Best Kids Sleeping Bags
There’s nothing like a good old fashioned camping trip to bring the family closer together! However, camping with kids does require some extra planning and equipment, just to make sure your young ones will be safe and comfy while enjoying everything the great outdoors has to offer. The first thing to pay attention to is providing a properly insulated, comfortable place for your child to sleep in – kids sleeping bags are a great way to emulate the comfort and warmth of their own bed, just make it more fun and travel-friendly.
Of course, not any sleeping bag will do. There are many different factors to consider when you’re buying a sleeping bag for a child, starting from dimensions all the way to the materials and safety precautions.
| Best Kids Sleeping Bags | Specs |
Wenzel Moose Sleeping Bag |
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Kelty Boys & Girls Big Dipper Sleeping Bag |
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Disney Minnie Mouse Slumber Bag Set |
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Coleman Kids 30 Degree Sleeping Bag |
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Pacific Pass Kids Sleeping Bag |
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Table Of Contents
What to Look for in Kids Sleeping Bags
Despite what you may think, there are different things to pay attention to when you’re buying a sleeping bag for a kid – what works for you and what you need doesn’t necessarily have to be the same for your child. Kids sleeping bags are usually designed for children that are between 5 and 12 years old, and if you’re looking for a sleeping bag for a toddler, there’s a whole other set of factors to consider, mostly due to suffocation hazards and other safety precautions that are important for baby accessories in general. With regular sleeping bags for kids, though, these are the things to pay attention to – and look for – when looking for a perfect match.
Size
The most obvious place to start from is the dimensions of the sleeping bag. You want the right fit that will ensure that your kid is comfy and snug as a bug, but still give them enough room to wiggle around. And not to mention the fact that kids grow so fast – and unless you’re okay with going through a few sleeping bags until you hit the teen years, you’ll want a sleeping bag that will accommodate their growth. The primary measure you’ll need is the height of your kid- so you can choose the length of the sleeping bag accordingly. There are adjustable kids sleeping bags available, as well – you can shorten these and use them throughout your child’s formative years.
Another thing to consider is the width of the sleeping bag, as you want them to be able to splay out their arms and legs, sleep comfortably, and toss and turn around as they please. Some kids don’t like being too snug, either, so some moving room is never a bad idea, as long as the zippers are well made and can keep the warmth in.
Insulation
When it comes to insulating properties, you’ll have to consider the season and the weather conditions in the area you’re going camping. Are the nights going to be really cold, regardless of what month of the year is? Is dampness a potential issue? The answers to these questions can help you find out what kind of fill to look for in kids sleeping bags. Synthetic filling is the most common and the most convenient option and it is available in two forms: bonded and loose. Bonded synthetic insulation comes in the shape of sheet filling which allows it to spread warmth uniformly and retain its shape even if it gets wet. Loose synthetic insulation tries to offer the same qualities as down by being compressible, fluffy, and warm – yet it has the advantage of tolerating wetness that feather filling doesn’t have.
This brings us to the most expensive insulating option which is natural down, prized for the fact that it boasts higher weight to warmth ratio than synthetic insulation. Essentially, this translates to a lighter sleeping bag that’s much warmer than the alternative, a great combo for a travel accessory. However, down insulation is notorious for losing its insulating ability when it gets wet, and that kind of unreliableness is best to avoid if you’re planning a trip in cold and damp conditions.
Material
Despite what it may seem like, there are various different fabrics that are used to make sleeping bags. One type is usually used for the shell and the other for lining, seeing how the requirement for each side of the sleeping bag would be different. On the outside, you should go for water-resistant, breathable, and durable fabrics. The choices are many, starting from the most common and most affordable options such as nylon, all the way to specialized types of fabric that offer certain perks, such as the DryClime or DryLoft. For most kids sleeping bags, however, nylon or ripstop is a suitable choice. You want something that is decent and not too expensive- they’ll grow out of it pretty fast, after all.
And when it comes to lining, the options are equally diverse. Most just use synthetics such as nylon or taffeta as they are affordable and have good features (lightweight, thermo-regulating to an extent), but you can go for natural materials such as flannel or cotton, or the warm fleece if you need an extra layer of toastiness for your kiddo.
Durability
When you’re buying camping gear in general, durability is always one of the priorities. You want something that is tough, long-lasting, and won’t rip or tear in the middle of your trip. In terms of the durability of kids sleeping bags, what you need to pay attention to are the zippers and the face fabric. The zippers shouldn’t snag, they need to allow easy access and be made from high-quality materials. The shell of the sleeping bag needs to be made from tough, water-resistant materials that stand up well to moisture and wear and tear.
Portability
While you do want to consider all the little details that make the sleeping bag safe and comfortable for your child, that doesn’t mean you should overlook the practicality aspect. The sleeping bag needs to be convenient to store away when it’s not used and compact enough to be easily packed in your car or bag without taking up too much space.
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Best Kids Sleeping Bags
Wenzel Moose Sleeping Bag
Best children sleeping bag for camping
Wenzel camping gear has a tradition that’s over a century-long, and this kids sleeping bag is a great example of their great workmanship. Affordable yet really well-made, the bag is designed to offer maximum convenience for the parent as well as comfort for the child. Easy to open and close thanks to self-repairing, two-way coil zipper with a double slider. Rated for temperatures up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, this sleeping bag is suited for indoor and outdoor use both. To boot, due to the rectangular shape of the sleeping bag, it can be completely unzipped if the weather is too hot or be used as a blanket when the occasion arises.
With quilted Insul-Therm synthetic filling, this kids sleeping bag does great in all seasons and all conditions – the 190T polyester taffeta shell is not waterproof, but the breathability and durability make it a good overall choice for camping conditions. And to make matters more convenient for travel, this sleeping bag comes with a stuff sack for carrying included. Pick between pink or blue moose print to match your child’s preferences.
Who Should Buy This?
For those of you that want a versatile kids sleeping bag that can be a good choice in the summer or chilly autumn days and suited for indoor and outdoor use both, this is a great choice. Good for family camping trips or sleepovers, it will fit most kids thanks to its generous size.
Pros
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Great for camping
- Self-repairing double slider zippers
- Hypoallergenic and warm fill
- Can be converted to a blanket
- Stuff sack included
Cons
- Not for colder weather
Specs for Comparison:
Temperature rating: 40 degrees Fahrenheit
Size: 66 inches by 26 inches
Weight: 3.3 pounds
Kelty Boys & Girls Big Dipper Sleeping Bag
Best expandable kids sleeping bag
Founded in the 1950s, Kelpy is a brand well-known for its outstanding camping gear and accessories, and its range of kid-friendly products is as impressive as the equipment they make for adults. This cleverly-designed sleeping bag for children grows with your kid- it is both practical and cost-effective. The secret is in the expandable foot box that lengthens the bag by 12 inches if needed, making sure that your kid gets years of use out of his sleeping bag. And with this quality of materials and the make, it can be used for years without looking worse for the wear.
With double-layer, offset-quilted construction and trademark cloud loft insulation, this sleeping bag will keep your young one toasty and snug as a bug. It is rated for 30 degrees Fahrenheit so it is suited for chillier weather as well. It is available in navy and olive green.
Who Should Buy This?
If you don’t have a tight budget and want something that will last your kid for years, this durable and adjustable kids sleeping bag is the one you’ll want. Well-made from high-quality materials, it is suited for colder weather and indoor and outdoor use alike.
Pros
- High-quality and long-lasting
- Suitable for colder weather
- Expandable so it fits kids age 4 to 12
- Lightweight
- Stuff sack included
Cons
- Expensive
Specs for Comparison:
Temperature rating: 30 degrees Fahrenheit
Size: can be set to up to 60 inches by 56 inches
Weight: 2.9 pounds
Disney Minnie Mouse Slumber Bag Set
Best sleeping bag for girl’s sleepovers
What kid doesn’t love Disney? This girly and cute sleeping bag will make your little princess grin from ear to ear and make her a star of the slumber party. Unlike rugged sleeping bags for camping, this is an indoor-only kids sleeping bag. Ideal for sleepovers, this 2-piece set includes a sleeping bag and a handy sling bag to carry it. The sleeping bag is made of soft microfiber with a lightweight synthetic filling that will keep your little one snug when they’re sleeping at a friend’s house or staying with grandparents.
The sleeping bag is available in various designs that feature the most popular Disney characters, from Minnie Mouse to Paw Patrol. This slumber sleeping bag set is suited for kids from 3 to 8 years of age.
Who Should Buy This?
In case you don’t need a kids sleeping bag for camping but rather one for indoor use alone, this cute Disney design fits the bill. Made to be used for sleepovers, it will make sure your kid has a snug and comfy place to sleep in when they’re visiting cousins or friends.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Comes with its own sling bag
- Great for indoor use
- Cute design
Cons
- Flimsy
Specs for Comparison:
Temperature rating: /
Size: 46 inches by 26 inches
Weight: 1.15 pounds
Coleman Kids 30 Degree Sleeping Bag
Best kids sleeping bag for cold weather
With a tradition that’s 120 years long, Coleman is an established brand in the world of camping gear, manufacture they started off when they started producing camping stoves for WWII soldiers. Nowadays, they are best known for their high-quality camping gear and accessories- including some of the best-made kids sleeping bags. This particular design is popular for the fact that it’s designed for colder weather- the hollow polyester insulation is great for heat retention and will keep your kiddo toasty even if the temperatures drop to 30 degrees below zero. And the ‘mummy’ sleeping bag style envelops the kid completely (with a nifty hood that surrounds their head) to make sure no heat escapes – but it’s still a comfy spot for sleeping.
Recommended for kids that are 6 years of age and older, and will fit all children that are up to 5 feet tall, this compact and lightweight sleeping bag comes with its own stuff bag for ease of carrying.
Who Should Buy This?
When you’re outdoorsy and want to include your kids on all of your adventures in nature, you have to be prepared for all weather conditions. Suited for those days when the weather is chillier at night, this kids sleeping bag is ideal for camping when temperatures are around 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Suited for cold weather
- Mummy style for a snug fit
- Hollow insulation for better heat retention
- Lightweight
- Comes with its own carrying bag
- High-quality materials
Cons
- Zipper prone to malfunction
Specs for Comparison:
Temperature rating: 30 degrees Fahrenheit
Size: 66 inches by 26 inches
Weight: 3 pounds
Pacific Pass Kids Sleeping Bag
Most compact kids sleeping bag
When you’re traveling with kids, having more storage space in the car is priceless- there never seems to be enough of it. This lightweight and compact kids sleeping bag is ideal for these situations as it comes with a compression sack included- and it makes an already compact sleeping bag even smaller and easier to fit in your bag or the car’s trunk.
The simple rectangular design and light synthetic fill make this sleeping bag suited for summer months or indoor use only- it is rated for 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so have it in mind if you’re looking for something that’s good for all seasons of the year. Available in pink or blue.
Who Should Buy This?
When you need something simple, affordable, and easy to pack- these kids sleeping bags are heaven-sent. Lightweight and packed in a compression sack, they won’t take up much room in the car and yet they’ll be more than cozy for a summer camping trip.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to store
- Lightweight
- Practical rectangular design
- Suitable for summer or indoor use
Cons
- Not suited for colder weather
Specs for Comparison:
Temperature rating: 50 degrees Fahrenheit
Size: 60. 6 inches by 26. 4 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
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In Conclusion
Kids sleeping bags make sure your camping trip is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for your child. Whether you’re an outdoorsy family that often camps in the woods and mountains or just want to create a fun backyard camping experience for your kiddo, you can find the right type of sleeping bags for your needs.
Sleeping bags for kids are available in a range of designs, styles, and price points as well as in sizes that will suit any child from a preschooler to a tween.
Photo credit: stockfour/Shutterstock