When it comes to creating a safe sleep space for your baby, the most common questions parents ask are:
“Should I use a sleeping bag for my baby?”
The good news is—yes, you can! In fact, using a safe sleeping bag is one of the ways to help reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including SIDS and can be used from birth. This article will guide you to choose a safe sleeping bag for your baby.
“I have been wrapping my baby in a swaddle, when should I stop wrapping and start using a sleeping bag?”
Red Nose recommends stopping wrapping as soon as your baby shows signs of starting to roll, usually from around 12 weeks of age. From this point, babies must have arms free during sleep to protect their airway.
This is the ideal time to transition to a safe baby sleeping bag with fitted armholes or sleeves that allow free arm movement (not tied down). These offer warmth, safety, and freedom of movement.
Never wrap a baby while they are in a sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are designed to insulate the baby’s body—adding extra layers can lead to overheating.
If extra warmth is needed and you’re not using a sleeping bag, use a lightweight blanket, firmly tucked in at three sides of the mattress (up to chest level, below shoulders) with baby’s feet at the end of the cot.
Here’s what you need to know about choosing and using sleeping bags safely.
Red Nose Australia’s Recommendations
In the absence of a specific Australian safety standard for TOG ratings on infant sleeping bags, Red Nose Australia provides evidence-based guidelines to help parents and caregivers choose a safer product:
- Fitted Neck and Armholes: Ensure the sleeping bag has a snug fit to prevent baby’s head slipping down or arms getting caught inside, which can pose a suffocation or entrapment risk.
- Hoodless Design: Avoid sleeping bags with hoods to keep the face and head uncovered and reduce the risk of overheating.
- Appropriate TOG Rating: Select a TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) that matches the room temperature to help your baby stay comfortably warm without overheating.
- Correct Size: Choose a bag suited to your baby’s age and size for proper fit and safety.
- Unrestricted Arm Movement: Choose a sleep bag that allows arms to be free to protect their airway. This can be a sleeping bag with fitted armholes or firm fitting sleeves for cooler conditions.
- Warning Labels: Look for labels about correct use, flammability, and other relevant safety information.
What Is a Safe Baby Sleeping Bag?
A safe baby sleeping bag is specially designed to:
- Keep your baby warm without loose bedding like blankets or doonas (which can cover the face)
- Reduce the risk of overheating
- Encourage back sleeping, the safest position for babies
To meet Red Nose’s safe sleep recommendations, a sleeping bag must:
- Have fitted neck and armholes (or sleeves) that allow unrestricted, free arm movement
- Have no hood
- Be correctly sized for your baby’s age and size
- Be appropriate for the room temperature (guided by TOG rating)
- Allow baby to sleep on their back, with head and face uncovered
Why Use a Safe Sleeping Bag?
Sleeping bags help create a safer, more consistent sleep environment by:
- Reducing the risk of blankets covering the face and blocking airways
- Delaying baby from rolling onto the tummy during the peak age of SUDI risk
- Maintaining a stable temperature compared to blankets that can be being kicked off
- Promoting back sleeping and settling cues through routine
Many babies also associate their sleeping bag with sleep time, helping them settle more easily.
What to Look for When Choosing a Sleeping Bag
Use this checklist to guide your purchase:
| Feature | Safe Choice | Why It Matters |
| Neck and Armholes | Fitted, not loose | Prevents baby slipping inside; reduces suffocation and entrapment risk |
| Hoodless | No hood | Keeps baby’s face and head uncovered; reduces risk of overheating or suffocation |
| Size | Appropriate for baby’s age/weight/length | Ensures a safe, snug fit |
| TOG Rating | Matches room temperature | Helps prevent overheating or baby becoming too cold |
| Zips | Secure and safe | Avoids choking hazards; ensures safe enclosure |
| Arm Movement | Armholes or Unrestricted sleeves | Allows baby to reposition to keep airways clear |
| Labels and Warnings | Present and easy to read | Provides important safety and flammability information |
| Fabric Type | Lightweight, natural fibres | Reduces overheating risk; supports safer temperature regulation |
What Is TOG—and Why Is It Important?
TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade, a measure of how much warmth or insulation a fabric provides.
The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleeping bag.
Call our Safe Sleep Advice Line on 1300 998 698, or visit rednose.org.au for more safe sleep guidance, product advice, and free parent resources.
Overheating is a known risk factor for sudden and unexpected death in infancy. That’s why it’s important to choose a sleeping bag with a TOG rating suitable for the room your baby sleeps in.
Babies control their temperature mostly through their head and face, so keeping these areas uncovered is essential. Red Nose does not recommend a specific room temperature but encourages parents to regularly check their baby’s chest or back to ensure they feel comfortably warm—not hot, sweaty, or cold.
“Just remember: lower TOG for warmer weather, higher TOG for cooler nights.”
Red Nose Tip
Most reputable brands include a TOG and layering guide on their packaging. Always:
- Choose a bag that clearly displays the TOG rating
- Dress your baby in light layers underneath (natural fibres like cotton or bamboo are best)
- Adjust clothing/layers based on your baby’s temperature and the environment
How To Avoid Risks
DON’T:
- Add extra blankets over the top
- Use a sleeping bag that is too big or has loose neck/arm openings
- Choose a TOG that’s too warm for the room temperature
- Use sleeping bags with hoods
- Use weighted sleeping bags or those that restrict arm movement
- Wrap baby inside a sleeping bag
- Continue to wrap after baby shows signs of rolling
Reusing or Buying Second-hand? Check Carefully
- It’s okay to use second-hand sleeping bags—just make sure they are:
- In good condition (no frayed edges, loose threads, or broken zippers)
- Clean and from a smoke/vape-free home
- Made from lightweight natural fabrics (cotton or bamboo)
- The correct size, fit and TOG rating for your baby
In Summary
A well-fitted, hoodless sleeping bag with the right TOG rating helps your baby sleep safely and comfortably—without the risks of loose bedding, overheating, or rolling too soon.
Need More Support?
Red Nose is here to help.
Call our Safe Sleep Advice Line on 1300 998 698, or visit rednose.org.au for more safe sleep guidance, product advice, and free parent resources.
Red Nose – Saving Little Lives, Every Day.
Last modified: 1/8/25