What should you look for when buying your toddler a sleeping bag?

So you've chosen to get a sleeping bag for your toddler. 

How do you choose the right one? 

Well, first and foremost, you should consider the practicalities. Will you be using the sleeping bag only at home? Or for camping trips and other excursions too? A

good rule of thumb is to make sure your sleeping bag’s comfort rating matches with the coldest nighttime temperatures that you expect to encounter. It is a good idea to go a little colder than that, to make sure you have a margin of error. The following are the key factors that should be taken into account when looking for a sleeping bag for your child:

 

• Sizing
• Comfort Rating
• Insulation type (natural down vs. synthetic )
• Shape
• Weight
• How much space it takes up

Sleeping bags made from down offer a couple of advantages. They are generally less heavy than bags made with synthetic filler, and they tend to compress better, making them easier to squeeze into the boot of your car when you travel. However, synthetic fill bags do have their own upsides.  They often last better, and can keep your toddler warm, even if they get wet. They are also usually less expensive than down sleeping bags of comparable comfort ratings.

Mummy-style sleeping bags are the ones that insulate most effectively, and they are considered the best choice for cold, high elevation conditions. Rectangular bags offer a bit more room, but at the same time, can take longer to heat up as their is more air to get warm.

You might also want to look at getting a sleeping pad if you are likely to travel with the bag, or using it on the floor.  It ensures that there will be a nice reliable buffer between your child and the cold surface underneath.

If your child is left handed, you should get a sleeping bag which zips on the right, as it's much more natural for them to reach across to unzip the bag, and they're less likely to feel trapped.

Another vital factor is whether your child likes the sleeping bag. There are plenty of different themes and patterns, and there is likely one that your child will love. Cartoon characters are often popular.  It makes bed time a lot easier if your child becomes fond of it, and will provide familiarity when he or she is using it to sleep away from home.