Choosing the best sleeping bag for your baby won’t only help them sleep, it will help them to sleep safely. And safe sleep for babies typically means better, sounder sleep for mums and dads.
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right sleeping bag for your little one. For one, you'll need to consider their age and weight. You'll also need to know what temperature the room is, the sleeping bag’s tog rating, and what fabric it is made from.
Just like the best Moses baskets, the best bedside cribs or the best baby sleep aids nowadays these baby sleeping bags come with handy features that make parenthood more simple, like curved zips which help you easily change your baby's nappy without waking them, or a one-size fits all style which 'grows' with your baby, meaning you can use them from the newborn stage and well past their first birthday.
To help you make this very important decision, we asked parents with babies aged between seven and 16 months to put our pick of the best baby sleeping bags to the test to see how they fared. Here's everything you need to know...
Best baby sleeping bags 2024 - our top pick
Our testers found Snuzpouch’s Cloud Nine Sleeping Bag the best overall in terms of design, comfort, and quality of fabric. Considering its mid-range price point, it feels amazing and comes with lots of design extras that you’d usually only see on a premium baby sleeping bag.
Best baby sleeping bags 2024 - tried and tested
This baby sleeping bag has it all: clever design features, a sophisticated print and soft, high-quality cotton. Our tester Darryl couldn’t stop raving about it when she used it on her daughter Cole. ‘Over the years I have used numerous sleeping bags as my babies grow and the seasons change, and this one really has everything a parent or caregiver could want in one small bag.’
For younger babies, there are poppers around the shoulders and down the body of the bag so you can replicate the snug fit they’re used to in a swaddle. There’s also a handy, curving zip that allows for speedy midnight nappy changes that don’t wake your little one. Our tester described doing this as ‘a cinch’ compared to the usual rigmarole.
The ‘Cloud Nine’ white and grey print will have wide appeal and works well whatever the shade of your nursery or bedlinen. It also has the bonus of being unisex. This bag feels as good as it looks: 100% cotton is gentle on your baby’s vulnerable skin, and you can tell the quality by its softness.
Considering the design extras you get with this bag, it’s been exceptionally well priced and definitely raises the bar when it comes to mid-range sleeping bags, which is why we’ve named it the Best Baby Sleeping Bag Overall. ‘The price tag is a little more than what I would consider budget,’ said Darryl but she says you won’t regret spending on this.
- Read our Snuzpouch sleeping bag review
Merino is renowned for how warm it is, and you can feel the quality of this luxury sleeping bag from your first touch. Soft and smooth, this Superlove Merino bag will keep your baby cosy, no matter the weather outside or how draughty it gets inside. ‘This bag was so effective at keeping my little one toasty, I was able to turn off the extra radiator I have in her room,’ said our tester Charlotte Clarke. ‘Even Adelaide’s hands were warm after she’d snuggled up in this for an hour’s nap.’
Not only does this sleeping bag feel good; it looks lovely too with a dark green floral print that has a stylish, vintage feel and is a bit of a departure from the usual pattern you find on baby sleeping products.
Thanks to a plethora of design features, such as an adjustable length and arm holes, this sleeping bag has been created to last from newborn through to two years. It also has a hole through which you can fasten a pushchair belt so you can keep them snug even on those long, wintry walks.
This Superlove Merino Sleeping Bag has been named the Best Premium Baby Sleeping Bag for the fineness of the luxury merino wool and the clever extras that it comes with. ‘I’d recommend this to my friends and say not to be put off by the high price point,’ said Charlotte. ‘It’s a large initial outlay but then you’ve got a sleeping bag for two years that is just the most amazing quality.’
Jojo Maman Bébé's Zebra Print Baby Sleeping Bag has the most vibrant design on our list. Babies are attracted to the zesty colour and sweet zebra print with our tester saying that her baby noticed it straight away. ‘I have a friend who loves bright colours and fun prints for her baby, so I've suggested this bag to her as a lot of other bags have much more subtle and pared back designs.’ Our reviewer Hollie also liked the fact that the bag was unisex: ‘It would make a lovely present at a baby shower for someone who’s not finding out the sex of their baby or simply for parents who don’t want to go down the pink or blue route.’ The bag is fitted so that it’s narrower at the top but flares out at the bottom, allowing babies space to kick their legs and move around freely.
The bag is best used in the summer or in a home that has the heating up high as it’s only 1.5 TOG. ‘My Victorian cottage isn't warm enough in autumn or winter to use this bag overnight, so I just used it for Margot’s day naps when I could control the warmth of the room. She was quite happy in it though and slept soundly for the duration of her nap,’ said Hollie.
This bag has been named Best Budget Baby Sleeping Bag as it is good quality and has a classic design at an affordable price. It doesn’t have clever openings and features like more premium products but those come with a higher price tag.
- Read our Jojo Maman Bebe sleeping bag review
This sleeping bag from The Little Green Sheep uses all organic and natural fabrics. It’s made from a breathable linen-cotton blend which has been quilted for a snug, cosy feel. Our tester Darryl was a huge fan of the under-arm poppers which allow you to fit the bag perfectly to your baby’s body. ‘It’s a feature I believe makes for a super sound night’s sleep,’ she said. There are also poppers on the shoulders so you can easily slip your baby in and out. ‘The shoulder poppers are nice and wide, so you don’t have to grope around trying to find the front and back to pop together – really handy if you’re taking baby out of it in the middle of the night,’ said Darryl.
This sleeping bag comes in a neutral honey shade which would look lovely and warm in a nursery with a neutral colour scheme but out of place in one that was pink. Darryl admitted she didn’t like how the sleeping bag looked and felt (‘more rough than fluff’) at first but after using the sleeping bag a few times, realised that you shouldn’t be swung by first impressions. ‘A lot of my NCT friends are pregnant or have recently welcomed their second, and I've recommended this bag for the new bubbas,’ she said.
This is a premium sleeping bag but makes a nice gift for someone who likes a neutral colour palette or doesn’t know the gender of their baby.
The Baby Mori Clever Sleeping Bag looks and feels luxurious. The two-tone design comes in a range of colours but we tested the pink which was delicate in shade and very subtle. Our tester thought the quality of the cotton was amazing and was pleased that it was organic and environmentally friendly. ‘As a mother I find I worry quite a lot about the impact I'm having on the planet with so many nappies and all the plastic toys we have, so knowing that this sleeping bag is made from sustainably sourced organic cotton and the company's manufacturing methods are environmentally conscious just made this sleeping bag even better in my mind,’ Hollie said.
As the name suggests, this bag comes with lots of added extras which you don't find on lots of other sleeping bags. These include adjustable length and arms, meaning that it will grow with your child and a hole for a pushchair belt. ‘I've never thought to use a sleeping bag in a pushchair for a daytime nap, but it really makes sense in the winter or when you're travelling somewhere and want your baby to be cosy enough for a long sleep,’ said Hollie. ‘Because she was in her useful sleeping bag that she associates with her nighttime sleep she went down to sleep in the buggy like a dream without even needing to be rocked or walked around.’
While the product might be on the pricey side, Hollie said she thought it was worth it. ‘I have recommended it to a couple of friends with new babies as I think the fact it lasts from 9lbs up until two years is brilliant and it's such a lovely quality product to put your baby in to sleep.’
- Read our full Baby Mori Clever Sleeping Bag review
The Little White Company Pink Cloud Sleeping Bag creates the perfect mood for getting your little one down at night. While it doesn’t have any particularly hi-tech extras, this sleeping bag is all about the quality of the fabric; it’s made from 100% organic and sustainable cotton, making it soft on a baby’s vulnerable skin. Our tester Darryl said she loved cuddling up with her little one while she wore it because it was ‘super soft to touch for baby and mummy.’ This helps a baby to relax, gently easing them into a deep sleep.
As you’d expect from a Little White Company product, this baby sleeping bag comes with an adorable print – pink and white, fluffy clouds – that will look lovely in your baby’s nursery. ‘It’s soft and silky, it moves beautifully, it looks pretty, and it washes well,’ said our tester Darryl, who noted that there was no bobbling when it came out of the machine. The sleeping bag’s design isn’t complicated and it’s easy to use with a double zip for quick night-time nappy changes.
While its price tag is on the high side, Darryl said it’s definitely worth the extra – whether you’re buying it for your baby or as a gift. ‘This is a luxury buy, costing two times what some other sleeping bags retail for, but if you’re prepared to spend the money, you’ll be rewarded.’ As it uses such high-quality cotton and washes so well, you’ll be able to pass this on to future siblings or friends’ babies once you’ve finished with it.
- Read our full The White Company Pink Cloud Sleeping Bag review
The Original Grobag Ollie The Owl Sleeping Bag is a great starter sleeping bag for young babies moving on from swaddling. Its design differs from many others on the market as it is secure and cosy around the chest and has a diagonal zip which ends under the chin. Also, there aren’t any poppers. ‘One of my favourite features of this bag is the shape,’ said our tester Hollie who initially had misgivings about the unusual zip design and lack of popper fastenings.
The bag is warm, cosy and made from a fleecy 100% cotton. ‘I found that at 2.5 tog it kept her extremely toasty, which is something I really look for in a sleeping bag as we live in a fairly old house,’ said our tester Hollie. There’s plenty of room for growth as the bag is generous in length and Hollie thought it would last Margot well past 18 months, making it a great option for any parents with particularly tall babies.
It has a sweet design and babies can play with the owl’s applique ears and feet which stick out. With a neutral grey colour, it’s great for those who love unisex designs and it’s easy to match to just about any nursery colour scheme.
With a mid-range price point, this is the perfect all-rounder sleeping bag for those who want quality but aren’t interested in premium fabrics or added extras.
- Read our full Original Grobag Ollie the Owl Sleepbag review
Aden & Anais’ Now & Zen Sleeping Bag is the perfect solution for what to put your baby in once temperatures start to soar. It’s often harder to cool things down and get your baby to sleep in the summer than it is to warm them up in the winter, and this sleeping bag offers a ‘light-touch’ bedding option when everything else is too bulky. ‘I often put Adelaide to bed in just a nappy when it gets really hot, so I need some sort of covering for her still,’ said our reviewer Charlotte. ‘The muslin on this sleeping bag is light and breathable so I felt really confident that she wouldn’t overheat in it.’
Parents will approve of the tasteful grey koala print while babies will love how soft the muslin feels. This is especially important as it’s likely they will be wearing very little or even just a nappy underneath. The design of this sleeping bag is relatively standard with a single central zip but you’re paying for the softness and quality of the 100% cotton muslin rather than clever extras. ‘If you’re off somewhere hot on holiday, don’t fly off without this sleeping bag. You won’t regret it,’ said Charlotte.
If you're planning for a new arrival and wondering how to get to grips with swaddling your baby, we've got good news. The ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bags take all the hassle out of swaddling - simple zip your baby in and look forward to a good night's sleep!
Cleverly designed as a cross between a swaddling blanket and a sleeping bag, the ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bags are tog-rated so you can choose the perfect match for your climate and your baby's room temperature. They're made from super soft breathable organic cotton and they come with a handy room thermometer and 'what to wear' guide so you can make sure your little one is perfectly attired for a cosy sleep - without the risk of overheating.
Available in a range of different prints, sizes and tog ratings, the ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bag impressed our editor, Anna Bailey, who took hers with her to the labour ward and was grateful she did - not least because of all the compliments it drew from the midwives!
- Read our ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bag Review
How to choose the best baby sleeping bags
- Age - Baby sleeping bags are suitable for use when babies are between three and six months old until around 18 months when they can transition to using a duvet. Sleeping bags have many benefits: they are a simple way of allowing a baby to stay at a constant temperature; they can’t be kicked off or get tangled up in like a blanket, but they also allow a baby to have some freedom of movement, unlike a swaddle.
- Size - use your baby’s age and weight as a guide. ‘When looking for a good fit, check arm holes are snug so baby can't get their hands inside. Most good baby bags come with additional fasteners so the sleeping bags can grow with them.
- Neck holes should be comfortable so they don't rub but snug enough that baby can't get their head inside, as this can be a safe sleep hazard,’ say Cat Cubie and Sarah Carpenter of The Sleep Mums. ‘Think practical rather than (just!) pretty. There are lots of cute designs out there, but do they fulfil your needs? Make sure it fits your baby now but seek out ones that can also grow with your baby for longevity. We really love sleeping bags with zips, not only are they better to keep baby in, they're usually easier for tired parents too!’
- Fabric - It’s important that you always choose a sleeping bag that’s made of a breathable fabric, such as cotton, muslin, bamboo or merino. Avoid manmade fabrics that might make your baby overheat.
- There’s the added bonus that, should you need to feed your baby or transport them somewhere at night, you don’t need to take them out of their sleeping bag first but can simply carry them in it.
How we tested the best baby sleeping bags
Our product review testing process is fair, robust and consistent.
Our Consumer Editor Heidi Scrimgeour came up with a shortlist of baby sleeping bags to test based on her product knowledge and industry research into the market-leading brands.
Next, we called on our pool of reliable parent testers and assigned each of them a baby sleeping bag to review with their baby. They tested it rigorously for at least ten days, both at night and for daytime naps.
Afterward, they gave each product a rating out of five for overall performance and provided comprehensive feedback on key factors including design appeal, practicality, functionality and value for money.
What age can you start using baby sleeping bags?
This is determined by the size of your baby but usually happens between three and six months when they start to move around more in their cot and feel restricted in a swaddle. ‘I would recommend that parents begin the transition to a sleeping bag around eight weeks by introducing a half swaddle (under your baby’s arms) to fully prepare your baby to sleeping in a sleeping bag around three months,' says Vickie Bowles of The Baby Academy. You may have a few disturbed nights, but your baby will quickly get used to the new sleeping arrangements and being put in the sleeping bag will even signal that it is nighttime.
What TOG should a baby sleeping bag be?
When choosing a TOG, the temperature of the room the child is sleeping in should be your main guide. It’s worth investing in a room thermometer or Groegg to determine this as it can vary from day to day and is affected by whether you have the central heating on.
The two extremes are unusual in the UK so it’s likely that you will need a 2.5 TOG bag in the winter and a 1.5 TOG in the summer.
You always need to check that your baby isn’t too hot (do this by feeling their neck) or too cold (check their hands) but the below is a good guide.
- Room under 14 degrees: Use a 3.5 TOG, with a cotton bodysuit and sleepsuit.
- Room under 16 degrees: Use a 2.5 TOG bag with a cotton bodysuit and sleepsuit.
- Room at 17-21 degrees: Use a 2.5 TOG with a cotton bodysuit.
- Room at 22 to 25 degrees: Use a lightweight 1.5 TOG with a cotton bodysuit.
- Room above 25 degrees: Use a 0.5 TOG sheet or muslin bag and short-sleeved bodysuit.
Are baby sleeping bags safe?
Yes, baby sleeping bags are very safe as they help a baby maintain a constant temperature, therefore helping prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). A sleeping bag should comply to British Safety Standards (BS 8510:2009) and you should always check it the first time you use it and periodically thereafter.
Make sure that the seams don’t have any sharp edges, that the zips are secure and that there are no attachments such as buttons that could fall off and pose a choking hazard. ‘It is recommended that you avoid buying a sleeping bag with arms or a hood as there is a serious risk of your baby overheating,’ adds Vickie.
While you're shopping for the best baby sleeping bags, you might also be interested in our other sleep-friendly guides, including best Moses baskets, the best bedside cribs and the best baby sleep aids.
Heidi Scrimgeour joined GoodTo after a 16-year freelance career as a parenting and lifestyle journalist. She has written features for various publications including The Guardian, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Red, Psychologies and Stylist. She was a parenting columnist for AOL’s Parentdish and baby gear editor of Mother & Baby magazine for six years. Heidi has taken part in various parenting debates on This Morning, The One Show and BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. She has a degree in English & Media Arts and gained a Masters with Distinction from the University of Westminster. Find out more
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