Both are safe when used correctly. A sleeping bag is simply harder to use incorrectly, which is why it has become the default for most Australian families.
Why sleeping bags have taken over
- They cannot cover the face. The bag stays with the baby, no matter how much they move.
- Nothing to kick off. A baby who kicks off a blanket at 1am gets cold; a baby in a bag stays consistently warm.
- They travel. The same bag at home, at grandma's and on holiday is a strong sleep cue.
- They discourage climbing once your child is standing in the cot.
Choosing a sleeping bag
Fit is a safety issue
The neck and armholes must be snug enough that the baby cannot slide down inside the bag. Buying a size up to last longer defeats the purpose. Follow the manufacturer's weight and height guide rather than age.
TOG rating
TOG measures warmth. As a general guide:
- 0.2 to 0.5 TOG for hot weather
- 1.0 TOG for mild conditions, the most useful all-rounder in much of coastal New South Wales
- 2.5 TOG for cold nights and unheated rooms
Two bags, a 1.0 and a 2.5, cover most Sydney households across a full year.
Sleeves
Sleeveless is standard and helps prevent overheating. Sleeved and long-sleeved versions exist for genuinely cold rooms. If you use one, drop a layer underneath.
What to wear underneath
The bag replaces blankets, not clothing. A rough guide:
- Warm night, low TOG: nappy and a singlet or short-sleeved bodysuit
- Mild night, 1.0 TOG: a long-sleeved bodysuit or light sleepsuit
- Cold night, 2.5 TOG: a sleepsuit, and long sleeves underneath if the room is genuinely cold
Check the back of the neck or chest to judge. Hands and feet are naturally cooler and are not a reliable guide.
No hats or beanies for sleep indoors. Babies release heat through the head, and covering it risks overheating.
If you prefer blankets
Blankets are safe when used properly. The method matters:
- Feet to foot. Place baby with their feet touching the bottom end of the cot, so they cannot wriggle down under the covers.
- Tuck in firmly down both sides and across the bottom, with the blanket reaching no higher than the chest, arms out over the top.
- Use lightweight, breathable blankets. Cotton cellular weave is the classic choice. Layer thin blankets rather than using one thick one, so you can adjust.
- Never use doonas, quilts, duvets, pillows, sheepskins or cot bumpers for an infant.
Swaddling and when to stop
A firm swaddle can help settle a newborn, using a light cotton or muslin wrap with the hips left free to move. Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows any sign of rolling, because a swaddled baby who rolls to their front cannot use their arms. Many families move to an arms-out sleeping bag at that point.
Frequently asked questions
How many sleeping bags do I need?
Two in each TOG you use, one on and one in the wash.
Can I use a sleeping bag in a pram or car seat?
Not in a car seat, where the harness must sit directly against the body. Some bags have a slot for a pram harness, so check the specific product.
How do I know the room is too warm?
Sweaty neck or back, damp hair, flushed cheeks. Remove a layer rather than opening a window onto a draught.
Shop bedding
Babyworth stocks sleeping bags, cotton blankets and cot bedding suited to Australian conditions, in store at Peakhurst and online.
General information only. For safe sleep guidance see Red Nose Australia.