We often get asked ‘at what age should you stop using baby sleeping bags’? As the experts in baby sleep, who have been making and selling baby sleep bags in the UK for over 25 years, we have some answers! Here are our simple tips, based on years of experience as baby sleep bag manufacturers and parents…
What age can you start using a baby sleep bag?
Babies of any age, even newborn, can use a baby sleep bag – just ensure it is a suitable size. The average weight of a baby at birth is 7lb 8oz for boys and 7lb 4oz for girls in the UK. Purflo’s Swaddle To Sleep bags can be used from 6.6lbs so will be suitable for most newborns. If your baby is premature or born smaller than 6.6lbs then follow your midwife’s advice for dressing your baby for bed, until they reach 6.6lbs and can start using the Swaddle To Sleep.
As your baby grows you will need to size up their baby sleep bags, just like you do with their clothing. It’s very important that they always have the correct size of baby sleep bag as they are made to strict measurements which ensure that baby cannot slip down inside the baby sleep bag. Using a baby sleep bag instead of blankets eliminates the risk of baby getting loose fabric over their face, but only if you follow the size guide.
You’ll be glad to know that baby sleep bags do last longer than clothes though – the Swaddle to Sleep bag is suitable from 0-4 months, and then baby is ready to move onto stage 2, the Purflo Baby Sleep Bag which is available in sizes 3-9 months, 9-18 months and 18-36 months.
When should you stop using a baby sleep bag?
There is no definite point at which you must stop using a baby sleep bag. Many parents find that babies and toddlers enjoy the comfort of being tucked into their baby sleep bag and associate it with bedtime, so they are in no hurry to stop using them.
In our experience, most families continue to use baby sleep bags until the child is ready to transition out of the cot and into a big bed – around 2-3 years old. We offer baby sleep bags up to size 18-36 months as we have found that most children continue using them beyond age 2 and stop somewhere around age 3. Some children who particularly like the familiarity and routine of bedtime keep using them beyond age 3 as long as they fit, that’s normal too!
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer, it will be different for every child and every family. We want to reassure you that you can trust your own judgement on this one, you know best!
