My Favorite Summer Sleeping Bag for Babies & Toddlers
Healthy sleep habits are important, and I try to establish good sleep hygiene for my toddler in many ways. One of the aspects of sleep hygiene that has always felt trickiest to me is sleep temperature. In the early days, I always seemed to be worrying about whether my winter baby was too hot or too cold. Sleep sacks or sleeping bags provide a safe way to give babies an extra layer of sleepwear without putting loose blankets in their cribs. Putting on a lightweight sleeping bag at the end of the day is part of my child’s bedtime routine. Still, finding the right sleep sack for the right conditions has required some research.
Because babies constantly outgrow their clothing, I’ve tried lots of different sleep sacks. Through trial and error, I’ve found that different brands suit my suits for different seasons and locations. At this point I’ve really collected sleep sacks for all kinds of conditions!
In the summer months, my toddler wears these short pajama sets and a lightweight sleeping bag in a room that is generally a warmer than the rest of the house. My favorite sleeping bag for summer temperatures is the Aden & Anais Silky Soft Sleeping Bag. I’ll tell you more about why I prefer it to other brands in this review.
Breathable Fabric
The main reason I love the Aden & Anais Silky Soft Sleeping Bag is that the fabric is very lightweight and breathable. The delicate fabric manages to be very thin without feeling cheap. Aden & Anais’ Silky Soft line is made of a viscose, which offers a smooth texture that I find superior to their traditional muslin pieces. This weight is perfect for summer, when my child wears the sleep sack because it’s a part of her bedtime routine, and not because she needs an extra layer of clothing. I’ve tried other brands with the same TOG rating that simply don’t feel as breathable.
Low TOG Rating
Are you familiar with TOG ratings? If you look closely at most sleep sacks, you’ll find that they’re rated on the TOG scale. I’ve consulted this chart many times as I’ve tried to navigate comfortable sleep temperatures for my child.
The Aden & Anais Silky Soft Sleeping Bag has a TOG rating of 1.0, which is suitable for room temperatures ranging from 75-81 degrees. I try to ensure that my child’s room never reaches the higher end of that scale. (P.S. I’ve found some peace of mind, especially when traveling, by using this handy room thermometer that doubles as a nightlight).
Delicate Fabric
There are some pros to having a sleep sack made of delicate fabric, and there are some cons. As I mentioned, I like that this delicate fabric is especially breathable and soft. However, it is definitely more likely to snag. I’ve read in other reviews that some people have had trouble with the fabric pulling away from the seams. I have not personally encountered this issue with my child’s Aden & Anais Silky Soft Sleeping Bag.
Though this viscose is delicate, it is still machine washable and easy to care for, with the exception of the metallic prints that require special care. As with other Aden & Anais products, I feel that this sleep sack is only becoming softer with each addition wash.
What About the Zipper?
Personally, I think Aden & Anais needs to upgrade their zippers. Zipper malfunctions and zipping difficulty rank as common complaints about Aden & Anais sleeping bags. But in truth, I’ve encountered this problem across brands and have yet to find a sleep sack that doesn’t have a zipper issue now and then. Most of the time the zipper on the sleeping bag I personally purchased is not an issue, but occasionally it is temperamental.
Adorable Prints
Aden & Anais never disappoints when it comes to prints. The Aden & Anais Silky Soft Sleeping Bag is currently available in several different prints to match different styles. I love the Meadowlark print because it reminds me of clothing I wore in the early nineties! I’m drawn to the metallic offerings, but don’t want the hassle of the special washing instructions.
Price
Listed as $27.75 on their website, genuine Aden & Anais products are priced for high-end boutiques. I use other sleep sacks that are a bit less expensive at different times of the year.
Sources
Summary
If you’re looking for a lightweight, super soft sleeping sack for the summer months, the Aden & Anais Silky Soft Sleeping Bag is my top pick. I have not found a competitor with fabric that is as soft and breathable for hot weather. This product isn’t perfect, but it is my favorite purchase from Aden & Anais!
Thinking about bedtime? Check out these affordable crib sheets and the awesome sleep book I recommend to my closest friends!
My name is Kate and I live in a California beach town with my husband & baby girl. At High Low Baby, I review baby products at high and low price points.
Leave a Reply