.
- He removes his turbulette by himself.
- Your baby is able to move around easily.
How to stop the sleeping bag gently
The transition from sleeping bag to comforter can be a tricky one for parents, as they often fear disturbing their child's sleep. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth transition:
- Choose the right comforter: Choose a baby comforter specially designed for toddlers. Its smaller size is easier for your child to handle and reduces the risk of him getting lost under the comforter or of it falling on the floor.
- Introduce the comforter gradually: Start by using the comforter during naps. This will allow your child to get used to it gently, without disrupting his nights.
- Another option, the footed sleeping bag: If your child has a tendency to uncover while sleeping, a footed sleeping bag can be an excellent alternative. It offers greater freedom of movement while keeping him warm.
