Whether you’re gearing up for a family camping trip outdoors, or sending your child off to a sleep-away camp or sleepover, finding the right sleeping bag can make a big difference. The primary reason why we purchase sleeping bags is to have a packable solution for bed-time warmth and comfort on the go.
There are a variety of youth sleeping bags on the market, all with different purposes. It can be difficult to decide which sleeping bag is best for your child, particularly with all of the different types and styles available. Sleeping bags can be made from many materials, thus having varied weights, sizes, protective and aesthetic qualities. Here at The Sleep Judge, our experts have done the research to help you identify the best sleeping bag to fit your child’s needs.
Below you’ll find a collection of our top 6 highly-rated youth sleeping bags available on the market. We’ve also included a detailed guide to sleeping bags that will help you decide which will be the best pick for your needs. Keep reading to learn more and find the best sleeping bag for your little ones!
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |
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| #2 |  Jay Franco Slumber Set
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| #3 |  REVALCAMP Sleeping Bag
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| #4 |  Ace Camp Kids Glow-in-the-Dark Kids Sleeping Bag
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| #5 |  oaskys Camping Sleeping Bag
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| #6 |  Coleman Kids 50 Sleeping Bag
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HiHiker Camping Sleeping Bag for Adults and KidsThe Best Sleeping Bags for Kids
1. Editor’s Choice – HiHiker HiHiker Camping Sleeping Bag for Adults and Kids
SPECS:
- Size: Single
- Closure type: Drawstring, zipper
- Available colors: Blue, green, orange, royal blue bold, turquoise bold
- Material: Polyester (fill and outer)
If you’re looking for a practical sleeping setup for an outdoor adventure at a great price, the HiHiker Sleeping Bag for Adults and Kids is our pick for the best currently on the market. This package includes a mummy-style sleeping bag and a carrying storage bag with compression straps for easy traveling. The sleeping bag is designed with many purposeful features including quilted construction, an insulated footbox and a drawstring hood to provide both warmth and comfort in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The sleeping bag is lightweight and packs down compactly in its compression bag, making it practical for travel and outdoor adventures. It’s backed by an unconditional lifetime warranty to protect you in case there are any defects, making this sleeping bag perfect to keep you comfortable and warm on your next family camping trip.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Includes a mummy-style sleeping bag and compression storage bag
- Works for both children and adults
- Carrying bag has compression straps
Cons
- May be too large for smaller children
2. Best Character-Themed Sleeping Bag – Jay Franco Slumber Set
SPECS:
- Size: Kids, single
- Closure type: Zipper
- Available colors: Avengers, Disney and various kids’ designs
- Material: Polyester (fill and outer)
Your child will be excited to cozy up for a sleepover with their favorite cartoon character in the fun and colorful Jay Franco slumber sack set. Perfect for sleepovers or nap time, this sleeping bag is both soft and comfortable. Jay Franco Slumber Sets come in a variety of character prints, from popular children’s movies and television shows. Each set includes a slumber bag and a drawstring sack with a matching theme. It’s best to spot-clean this sleeping bag only to prolong its lifespan and maintain the prints of the cartoon characters, so be sure to carefully follow the cleaning instructions on the label. This set is certain to make a fun and practical gift for anyone in your family.
Pros
- Several popular character options that appeal to a variety of kids’ interests
- Includes a drawstring storage bag
- Child-specific size and design
- Coordinating accessories available (sold separately)
Cons
- For indoor use, limited warmth
- Spot clean only
3. Best Sleeping Bag for Camping – REVALCAMP Sleeping Bag
SPECS:
- Size: Kids, single
- Closure type: Zipper
- Available colors: Violet (pictured), blue, blue envelope, dark black, green, olive, orange, pink, sunny beach
- Material: Polyester (fill and outer)
The RevalCamp Ultralight Compact Sleeping bag is one of the most economically priced, lightweight and most versatile sleeping bags on the market today that’s available in a large selection of colors and prints. This cozy sleeping bag is made from high-quality materials and is both fade and weather resistant. This is the perfect sleeping bag for summer camping trips, sleep-away camps or sleepovers. It packs away conveniently in the included compression sack.
RevalCamp products are covered by a 100% satisfaction policy, so if you have any issues with the product, the manufacturer will replace or refund it within the warranty period.
Pros
- Large selection of color choices, including a variety of solids and prints
- Lightweight, portable and compact; weighing just 2 lbs
- Versatile, designed for use for both children and adults
- Good for both indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Limited warmth; best suited for temperatures 40 degrees F and above
- Does not have a mummy-style hood
4. Best Glow In the Dark Sleeping Bag – Ace Camp Kids Glow-in-the-Dark Kids Sleeping Bag
SPECS:
- Size: Choice of kids or youth
- Closure type: Zipper
- Available colors: Blue or purple
- Material: Synthetic (fill), polyester (outer)
Not only is this youth-sized sleeping bag designed for comfort and warmth, but it’s adorned with a fun and dazzling design of glow in the dark stars and animal constellation prints. The AceCamp Kids Glow-In-The-Dark sleeping bag is made from soft, breathable and water-resistant fabric that will keep your child warm and cozy at a sleepover or during a camping trip. The sleeping bag is available in two different sizes and colors, blue and purple and kids or youth. It includes a cordless hood, a unique, easy to use front zipper and a sealed bottom to keep your kids’ feet nice and cozy as they snuggle up to rest. This sleeping bag is designed for fun, comfort, safety and warmth.
Pros
- Perfect size for a toddler or young child
- Hooded design is safe for small children and doesn’t have cords
- Made from water-resistant, washable fabric
- Kid-friendly features e.g. built-in pocket, anti-pinch zipper
Cons
- May be too small for a larger child
- Needs to be exposed to natural or artificial light for several hours for stars to glow in the dark
5. Best Lightweight Sleeping Bag – oaskys Camping Sleeping Bag
SPECS:
- Size: Single
- Closure type: Zipper
- Available colors: Choice of 20 solid colors
- Material: Polyester (fill), nylon (outer)
One of the most lightweight, waterproof and insulating sleeping bags you’ll find for your kids is the oaskys Camping Sleeping Bag. Available in a wide variety of 20 color options, this sleeping choice is ideal for those family trips when you want to pack light and not break the bank to deck out your whole family. This bag has a weather-resistant design to keep you cool in warmer climates and warm if you’re on an adventure in the chilly winter months. It’s easy to pack and carry around with you as it includes a compression sack with straps, so your little one can manoeuvre this with ease. If you’re planning a trip with tiring, full-day outdoor activities, this sleeping bag is an ideal option for a lightweight, comfortable sleeping choice that will give your kids a great night’s rest.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight, great for traveling
- Wide variety of color choices to suit your kids’ preferences
- Affordable
- Temperature rating of 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit, will trap heat in colder climates
Cons
- No warranty length specified
6. Best Warm Weather Sleeping Bag – Coleman Kids 50 Sleeping Bag
SPECS:
- Size: Kids, single
- Closure type: Zipper
- Available colors: Teal (pictured), blue or pink
- Material: Polyester (fill and outer)
Coleman is a leader in design for outdoor products and gear. If you’re in the market for a youth-specific design for a warm-weather sleeping bag, the Coleman Kids 50 would be a great pick. Your child will stay comfortable as they sleep under the stars with this sleeping bag’s ThermoTech insulation and built-in Thermolock draft tube. It also has some kid-friendly features like an interior tuck pocket and glow-in-the-dark design, for those who usually sleep with a night light and aren’t accustomed to pitch-dark. This bag has an additional Roll Control System and stuff sack that helps when packing it up for storage or travel. The sleeping bag is able to fit children up to 5 feet tall, is also machine-washable and has a 1 year warranty if the kids aren’t 100% satisfied with this purchase.
Pros
- Made with high-quality materials
- No-snag zipper
- Machine washable
- 1 year limited warranty
Cons
- Not designed for temperatures under 50 degrees Fahrenheit
- Only a few areas on the bag glow in the dark
- Limited color choices
Things to Consider When Choosing a Kids Sleeping Bag
– Size
Sleeping bags come in a variety of sizes. Some are made specifically for children, while others are designed for both children and adults. Some sleeping bags are specifically made for toddlers and small children with shorter lengths (for the little ones that are typically under 5 feet), while some include expandable capabilities to grow as your child does, making these also adaptable for adults to sleep in.
– Shape
There are two main sleeping bag shapes you’ll find on the market. A rectangular-shaped sleeping bag is the more traditional style, while a mummy-style sleeping bag is more form-fitting and compact. Rectangular sleeping bags are best suited for car camping, camps or sleep-overs because they tend to be bulkier and heavier, but they do offer more room for your little one to move around while they get comfortable. Mummy-style sleeping bags are more fitted, which provides better insulation, and they have the added benefit of coverage for the neck and head.
– Material
Sleeping bags are made from a variety of materials that can affect the temperature rating, comfort, size and style. It’s important to first identify where exactly your child will be using the sleeping bag. Will they be using it mostly in the outdoors or indoors for sleepovers? Will your child need protection and warmth from colder temperatures? Are bulk and weight a consideration that’s important to you? Is your kid more focused on color and style? There are sleeping bags made from different materials that address a wide variety of preferences, and the materials a sleeping bag is made of also affects how it’s able to be cleaned.
– 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.
– 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.
Conclusion
After comparing and contrasting our top 6 recommendations for the best kids’ sleeping bags you can find, our clear winner is the HiHiker Sleeping Bag for Adults and Kids. One of the more affordable options on our list, this sleeping bag is lightweight and ideal for sleepovers, traveling and both warm/colder climates. Its mummy-style design will keep your little one warm and tucked-in as they sleep soundly, and if they’re not completely smitten, it comes with a lifetime warranty with no conditions so you can exchange or return whenever you decide. Hihiker is an extremely popular and reputable brand in the outdoor and adventure industry, so you can be rest-assured that this sleeping bag will last you and your family for years to come.
Recent Updates
June 21, 2021: Previous products listed as #1 and #5, Hihiker Mummy Sleeping Bag Set and Kelty Big Dipper 30 Degree Kids Sleeping Bag, have been replaced with HiHiker Camping Sleeping Bag for Adults & Kids and oaskys Camping Sleeping Bag due to product unavailability. Conclusion, Additional Resources and FAQ sections have been included.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sleeping bags safe for young children?
Babies should never sleep in adult-sized or too-large sleeping bags because of the suffocation risk. Youth sized, sleeping bags for toddlers made from breathable materials are a safe choice. Larger children can sleep safely in sleeping bags designed for both adults and children.
Is it necessary to have a compression sack?
Compression sacks are not necessary but are great for eliminating bulk when traveling. It is actually best not to store sleeping bags for long periods of time-compressed, as it can affect the loftiness of the insulation. Sleeping bags that include a stuff sack or compression bag eliminate an additional expense and are an added convenience.
When would you need a cold-weather sleeping bag?
If you are camping outdoors, your child may or may not need a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures. Most sleeping bags have a temperature rating. Your needs will depend on the location and climate where you are camping as well as your preferences in your comfort in relation to your warmth. Most cold weather sleeping bags are rated for below-freezing temperatures.
What features are good to look for when choosing a sleeping bag for my child?
After you determine the type of sleeping bag you are looking for for your child, then you can compare additional features. Color choices, designs, interior pockets and expandable capabilities are all great features that can make a particular sleeping bag stand out for you. Minor details can make your child’s experience more comfortable and/or fun.
How do you wash a kids' sleeping bag?
Washing instructions for each sleeping bag will vary depending on the materials used, however it's always the safest bet to closely follow the instructions listed on the label. In general, most sleeping bags will be machine washable and dryable if you use cold water on a gentle cycle, tumble dry on low heat or air dry to prolong its lifespan.
Are sleeping bags warm enough for kids to sleep in?
Most kids sleeping bags are made of similar materials to adult ones, such as polyester or a synthetic materials, so they will have the same average levels of warmth. A sleeping bag will often specify the temperature range so you can make your purchase based on the warmth you need, e.g. for camping in colder climates.