Miya Pearson
When it comes to choosing a sleeping bag for a child, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to ensure the sleeping bag is the right size for the child's height and build. A sleeping bag that is too big can be unsafe for babies, and it can also reduce its warmth, leading to a cold night's sleep. Most kid-sized sleeping bags fit children up to 5 feet tall, but some are designed for children under 4 feet in height. Adjustable sleeping bags are also available, which can be lengthened as the child grows. Other factors to consider include the temperature rating of the bag, the presence of a built-in sleeping pad sleeve to keep the child warm and comfortable, and the quality and price of the bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal fit | As snug as is comfortable, not too long, and not too short |
| Size | Most bags labeled as "Kids" or "Youth" fit up to 60 inches, or 5 feet in height. A few bags labeled "youth" fit up to 64 to 66 inches. Bags for children under four feet in height are often labeled "boys" or "girls." |
| Temperature rating | 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Safety | The child's head should not be able to pass through the neck hole when the bag is zipped up. |
| Growth | Children grow quickly, so consider a bag that can be configured to different lengths or an adult bag that can be cinched to size. |
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Sleeping bag length
The length of a child's sleeping bag is an important consideration when purchasing one. A sleeping bag that is too big can be unsafe, especially for babies, as it may allow a child's head to pass through the neck hole. A bag that is too large will also be less effective at keeping a child warm, as there will be too much internal air space for the child's body to heat.
For this reason, it is recommended to buy a sleeping bag that fits snugly, with the child's feet reaching about three-quarters of the way down the bag. However, the bag should not be so small that it restricts the child's movement.
The majority of kids' sleeping bags come in only a handful of standard lengths. Most bags labelled as "Kids" or "Youth" fit up to 60 inches (5 feet) in height, with some fitting up to 64 to 66 inches. Bags designed for children under four feet in height are typically labelled as "boys" or "girls" rather than "kids."
Some sleeping bag manufacturers offer adjustable bags that can be lengthened as a child grows. This can be a more cost-effective option than buying multiple bags in different sizes.
When choosing a sleeping bag length, it is important to consider the child's height and the expected duration of use. If a child is approaching a growth spurt, it may be more practical to purchase an adult-sized bag that will fit them for a longer period of time.
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Sleeping bag warmth
When choosing a sleeping bag for a child, warmth is a key consideration. A sleeping bag that is too small may not provide adequate warmth, while a bag that is too big can also reduce warmth and may be uncomfortable for the child. A child-sized sleeping bag should fit snugly, like an adult's sleeping bag, with enough room for movement but not too much empty space.
To ensure warmth, it is important to select a sleeping bag with an appropriate temperature rating. Sleeping bags are typically assigned temperature ratings through standardized testing, such as the ISO Test, which involves placing a mannequin dressed in long underwear inside the bag and measuring the amount of electrical energy required to maintain its temperature as the surrounding air is cooled. This test provides three temperature thresholds: a comfort rating, a limit rating, and an extreme rating. The comfort rating indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable, while the limit rating is the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still be comfortable. The extreme rating gives an idea of the temperature at which there is a serious risk of hypothermia.
When choosing a sleeping bag for a child, it is generally recommended to consider their age, height, and expected growth spurts. Most kid-sized sleeping bags fit children up to 5 feet in height, with some fitting up to 64-66 inches. However, it is worth noting that children can quickly outgrow small bags, and some kids tend to sleep warm and may shed their bags even in cooler weather. Therefore, some parents opt for adjustable bags that can accommodate their child's growth or hand-me-down adult bags, especially for older children.
To enhance the warmth of a child's sleeping bag, consider additional measures such as using a sleeping pad or mat, wearing warm clothing and socks, and utilising a hot water bottle or hot cocoa before bed. Additionally, if the bag is too large, you can increase its warmth by stuffing clothes into the end to reduce internal air space.
By considering the temperature ratings, fit, and additional warmth measures, you can ensure that your child stays comfortable and cosy during their outdoor adventures or sleepovers.
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Child's height
When choosing a child's sleeping bag, it is important to consider their height to ensure the bag is not too big or too small. A bag that is too big can lead to a cold night's sleep as the child's body will have more space to heat up. Conversely, a bag that is too small will restrict the child's movement and may lead to heat accumulation. It is recommended to buy a sleeping bag based on the child's height rather than their age, and to only change the bag once the child has outgrown it.
The majority of kids' sleeping bags come in a handful of standard lengths. Most bags labelled as "Kids" or "Youth" fit up to 60 inches or 5 feet in height, with some fitting up to 64 to 66 inches. These sizes may be too large for toddlers and younger children. A few manufacturers produce pint-sized sleeping bags for children under 4 feet in height, which are typically labelled as "boys" or "girls" styles.
When choosing a sleeping bag for a baby, it is important to ensure that their head is unable to pass through the neck hole when the bag is zipped up. A 70 cm sleeping bag is typically suitable for babies up to 6 months old and can be used once the baby reaches a weight of at least 4 kg. The baby can continue to use this size until they reach a height of 70 cm.
For older children, there are a variety of sleeping bag options available depending on their height. The REI Co-op Kindercone 25 is suitable for children under 4 feet 5 inches, while the Wolverine bag from the same brand can fit children up to 4 feet 8 inches. The Torchlight bag from Big Agnes is designed for children up to 5 feet 4 inches. When choosing a sleeping bag for a child taller than 5 feet, it may be more practical to consider an adult-sized bag, which they will be able to use for a longer period of time.
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Child's age
The right sleeping bag will keep a child warm and comfortable, making it a longtime companion on camping trips and sleepovers. However, choosing the right size can be challenging, as children grow quickly and you want to maximise the longevity of the sleeping bag.
The majority of kids' sleeping bags come in standard lengths. Most bags labelled as "Kids" or "Youth" fit up to 60 inches, or 5 feet in height, with some fitting up to 64 to 66 inches. This can be quite big for toddlers and younger children. Bags for children under four feet in height are typically labelled as "boys" or "girls" styles.
When choosing a sleeping bag for a child, it should be snug, comfortable, not too long, and not too short. It is recommended to buy a sleeping bag based on the child's age and not to go a size bigger. A small sleeper in a big sleeping bag can reduce the bag's warmth, leading to a cold night's sleep.
For older children, it may be more practical to buy an adult-sized sleeping bag, especially if they are having growth spurts. Adult bags are also a good option if you want the sleeping bag to last for several years. However, it is important to ensure that the bag is not too big, as this can cause the child's body heat to escape, making them colder.
Some sleeping bags are adjustable and can be configured to different lengths as the child grows, which can be a more cost-effective option.
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Sleeping bag cost
The cost of a sleeping bag varies depending on its features and quality. Basic sleeping bags for children are available at a low price, with some options from Walmart priced between $19.97 and $48.85. However, inexpensive sleeping bags may not provide adequate insulation and warmth, particularly for outdoor use.
It is important to consider the intended use of the sleeping bag. For outdoor camping and backpacking trips, it is essential to invest in a higher-quality bag that can provide sufficient warmth and comfort. Sleeping bags designed for outdoor use typically cost more than those intended for indoor slumber parties.
When choosing a sleeping bag for children, it is recommended to opt for adjustable bags that can accommodate their growth. Big Agnes offers kid bags in three sizes, with the Torchlight model suitable for children up to 5 feet 4 inches tall. These bags are designed to grow with your child, providing longer-lasting use.
Additionally, some manufacturers produce sleeping bags specifically for children under four feet tall, often labelled as "boys" or "girls" styles. These bags may offer a better fit for younger children, but they might be more challenging to find and may cost more relative to their smaller size.
For older children or those experiencing growth spurts, purchasing an adult-sized sleeping bag from brands like REI or Paria Outdoors could be a more cost-effective option. Adult bags offer a longer-term solution, and women's specific bags tend to be shorter and provide better insulation.
The price range for sleeping bags varies widely, from $30 to $300 or more. The higher-priced bags often offer advantages such as extended warranties, lightweight designs, and the ability to retain warmth even when wet. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget and the specific needs of your child.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to ensure that the sleeping bag is not too big for your baby. Their head should not be able to pass through the neck hole when the bag is zipped up. It is recommended to buy a baby sleeping bag based on your baby's age and not to go for a bigger size.
A few manufacturers produce sleeping bags for children under four feet in height. These are commonly labelled “boys” or “girls”. Bags labelled “kids” or “youth” usually fit up to 5 feet in height.
Kid-sized sleeping bags are often less expensive than adult ones but your child may outgrow them quickly. Some adjustable sleeping bags can be configured to different lengths as your child grows. You could also opt for an adult-sized sleeping bag and use a strap to cinch it smaller if necessary.
By the early tween years, it is generally more practical to buy an adult-sized sleeping bag. You can estimate their adult height based on your family genetics.
It is important to ensure that your child is warm enough in their sleeping bag. A smaller sleeping bag means less space for a child’s body to heat up. Sleeping bags with built-in sleeping-pad sleeves will keep your child warmer and more comfortable.
