13 best sleeping bags for babies and toddlers for keeping them safe and snug

It’s not even the most expensive sleeping bag on this list, and yet, this eco-friendly ribbed design from Mori has a few clever and stylish touches that we found set it apart from the other brands out there. Not only does it look great and feel super soft, but it’s made from sustainable cotton and naturally antibacterial/temperature-regulating bamboo, with a little stretch for extra wiggle room. Of all the designs we tried, this was easily the softest and snuggest of them all.

The concealed front zip makes getting baby ready for bed a breeze, and we love that you can adjust the length on two of the sizes, too (six-24 months and two to four years) – it makes this sleeping bag feel like a real investment piece knowing that baby will always have a cosy and comfortable night’s sleep. It comes in two pastel shades – blue or blush – and is machine washable at 30C. Plus, with sizes up to four years, you’ll feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.

Made from soft, breathable cotton, this lightweight sleeping bag from DockATot – the brand known for its beautifully crafted sleep “docks” – comes in a range of gorgeous reversible prints, including some from iconic British designer William Morris. They’re not the most technical fabrics, nor do they offer any snazzy features, but they’re undeniably some of the most beautiful sleeping bags we tested, proving that parents needn’t compromise when it comes to design and aesthetics.

This 1.0 tog number folds up easily, too, making it great for travel, and we especially appreciated the chunky zip guards which protect baby’s delicate skin. There’s also a collection of romper-style designs within the range in a selection of unisex colours for those who want a baby sleeping bag with legs.

With its cute safari print, this ultra-soft 1.0 tog number from The White Company is perfect for the warmer months, or when baby’s room is between 20C and 24C. Both the lining and outer are made from 100 per cent cotton, so you know little ones will be cosy and comfortable and that the material is soft enough for delicate skin.

We tested the largest size (18-36 months) and found it more than big enough for our growing 20-month-old tester, who slept soundly. The double zip at the side allows for easy changing, and the adjustable armhole poppers are a great touch. For younger babies, there’s an extra popper too, to allow for a snugger fit.

As a label known for its certified-organic hypoallergenic baby mattresses – which has since seen it become one of the UK’s leading ethical brands – you know anything you purchase from The Little Green Sheep is going to be free from toxins and harmful chemicals that might cause baby to have an unrestful night. The brand’s range of sleeping bags is made from an organic brushed cotton and linen mix, making them great for little ones with particularly sensitive skin or allergies.

We tested the cosy 2.5 tog in honey rice which we felt was one of the thickest and cosiest options we reviewed, and in terms of value for money, this mid-priced option delivers on all levels. The underarm poppers allow for a secure fit and (hooray!) it washes up well on a delicate machine cycle.

Designed to take all the guesswork out of your baby’s sleep environment, Halo’s brand-new sleep sack uses patented technology and smart fabric to keep your tot at a consistent temperature throughout the night. The regulating fabric – said to absorb heat when your baby is too warm and release it back when their temperature dips – is light and soft, and even has a little stretch for ultimate comfort.

It comes in two styles: a traditional sleeping bag and swaddle-style bag which allows you to swaddle baby in three different ways (including with their arms out). We tried the latter on our three-month-old tester whose parents claimed they slept “better” from the very first night. Even if you’re not a seasoned swaddler yet, this design isn’t at all complicated, and there’s a bottom-to-top front zip for easy changing. Plus, it’s machine washable, too.

There’s nothing our tester didn’t love about this sleeping bag from Ickle Bubba, and its low price point makes it excellent value. It’s made from soft jersey cotton and feels both warm and gentle on the skin, while the two-way zipper and poppers make it easy to slip your little one in and out without disturbing them too much. It’s slightly narrower around the neck compared to some other styles of the same size – this wasn’t an issue for our three-month-old but might be something to consider if you have a rapidly growing little one.

The cute bunny design is perfect if you’re looking for a gift but don’t know the sex of the baby yet, too. You can also pick up coordinating “Bunnychino” pieces from the brand’s nursery collection.

This clever product converts from a traditional sleeping bag to a sleep suit with legs – much like a cosy wearable duvet. It’s particularly great if your little one is making the transition from sleeping bag and cot to toddler bed with a duvet. We tested the 1.0 tog, which comes with short sleeves and feels nice and thick without being heavy. However, this one comes in a wide range of togs, including a much lighter 0.3 and a considerably warmer 3.5.

The sleep suit bag is made from organic cotton so it’s breathable and comes with slipper-like soles for good grip on wooden floors. The four-way zip moves smoothly up and down and it’s super easy to transform from bag to suit in seconds. We feel babies aged around two and three will get the most benefit out of this product, but sizes go all the way up to six years.

It was love at first sight when our tester spotted this handmade geometric-print sleeping bag from Malabar Baby. Malabar is a brand that champions sustainability and craftsmanship in India, working closely with local artisans and women-founded manufacturers to produce long-lasting pieces made from hypoallergenic organic cotton (and non-toxic dyes) that will only get softer with every wash.

This plush sleeping bag comes in two weights – lightweight (around 1.0 tog) and quilted (around 2.2 tog). We tested the latter and the quality was plain to see – this feels like a premium product, so though it’s pricier than some others, there’s a lot to love about it. Like the Mori sleeping bag, this one has a central zip as opposed to a side fastening, with a right-hand shoulder popper and central popper. But just like all the others on our list, we were able to get baby in and out smoothly, even while they were snoozing.

If your baby is growing out of the need to be swaddled, either because they prefer to keep their arms free or they’re learning to roll (which can make swaddling unsafe), this design from the experts at Tommee Tippee could be the perfect next step. It’s cut to be quite slim fitting around the chest to give the secure feeling of a swaddle, with a much roomier lower half to allow baby to stretch their legs and move their hips freely.

The two-way zip runs along the side to the chest, which our tester found came in handy, but is securely tucked behind a guard so as not to irritate your little one. The bamboo-rich fabric feels super soft against baby’s skin, while the cotton lining is said to be infused with naturally soothing aloe vera.

The baby sleep geniuses at Snüz created this sleeping bag to make night-time nappy changes that bit easier, with a unique easy-access zip which allows you to do some stealth nappy swaps without disturbing your little one or making them cold. In fact, our mini tester slept through the whole thing, night after night, nappy change after nappy change, so it really does make all the difference.

We reviewed the cute cloud print because it tied in nicely with our tester’s nursery, but there’s a whole range of designs to choose from, including colourful rainbows, spots and stars. The 2.5 tog is gently padded and feels thick enough for winter use, but you can also pick it up in a 1.0 for summer.

Renowned for its long-lasting cotton muslins and swaddles, we had high expectations from Aden + Anais when we tested this sleeping bag, and it certainly delivered. Like the muslins, you can choose from a range of soft pastel prints – we thought the Twinkle print was a great gender-neutral option – but the pièce de résistance here is the fabric.

Combining four layers of breathable cotton muslin, this sleeping bag offers maximum airflow (helping to reduce the chance of overheating), and it’s super soft and gentle on even the most sensitive of baby skin. We tested the 1.5 tog, which is great for when you’re transitioning between seasons, but it’s also available in 1.0. The bag is also machine washable – in fact, it’ll only get softer after every wash. This is an investment buy but long-lasting and worth the purchase in every sense.

We loved this wadded cotton number from JoJo Maman Bebe that comes in a super-cute meadow print that would look especially lovely in the nursery. At 2.5 tog, it’s ideal for year-round sleeping, with a side zip that makes it easy to wrestle with baby at night in the dark. Our tester found the side zip smooth to use and had no problems getting their child in and out since the bag handily opens flat (not all of them do) for easy changing. And, as any parent of a young child will be pleased to know, it washes up brilliantly at 30C in the machine.

For a year-round sleeping bag, this organic cotton version from the makers of Ewan the dream sheep is the ultimate budget buy. Featuring an all-over print designed to complement the renowned white noise machine, it’s ultra-thick and snuggly and has a well-placed side zip and adjustable armhole poppers to keep smaller babies extra secure. It doesn’t feel as premium as some of the others we tested, but for the price, it’s excellent value and does the job. The sizing is particularly generous, too, so your little one has ample room to grow before you’ll need to upsize.