Herbie Murray
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to buy a young child an adult-sized sleeping bag. Firstly, it is important to ensure the child is not too warm or cold while sleeping. A camping expert advises that the air pocket inside a sleeping bag is what keeps the sleeper warm, and a child in an adult-sized bag will likely get cold due to the excess space. However, some children sleep warm and may shed their bags even in cold weather. Additionally, adult bags can be cinched at the bottom to reduce the air pocket and make them warmer for children. Secondly, children grow quickly, and they may outgrow small bags soon after purchase. Buying an adult-sized bag may be more cost-effective in the long run, as it could last them for several years. However, adult bags may be too heavy for young children, and they may need assistance carrying them during outdoor activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros of adult sleeping bags for kids | Cheaper in the long run as kids grow out of small bags quickly |
| Adult bags can be adjusted to fit kids, e.g. by using a strap to cinch it smaller, stuffing clothes into the end, or using a stuff sack to bunch up extra material | |
| Kid-sized bags are often markedly more expensive than their adult counterparts | |
| Cons of adult sleeping bags for kids | Kids will have to heat extra space, so they'll likely be uncomfortable in temperatures well above the temp rating on the bag |
| Air pockets around the body inside the sleeping bag are what keeps the sleeper warm, so a kid in an adult-sized bag may get cold | |
| Kid-sized bags are lighter, which is better for backpacking |
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What You'll Learn
Kid-sized sleeping bags are better at retaining warmth
While adult sleeping bags can be used for kids, kid-sized sleeping bags are better at retaining warmth. Camping expert Helen Olsson says, "That air pocket around your body inside the sleeping bag is what keeps you warm. Put a little kid in a big, adult-size bag and they’re going to get cold." Kid-sized sleeping bags are designed to retain body heat and keep children warm throughout the night.
The REI Co-op Kindercone 25 is a spacious mummy bag that is warm enough for most three-season camping trips. It is durable and warm, and it comes with a standout stuff sack. The Kindercone 25’s polyester shell is tough, and it’s treated to repel moisture. Synthetic polyester fill insulates even when it’s damp. The stuff sack can be used to shorten the bag, creating a smaller air bubble that traps heat and preserves warmth for smaller kids.
The Big Agnes Little Red is another great option for a kid-sized sleeping bag. It has a temperature rating of 15 degrees Fahrenheit and a water-resistant exterior. It also features a mummy bag style to help keep kids extra warm. The integrated pad sleeve is helpful for little kids who tend to wiggle and slide off their pads.
If you opt for a longer sleeping bag for a younger child, you can increase its warmth by stuffing clothes into the tail of the bag to reduce the amount of internal air space. This will help to create a smaller air bubble that traps heat and keeps the child warm.
While adult sleeping bags can be used for kids, especially older ones, kid-sized sleeping bags are better at retaining warmth due to their smaller size and features designed specifically for children, such as integrated pad sleeves.
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Adult sleeping bags can be made smaller with a strap or cinch
While kid-sized sleeping bags are recommended for children, adult sleeping bags can be made smaller with a strap or cinch to accommodate younger kids.
A common concern for parents is whether their young children can use adult sleeping bags, especially when they grow out of smaller bags quickly. Camping expert Helen Olsson recommends small sleeping bags for young children, as the air pocket around the body inside the bag is what keeps the sleeper warm. However, she notes that her own children started using adult bags when they were around 6 and 7 years old.
If you want to use an adult sleeping bag for a younger child, you can make it smaller by using a strap or a cinch. Some sleeping bags come with a built-in stuff sack at the bottom, which can be cinch closed to reduce the internal space and create a smaller air bubble that preserves warmth for smaller kids. You can also use a belt, bungee cord, or zip tie to tighten the bag around your child. Additionally, you can stuff clothes into the foot of the bag to reduce the amount of internal space and increase warmth.
It is important to note that fitting a small sleeper into a large bag can reduce its warmth, potentially leading to a cold night's sleep. Therefore, it is recommended to use extra blankets or layers to keep your child warm if using an adult sleeping bag.
Some parents have also suggested buying inexpensive kids' sleeping bags that can be used until the children outgrow them, instead of investing in adult bags that may need to be resized.
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Adult sleeping bags can be a more cost-effective option
While it is possible to buy sleeping bags specifically designed for children, these may not be a necessary purchase. Children grow fast and may quickly outgrow a small sleeping bag, so some parents may prefer to buy an adult-sized bag that will last for years.
If you already have adult sleeping bags at home, it makes sense to try them out before buying something new. You can always add extra clothes to the bottom of the bag to help take up the extra space and keep your child warm.
If you're looking for a sleeping bag that will last a long time, it might be worth investing in a higher-quality adult bag that will stand up to years of use. This could be a more cost-effective option in the long run, especially if you have multiple children who will be able to use the bag.
However, it's important to keep in mind that a large sleeping bag may not be as warm as a snug-fitting one, and it may be more cumbersome for a child to carry on a backpacking trip. You may also want to consider other options, such as a kid-size backcountry quilt, which is small and light and can be used flat like a quilt or zipped up like a sleeping bag.
Overall, whether you choose to buy a children's sleeping bag or an adult one, the most important factors to consider are warmth, durability, and cost.
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Kid-sized sleeping bags are cheaper and more lightweight
While it may be tempting to use an adult-sized sleeping bag for your child, there are several reasons why you should opt for a kid-sized sleeping bag instead. Firstly, kid-sized sleeping bags are often markedly less expensive than adult sleeping bags. This is a crucial consideration if your child is still growing and may only fit into the kid-sized bag for a short time.
Another advantage of kid-sized sleeping bags is that they are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them easier for children to carry around by themselves. This is especially important if your child will be using the sleeping bag for camping trips or outdoor adventures, where they will need to pack and unpack it on their own. Additionally, kid-sized sleeping bags are designed to provide the right amount of warmth and comfort for children. They fit snugly, ensuring that there is not too much internal air space, which can lead to warmth being lost.
The majority of kid-sized sleeping bags are designed to fit children up to 5 feet in height, which means that even older children can benefit from the comfort and warmth of a properly sized sleeping bag. Furthermore, kid-sized sleeping bags often come in fun and colourful designs that appeal to younger children, making them more excited to use their sleeping bag. While adult-sized sleeping bags may seem like a more cost-effective option in the long run, it is important to consider the immediate benefits of kid-sized sleeping bags, such as warmth, comfort, and portability.
However, it is worth noting that children can quickly outgrow small sleeping bags, and some kids sleep warm and may not need the extra insulation. In such cases, an adult-sized sleeping bag that can be cinched at the bottom to reduce the air pocket may be a more practical and cost-effective solution. Ultimately, the decision between a kid-sized and an adult-sized sleeping bag depends on various factors, including the child's age, height, sleeping habits, and the intended use of the sleeping bag.
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Adult sleeping bags can be too heavy for young kids
While it may be tempting to buy an adult sleeping bag for your child, there are several reasons why this might not be the best option. Firstly, adult sleeping bags can be too heavy for young kids. For example, the Zephyr, REI's longer mummy-shaped bag for kids, is lighter than some adult mummy bags. Additionally, the Feathered Friends company makes lightweight and warm sleeping bags for kids that pack small and are warm and fit kids' bodies.
Secondly, as camping expert Helen Olsson points out, "that air pocket around your body inside the sleeping bag is what keeps you warm. Put a little kid in a big, adult-size bag and they’re going to get cold." This is because the extra space in the bag increases the amount of internal air space, which can make it more difficult for the child to stay warm. However, if you do opt for a longer sleeping bag for a younger child, you can increase its warmth by stuffing clothes into the tail of the bag to reduce the amount of internal air space.
Thirdly, kids can grow out of small bags quickly, and by the time they are in their early tween years, it may be more practical to buy them an adult-sized sleeping bag. Kids sleeping bags are also often markedly less expensive than adult sleeping bags, so it may be more cost-effective to buy a few kids' sleeping bags as your child grows rather than a single adult bag.
Finally, kids move a lot in their sleep, and a smaller bag may be more comfortable and snug for them. Therefore, it is generally recommended to buy a kid-sized sleeping bag if possible. However, if you do decide to buy an adult sleeping bag for your child, look for one on the smaller side, which you can cinch down to fit your child better.
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Frequently asked questions
While some parents have allowed their young kids to sleep in adult sleeping bags, others are concerned about the risk of suffocation, especially for toddlers and small children who may slip down inside the bag. To mitigate this risk, some parents tie a string or use a belt halfway down the bag to close off the bottom half.
Adult sleeping bags are often warmer than kids' sleeping bags. They can also be more cost-effective, as kids quickly outgrow their sleeping bags, and adult bags can be adjusted to fit growing children.
To keep a young kid warm in an adult sleeping bag, you can layer heavily underneath with long underwear, a shirt with a hood, and fleece pajamas. You can also add extra clothes or blankets inside the bag to reduce the amount of internal air space and increase warmth.
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