Grobag Baby Sleeping Bags

Frequently Asked Questions

Are baby sleeping bags safe?

Yes. Well fitting, low-tog baby sleeping bags, when used correctly, are potentially one of the safest forms of bedding for your baby. While the baby has complete freedom of movement within the bag, the fitted neck and armholes ensure that there is no danger of either slipping in or out, provided the baby is placed in the correct size of grobag baby sleeping bag for his age/weight. Therefore, provided also that a suitable level of sleepwear is worn, he or she can sleep safely at a pleasant and constant temperature throughout the night.

Grobag has conducted exhaustive research and product testing to ensure that all the components of their baby sleeping bags conform to relevant British Safety Standards and safety regulations. Grobag also follows guidelines from health professionals that baby sleeping bags should be well-fitting and lightweight. This is why the grobag baby sleeping bags are no more than 2.5 togs.

When can I first put my baby in a grobag baby sleeping bag?

The 0-6 month size grobag baby sleeping bag can be used for babies that weigh over 7 lbs. The 0-6 month size has snaps under the arms to make the arm hole smaller for when your baby is very young.

It is very important to check that your baby's head cannot pass through the neck-hole when the grobag baby sleeping bag is fastened for use.

Why is the weight of the baby so important for smaller size grobag baby sleeping bag?

The key safety consideration is to ensure that babies cannot slip down inside the baby sleeping bag. Therefore, grobag has designed the neck size to be as large as possible to allow comfort and heat loss, while being smaller than the average head circumference of the younger age/lower weight of baby recommended for the grobag baby sleeping bag. Grobag baby sleeping bags use health professional graphs to link head sizes with weight. Most new parents do not know head circumference of their babies, but they do know their weight, so weight is used as a guide.

You must always take care not to allow your baby's head to slip down and get covered by any bedding, whether that bedding is a grobag baby sleeping bag, blankets or sheets.

Why don't grobag baby sleeping bags have sleeves?

Grobag believes that baby sleeping bags should be sleeveless to aid heat loss and air circulation. Remember that babies sleeping under traditional blankets rarely sleep with their arms inside.

In cooler weather, it is recommended to dress your baby in a long-sleeve bodysuit, in addition to a long-sleeved pajama top or socksuit.

What should my baby wear under a grobag baby sleeping bag?

What your baby wears will depend on the type of grobag baby sleeping bag and the temperature of the baby's bedroom. (In the same way as you would adjust the sleepwear and number of blankets). As a guide, please refer to the Sizes, Togs and What to Wear page. Please remember, though, that babies are all different and, just as with blankets and sheets, you will soon discover what your baby is most comfortable wearing.

What is the best room temperature for my baby?

Health professionals recommend that the ideal room temperature for your baby is around 61-68°F. The grobag baby sleeping bags are designed to be used at this temperature. If the nursery is warmer or colder, simply adjust the level of clothing or the tog of the grobag baby sleeping bag your child is wearing.

To help you keep an eye on room temperature grobag invented the grobag egg™ color changing digital room thermometer. See grobag egg™ for more detail.

Is there any danger that my baby could become too hot in a grobag baby sleeping bag?

Provided you follow the guidelines in the Sizes, Togs and What to Wear page, there should be no danger of your baby over-heating. Decrease the level of sleepwear and bedding if your baby is sick and has a raised temperature. If you are in any doubt, please consult a health professional.

What should I do if my baby gets too cold or too hot?

If your baby woke up because he is too cold, pick him up & adjust either the temperature of the room, or the baby's clothing. You can cuddle your baby in their grobag baby sleeping bag to warm him up again before putting him back, warm and cozy, in his crib. If your baby feels hot, you should cool him down by removing some clothing and then either adjust the temperature of the bedroom or the clothes your baby is wearing before returning him to his crib.

Why is there a free nursery thermometer?

Grobag provides a free room thermometer with every grobag baby sleeping bag to help you monitor the temperature of the room your baby is sleeping in. It also gives further information on how to use your grobag baby sleeping bag and suitable levels of clothing for your baby. The thermometer was designed by grobag founder Ouvrielle for husband Rob, so that he would stop asking how to dress the baby every night! Also see the Sizes, Togs and What to Wear page.

To make it even easier to check the room temperature, grobag offers the grobag egg™ color changing digital room thermometer. See grobag egg™ for more details.

What does the tog rating mean?

The tog rating describes the warmth or "Thermal Resistance" of a product and is widely used in the UK to explain warmth levels of duvets. Grobag baby sleeping bags are tog tested to conform to BS4745:1990. The latest advice from health professionals is that baby sleeping bags should be 'lightweight'. This is why grobag baby sleeping bags are 2.5 togs or less.

Why only 2.5 togs when my winter weight duvet is 12 togs?

Health professional guidelines recommend that baby sleeping bags should be 'lightweight'. A baby sleeping bag surrounds the baby, providing insulation from both below and above, and also a warm pocket of air around the baby.

Because of the low tog rating grobag baby sleeping bags also provide a versatility that a higher tog sleeping bag would not allow, and both the 2.5 tog and 1.0 tog baby sleeping bags can be used for the vast majority of the year.

When the weather is very cold, simply add more clothing (this could include a sleepsuit, socks and even a cardigan). When the weather is warmer, or if your child is sick, you can remove layers of clothing while still keeping your baby at the right temperature. Never use a duvet or quilt with a baby sleeping bag.

Which tog grobag baby sleeping bag should I buy?

The 2.5 tog quilted grobag baby sleeping bags are ideal for autumn, winter and spring in northern climates and can be used right up until the summer nights become warm. If your nursery is usually 68°F or below, grobag recommends a 2.5 tog baby sleeping bag. Approximately 75% of the grobag baby sleeping bags sold are 2.5 tog, so they are very useful!

1.0 togs are ideal for use from late spring to late summer in northern climates when the nights are warmer. However, if you live in a particularly mild part of the country or if you have well insulated and heated accommodation and your nursery is regularly 70°F or above, you may prefer a 1.0 tog grobag baby sleeping bag for year round use. They are also very useful in early spring and autumn for day-time naps while your baby is still in a 2.5 tog grobag baby sleeping bag at night.

0.5 tog grobag baby sleeping bags are for use in summer, for traveling to warmer climates, or if your child is sick and has a raised temperature.

How many grobag baby sleeping bags should I buy?

Grobag recommends that you buy at least two grobag baby sleeping bags (so you will always have a spare one if you suddenly need one in the middle of the night).

What other bedding can I use with my grobag baby sleeping bag?

You should use your grobag baby sleeping bag instead of blankets and sheets. The only other bedding required is a bottom sheet.

Duvets, quilts and pillows should not be used for babies under 1 year old and never with a baby sleeping bag. If your baby shares your bed, make sure they are only in a grobag baby sleeping bag, and not under your own bedding as well. Please note that grobag baby sleeping bags are designed to replace blankets and sheets in your baby's crib or bed. They are not intended for use as dressing gowns outside the baby's bedroom.

IMPORTANT: NEVER USE YOUR GROBAG BABY SLEEPING BAG WITH A DUVET OR QUILT

If my baby is in a grobag baby sleeping bag do I need to use the feet to foot position in the crib?

Grobag baby sleeping bags are designed to be used without any additional blankets or sheets so there is no need to use the feet to foot position, as there will be no loose bedding to tuck in.

Is it OK to use a grobag baby sleeping bag when my baby is in a Moses Basket?

Yes, this is absolutely fine. Remember to make sure that your baby is big enough for their grobag baby sleeping bag and their head cannot slip down inside the sleeping bag.

Why do some designs have a front zipper and others have a side zipper?

Feedback from parents has been very mixed about what they find easiest for their baby, so grobag now offers a choice across the line to suit everyone. Some people prefer a side opening, where it can be opened out flat for easy night-time changes. Other parents have said that they prefer the front zipper version, and this can be particularly useful on the multi-functional designs, which have a 2-way front travel zipper to ensure they can be used with a 5-point harness. Front zipper version grobag baby sleeping bags have zipper guards, to make your baby even more comfortable.

My toddler has learned how to undo the zipper on their grobag baby sleeping bag, but I want her to stay in her grobag for a few more months.

To overcome this problem, grobag has invented the zip-click™ on the 18-36m size grobag baby sleeping bags. The zip-click™ cover at the bottom of the zipper stops adventurous little ones from opening their zippers. Parents have reported that they love this feature!

Can my baby wear a grobag baby sleeping bag in the car - I can't bear to wake them up?

Some of the grobag baby sleeping bags are multi-functional and are suitable for sleeping babies at home or on the move. These "travel bags" have a 2-way zipper at the front and a back vent which can be used in conjunction with a 5-point harness. This way, you can easily transfer your baby from the crib, to the car or stroller. For more information on how to use the travel feature see bubbles design.

My baby has sensitive skin – which grobag baby sleeping bag should I choose?

The organics grobag baby sleeping bag is made out of 100% organic naturally dyed cotton (lining and outer) which is kind to sensitive skins and kind to the environment.

How do I wash my grobag baby sleeping bag?

All grobag baby sleeping bags can be machine washed at 105°F. They can be hung out to dry or tumble dried on a low setting. As with all cotton goods, grobag baby sleeping bags are designed to allow for up to 5% shrinkage.

When do I stop using a grobag baby sleeping bag?

Grobag baby sleeping bags can be used right up to the time your child is ready to move from a crib to a bed, and because of the freedom of movement they allow, can be used even longer if the child wishes. Even though your toddler will happily stand up in a zippered bag, crib-climbing will be far from easy, and your grobag baby sleeping bag may well delay the age at which you have to move your child to a bed - a big bonus!

Is grobag a brand name?

Yes, it is a registered trademark. Remember, a baby sleeping bag by any other name is not a grobag! When you buy a grobag baby sleeping bag, you have chosen the safest, most tested, best made and best value baby sleeping bag available.

How can I create the safest possible sleep environment for my baby?

Advice for parents to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):

• Cut smoking in pregnancy - fathers too! And don't let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
• Place your baby on his or her back to sleep (and not on the front or side).
• Do not let your baby get too hot, and keep your baby's head uncovered.
• Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair.
• The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib in a room with you for the first six months.
• It's especially dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed if you (or your partner): are a smoker, even if you never smoke in bed or at home, have been drinking alcohol, take medication or drugs that make you drowsy, feel very tired; or if your baby: was born before 37 weeks, weighed less than 5½ lbs at birth, is less than three months old.
• Don't forget, accidents can happen: you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby; or your baby could get caught between the wall and the bed, or could roll out of an adult bed and be injured.
• Settling your baby to sleep with a dummy, even for naps, can reduce the risk of SIDS, even if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep.

For further information visit www.fsid.org.uk

What are grobag baby sleeping bags made of?

Grobag baby sleeping bags come in a variety of soft fabrics, and all of the designs have cotton lining to go next to your baby's skin. They are available in woven cotton, organic cotton, soft cotton jersey, luxurious velour, and soft anti-pill fleece.

2.5 tog grobag baby sleeping bags have a soft polyester filling which is lightweight and quick to dry.

1.0 and 0.5 tog grobag baby sleeping bags are made of 100% cotton, as there is no filling on the lighter weight togs.

Zippers and snaps are always chosen from a reputable branded supplier to ensure ongoing quality and safety.

Do you use chemicals to fire retard your grobag baby sleeping bags?

No. Grobag does not believe in the use of chemicals to fire retard their baby sleeping bags because prolonged exposure to a high dosage of chemical flame retardant is thought to carry a considerable risk to health.

Are grobag baby sleeping bags fire retardant?

Outer fabric and lining: Where possible, grobag uses 100% cotton lining on grobag baby sleeping bags in order to have a natural and breathable product like cotton next to the baby's skin. The only possible way in which to fire retard cotton is to add chemicals and grobag believes that the risk to an infant of direct contact with these chemicals (by skin contact, sucking or inhaling) outweighs the potential risks associated with fire.

Filling: The filling of the 2.5 tog grobag baby sleeping bags is fire retardant. It is made from 100% polyester which is constructed in such a way as to meet fire retardancy requirements without adding any chemicals. (Organic 2.5 tog grobag baby sleeping bags have a cotton filling which is not fire retardant.)

Although the cotton lining and the outer fabric are not fire retarded, the use of the inherently fire retardant polyester filling on the 2.5 tog grobag baby sleeping bags effectively acts as a fire retardant "barrier."