Subscribe by EmailKids Sleeping Bags 101
What should I look for when buying a sleeping bag for my child?
Purchasing the right sleeping bag for your child is just as important as it is for adults. Since everyone deserves a good night’s sleep, consider the following tips when choosing a sleeping bag for your little adventurer.
• How cold will it be when you child uses the sleeping bag? Will your child be camping out on chilly autumn nights or just lounging around the living room? All sleeping bags are rated for certain temperature ranges so look for this information when you purchase and choose the bag that best suits the needs of their adventures.
• How tall is your child? The great thing about sleeping bags designed just for kids is that the bags are shorter in length and make it easier for them to heat the bag since there isn’t a lot of extra empty room inside, especially down near their feet. However, make sure your child will have enough room to stretch out and check the overall dimensions of the bag before you buy it. If you are looking for a bag they can grow into, choose one that is slightly longer.
• How much storage room do you have in your house, car or backpack? Many low-quality children’s sleeping bags are made of cotton which makes them very big and bulky. If you are looking for a bag that is more compact, look for one made with a synthetic fill or down insulation that can be rolled much tighter and stored in a stuff sac (we prefer synthetic fill insulation in kid’s sleeping bags since they provide excellent warmth and are a less expensive than down). Remember that a heavier or bigger sleeping bag is not necessarily warmer.
Why is bag insulation and construction important?
• When comparing sleeping bag specifications you want to consider the insulation material and construction type mainly because this is what will determine the bag’s temperature rating. All sleeping bags come with a temperature rating which represents the lowest outside temperature that the sleeping bag will keep your child comfortable. For example, a “+30″ bag will keep them warm when outside temperatures are 30 degrees F and above.
• Both mummy style and rectangular style sleeping bags work well for kids. The advantage of the mummy style is the tapered shape which reduces the space to be insulated and improves heat retention at the foot of the bag. We have found that young children (toddlers) sometimes prefer a rectangular sleeping bag style which allows for more wiggle room for busy feet.
• Sleeping bags are constructed with three layers; the shell (usually made of nylon), the insulation (usually either polyester or goose down ) and the liner (usually a soft material that may contain polyester, cotton, nylon or a combination). The most important layer is the insulation layer which provides warmth by isolating a volume of “dead space” designed to trap air and retain heat. Some sleeping bags have a “quilt” construction or an “offset quilt” construction (which is preferable). Much like a bed comforter, the quilted sections create pockets that help insulation. Some bags also have multiple layers of insulation for even more warmth and comfort.
Sleeping bags are not only fun for kids, but can also make the difference between a good night’s sleep and a long sleepless night trying to stay warm. Most quality sleeping bags will last for years and siblings to come so compare bags and styles carefully and enjoy your nights under the stars as a family!
Here are some suggestions for sleeping bags we recommend:
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