by Stephanie Harper – Sleeping outside is, in my opinion, one of the best parts about camping with kids. After all, nothing says camping like having a cozy, warm kids sleeping bag in which to bundle up as night approaches. There are tons of options out there, and it may seem confusing, but don’t be discouraged–we recommend checking out the buying guide below before you spend a dime, then check out our top 11 best kids sleeping bags for your young outdoor snoozers.
3 Steps to Buying the Right Kid’s Sleeping Bag
1. Perfecting the fit for your kid’s sleeping bag
Finding the right fit for a child-sized sleeping bag is just as important as comfort. Since kids grow so fast, a bag that will fit over several growth spurts is much appreciated. The age range for most kids sleeping bags is five to 12 years of age, on up to almost six feet in height.
Look for plenty of room in the barrel for splayed out arms and legs, and smooth zipper motion for easy access in and out. Some kids sleeping bags are larger at the top and slimmer toward the bottom to preserve body heat, or have wider bodies, a more comfortable option for some kids who don’t like tight spaces.
2. Choosing the proper kids sleeping bag insulation
Kids sleeping bags have two kinds of insulation: synthetic and goose down. You’ll want to select a kids sleeping bag based on the season and the type of camping or outdoor family activity you’ll be doing. One of the good things about synthetic insulation is it doesn’t dampen when wet, and also keeps young bodies warmer with the addition of quality outdoor kids clothing, including base layers or jackets.
Down insulation does get warmer faster, but when wet can soak all the way through. Another consideration is the sleeping bag’s temperature rating. For example, a 30°F rating for a kids sleeping bag is suitable up to a 30°F temperature outside.
3. Which material is right for your kid’s sleeping bag?
Most kids sleeping bags are made of polyester with a polyester/taffeta shell. Quilted material, double layers, and reinforced seams are all beneficial features as well, including special stitching that changes the fabric layout and consistency. A waterproof outer shell can be useful for rainy weather or extra-heavy condensation.
6 Additional Kids Sleeping Bag Features to Consider:
Double-sided zippers for even easier access
An attached hood or cuff to set a pillow in
Outer and inner pockets
Extra large foot bed for roomy coziness
Carrying straps and/or compression stuff sack with drawcords
Able to connect to another bag to make one large one
Researching a kids sleeping bag is the fun part–now read about our top 11 best kids sleeping bags plus our favorite family sleeping bag below for outdoor sleeping adventures and beyond.
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Originally from the Bay Area, CA, Stephanie Harper now resides in the mountains of Asheville, NC with her 4 children, husband, black lab Gus, and Russian grey cat Marley. She is a writer and blogger at Raising Kids Wild and loves to run and hike. When she’s not reading for social justice book club she is foraging or experimenting with new food to ferment.
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