It's often not may years into a kids life before most parents have to buy a kids sleeping bag. Their kids might be going for a sleepover at a friend's house, a night at granny's place or even camping for the first time. There is now a bewildering array of kids sleeping bags available so how do you decide which one to buy?
So Which Kids Sleeping Bag Should You Choose?
Should you buy a mummy shape or rectangular sleeping bag? Given the choice, most kids probably would pick a mummy shaped sleeping bag. Thankfully lots of manufacturers are creating good mummy shaped sleeping bags for kids. There's something about the cocoon-like feeling that kids love. They'll also be warmer in a mummy shaped bag that with an open topped rectangular sleeping bag.
If you do choose a mummy shaped bag for the kids then, especially with younger kids it might be a good idea to get them to practise getting in and out of it in a hurry, especially if they are prone to needing a bathroom visit during the night. It's easy to get caught out if you're not used to the process of opening the top of the bag.
A kids sleeping bag can be purchased in a variety of different colours, some with fancy patterns and pictures on them. Bear in mind they will probably be seen by their friends in it so try and avoid buying a pattern that will embarrass them in a couple of years time.
From a safety point of view, if you are using a kids sleeping bag for very young kids, you can put your mind at ease a bit by removing the neck drawcord and tying a strap round the bottom of the bag to limit the length. This should help eliminate risk of strangulation or asphyxiation if the child slips down inside the bag. As they get older obviously this is less of a risk and you can remove the strap and put the drawcord back in when you decide it is safe to do so.
Regarding temperature ratings with a kids sleeping bag, many kids sleep a lot warmer than adults so it is not always necessary to have the full 4 season expedition bag if your kids are going camping in summer. A simple 2-3 season bag is often a lot more comfortable and you're kids should not overheat in it so much.
If you are considering the difference between down and synthetic filling for kids, always go with synthetic. Down bags take a lot more care and attention whilst synthetic bags can be washed easily and can generally take more abuse.
Written for OutdoorScotland.co.uk where you can buy a kids sleeping bag.
If you do choose a mummy shaped bag for the kids then, especially with younger kids it might be a good idea to get them to practise getting in and out of it in a hurry, especially if they are prone to needing a bathroom visit during the night. It's easy to get caught out if you're not used to the process of opening the top of the bag.
A kids sleeping bag can be purchased in a variety of different colours, some with fancy patterns and pictures on them. Bear in mind they will probably be seen by their friends in it so try and avoid buying a pattern that will embarrass them in a couple of years time.
From a safety point of view, if you are using a kids sleeping bag for very young kids, you can put your mind at ease a bit by removing the neck drawcord and tying a strap round the bottom of the bag to limit the length. This should help eliminate risk of strangulation or asphyxiation if the child slips down inside the bag. As they get older obviously this is less of a risk and you can remove the strap and put the drawcord back in when you decide it is safe to do so.
Regarding temperature ratings with a kids sleeping bag, many kids sleep a lot warmer than adults so it is not always necessary to have the full 4 season expedition bag if your kids are going camping in summer. A simple 2-3 season bag is often a lot more comfortable and you're kids should not overheat in it so much.
If you are considering the difference between down and synthetic filling for kids, always go with synthetic. Down bags take a lot more care and attention whilst synthetic bags can be washed easily and can generally take more abuse.
Written for OutdoorScotland.co.uk where you can buy a kids sleeping bag.
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