When you take a camping trip with the family, and a baby especially, there’s a lot of baby camping gear to take along. A baby sleeping bag is definitely on that packing list.
While you may think you can just snuggle up with your baby in your sleeping bag, your baby should have his own for safety reasons. One of the best things with baby sleeping bags is that they can double-up and be used as stroller bags.
This guide isn’t just about the best baby sleepsack. Sleep sacks are wonderful, but suited more for either very warm summer camping trips, or at home. They’re more like a wearable blanket.
These sleeping bags are truly outdoor sleeping bags for babies. They’re also called bunting bags, stroller bags, and a few other things.
What to Look For in a Baby Sleeping Bag
1. Warmth & Waterproof Rating
As you shop for a baby sleep bag, you’ll notice many are made from one material on the outside and another on the inside. This is to protect your baby from the elements, like rain and wind, while keeping them warm with fleecy material on the inside. If a sleeping bag isn’t water resistant, you probably shouldn’t buy it.
2. Plenty of Zippers
Not their most redeeming quality, babies need to be changed frequently and don’t like to sit still. That’s why you want a sleeping bag that has plenty of zippers so that you can easily get your child out for a diaper change or if he’s getting fussy. You shouldn’t have to be Houdini every time you need to get your child in and out of a sleeping bag.
3. Easy care
You want a sleeping bag that’s low maintenance when it comes to cleaning. Machine washable is the way to go every time! Repeat after me, guys… “machine washable!”
When all the stars align and a sleeping bag checks all the boxes above, you get this list of the top 7 sleeping bags:
This sleeping bag has a five-way zipper so getting baby in and out has never been easier. The fleece on the inside makes it cozy while the polyester on the outside checks the waterproof box.
If you choose to use this sleeping bag in a stroller, there are seven harness slots so you can keep using it as your baby grows. It also has anti-slip material so your baby won’t slouch down in the stroller. And of course, it’s machine washable.
This sleeping bag has a hidden bonus inside with its thermal intermediate cotton layer, in addition to the fleece lining and waterproof exterior. Your baby will stay dry and warm. It’s not the most stylish, but Berocia makes up for it with functionality. It has an easy zipper pull design and a special buckle knot to prevent shifting when you’re using the sleeping bag in the stroller.
Water, snow, and windproof, this baby sleep bag was made for the elements. Your baby will be plenty warm thanks to the coral velvet lining.
One of the best things about this sleeping bag is that you can also unzip the footmuff to regular temperature if it gets too warm. When you’re using this in the stroller, there are two straps to easily attach it and anti-slip material so your baby will stay in place. Also, machine washable.
Pricewise, it doesn’t get much better. The soft hood and cozy look also help to make this one a winner. For the stroller users, there are hooks to keep the sleeping bag in place as well as a center zip design. The only complaint with this sleeping bag is that some parents say despite the center zipper, it can be hard to get the baby out.
It’s not the prettiest sleeping bag, but your baby will stay warm. The head part is comfy and versatile because it can be tied for extra warmth or left open. The middle zipper makes it easy to get your baby in and out. If you’re using this sleeping bag in a stroller, the reflective strip is a nice safety touch.
This is a good pick for parents who definitely plan on using their sleeping bag in the stroller because it not only protects from rain, snow, and wind but has five harness openings for strollers.
An added feature is the safety velcro pocket to store the drawstrings on the sleeping bag so that your baby doesn’t play with them. Some parents say the head doesn’t close tightly enough, letting cold air get in. This is the most expensive on the list.
It’s pricier than some others, but this bag is machine washable, waterproof and warm. For the cost, you’d think it’d fit all strollers, but it’ not recommended for strollers with armrests or front pockets. Some parents also say the sleeping bag slides down in the stroller. If you’re planning on only using this sleeping bag for camping, it may be for you. But, if you want to use it in the stroller as well, you need want to think twice.
The one thing to remember is that baby sleeping bags are not just for sleep. They need to keep baby warm and protect against the elements. If you’re a camping family, a baby sleeping bag is a good investment because you can also use it on your stroller adventures as well.