Camping season is here and that means nights spent under the stars! To help you prepare for your next trip as a family, we’ve put together the ultimate Kids Sleeping Bag Guide so you can make an informed choice.
A regular sleeping bag is perfectly suitable for children aged 6 and above. Shorter length sleeping bags (which we call ‘mini’) are recommended for children over 3 years of age. It is not recommended children below 3 years sleep in sleeping bags.
We do not recommend young children sleep in adult sized sleeping bags. If a child wriggles down to the bottom of a sleeping bag, it can cause them distress and there is a risk of suffocation.
How warm a sleeping bag is, will be called its season rating. Sleeping bag season ratings are designed to make it easier to choose your sleeping bag. Ratings range from season 1, designed for summer camping, to season 4, designed for cold winter nights.
| Season | Season Rating | Use |
| Season 1 | Summer camping and indoor use | |
| Season 2 | ||
| Season 3 | Autumn/Winter. Mild – cold nights without frost | |
| Season 4 |
Cold winter nights. May be frost/snow |
Kids sleeping bags come in two shapes, ‘rectangular’ or ‘cocoon’.
Rectangular sleeping bags are roomier than cocoon sleeping bags and can be fully opened and used as a blanket. Rectangular sleeping bags are less effective at retaining heat than cocoon bags and are best for indoor use, caravanning and summer camping.
A cocoon sleeping bag usually has improved heat retention, mainly because they have a hood. Much of your body heat is lost through your head, so a hood will help keep in heat. A draw cord closure allows you to pull the hood tight against your face for added warmth.
Now you know how to pick your childrens sleeping bag ready for their next adventure, why not take a look at some other camping essentials?
Camping Chairs
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Full Camping Range
