The first time my partner and I took my daughter camping, she was eight months old. We went on a road trip through the deserts of California. It was December, and it was surprisingly cold at night. The wind was ferocious, pelting sand through our tent. We woke up with gritty faces and sand for hair. We didn't have a sleeping bag for our daughter; instead, she slept tucked against us in a fleece suit. Sadly, it didn't keep her from suffering the same sandy fate. She was toasty warm and woke up with an exuberant smile on her face, but we still cringe when we think of all that sand on her little face. Since that first trip, we've learned a lot about camping with kids. It requires a bit more planning than we were used to, and what's more, it requires proper gear. Sure, her fleece suit worked well, but a sleeping bag has since replaced that, and it has taken the experience of camping with her to a whole new level. Now that she's got a brand new baby brother, we're in the market again. These sleeping bags are all some definite contenders, and it's easy to see why. With cozy linings and fun designs, your youngster will be stoked to load up the car and head out for a weekend under the stars. Jay Franco Cozy & Warm Kids Lightweight Sleeping Bag A Marvel-ous ChoiceFor Marvel-loving kiddos, this sleeping bag is sure to be a hit.Best OverallFind on Amazon There’s a trick to camping or sleepovers that every caregiver should be aware of: give a kid ownership of their sleeping bag, and they’ll be up for just about anything. With these fun sleeping bag designs, your Marvel-loving kiddo will be in absolute heaven. The drawstring sack that comes with it makes it simple to stuff and store the bag. Made from lightweight, brushed microfiber material, the soft feel of the fabric makes for a super cozy sleep sack that’s ideal for indoor use. Pros: Handy drawstring bag included. Tons of Marvel character options. As part of a collection, you can mix and match with other Marvel bedding products. Cons: Not designed to be used outdoors. This is a lightweight indoor sleeping bag. Heritage Kids Faux Fur Sleeping Bag Snug as a BugThis ultra-plush sleeping bag is as soft and cozy as it is cute.Most PlushFind on Amazon This material is so soft it’ll have you wishing this came in your size, bunny ears and all. Or how about that unicorn? Seriously, the design of this sleeping bag is just about as adorable as they come. Though not ideal for camping, the material and weight of this bag make it a great option for sleepovers or rest time at school. The bag dimensions are 26″ x 46″, which is an ideal toddler or pre-school sleeping bag. Pros: Made with super soft plush fabric. Lightweight and easy to pack. Toss it in the machine for an easy wash. Cons: The zipper isn’t the most durable. Wildkin Kids Original Sleeping Bag Travel-Friendly BagUse, wash, rinse, and repeat. Super easy to clean, this bag is the ideal sleeping bag for frequent use or travel.Easiest to CleanFind on Amazon The bright, adorable designs and patterns make using this sleeping bag a little extra fun. Aside frmo being adorable, the material itself is an ultra soft cotton-poly blend that’ll wrap your little one snugly and safely. Plus, it’s fully machine-washable, too, which is a major perk in a kid’s sleeping bag. And if you’re familiar with Wildkin’s other products, you can coordinate your sleeping bag to duffels and other travel gear. If you have a hesitant kiddo who sleeps best at home, going for a full set of gear like this can be a real game-changer. Pros: Lightweight sleeping bag that’s great for sleepovers, living room camping, warm weather outdoor adventures, and school naps. Adorable designs, quality materials, and comfy fit. Fully machine-washable (just hang dry). Cons: If you wash this bag frequently, the stuffing will bunch up on the inside. Coleman Kids 30 Degree Sleeping Bag Cold-Weather RatedThe mummy design of this sleeping bag will keep your kiddo extra toasty warm, even on the coldest night of camping. Best Cold Weather Find on Amazon I never understood mummy-style sleeping bags. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say I used to hate them – until I started camping in colder weather, that is. Once I tried a mummy sleeping bag on a freezing cold night, my mind was forever changed. You see, the mummy-style hugs your body for a reason: it keeps you far warmer than a rectangular sleeping bag. For someone who is perpetually cold, the mummy bag actually kept me toasty warm. That’s really saying something. So for kiddos adventuring in cold weather (it’s rated for temperatures down to 30F), this is the ideal bag. The mummy-style hood is an additional feature that’ll keep warmth in, as well. Pros: Super lightweight design that even works for young backpackers. Ideal for kiddos 6 and older (or up to 5 feet tall). Budget-friendly price point. Cons: Only comes in one color. Soulout 4-Seasons Sleeping Bag Defy the ElementsIdeal for all types of weather, this cozy sleeping bag is a must for year-round camping. Best 4-SeasonFind on Amazon Depending on your location and what kind of temperatures you’re comfortable camping in, this is an appropriate sleeping bag for all four seasons. Yep, four. That’s because the 400-GSM filling material keeps you warm down to 32F. The straight design isn’t quite as warm as a mummy-style bag, but that’s also what makes it a better option for those warmer days. It’s fully waterproof with a super soft interior that’ll keep your little one comfy cozy all night long. Pros: Multiple bright, fun color options available. Double-layer design works wonders in wet conditions. Sleeping bags can zip together to create one large sleeping bag (an awesome option for extra cold nights). Cons: Best for bigger kids, as this sleeping bag only comes in one size. Frequently Asked Questions Are sleeping bags for kids safe? Yes, sleeping bags for kids are safe. Of course, it does depend on the age and it also depends on the size of the sleeping bag. For the youngest campers, a down sleep sack is a much safer alternative to a sleeping bag. It’s basically a sleeping bag, but Baby is safely zipped into it. This makes it so that they can’t slip down inside of it and risk suffocation. Once your little one reaches toddlerhood, there are toddler-sized sleeping bags that are the safest option for their smaller size. Again, the risk is suffocation. Too big a bag and your sleeping toddler can slip down into the bag. This is why it’s important to find a sleeping bag that’s meant for a child. What age is best to introduce camping to a kid? What about a sleeping bag? Well, personally speaking, the earlier the better. Getting a child used to camping right from the start is just so much easier in the long run. Of course, that’s up to you and your family lifestyle. As far as a sleeping bag, it’s fine to introduce a sleeping bag as early as they can safely sleep in one. As we stated above, sleeping bags are not safe for the smallest of campers. Once they reach toddlerhood, in general, you can find sleeping bags that’ll fit their size. Otherwise, sbest to stick to a down sleep sack. What should you look for in a sleeping bag for kids? Because we can’t stress it enough, we’ll say it again: get a sleeping bag that’ll fit them in an appropriate way. Adult-sized sleeping bags are not a safe option for a tiny toddler. Therefore, the first component you consider should be size. Next, think about what kind of camping you do. Hot weather camper only? Get one that’s lightweight and zips all the way open. Not afraid of cold weather camping? Go for a mummy style sleeping bag that’s down (or similar), that has a hood, and has a temperature rating that goes low enough. Hardy zippers, machine-washable, and warmth are all key factors for a proper sleeping bag. Fun designs or favorite characters won’t hurt in convincing a hesitant camper, either. Related posts:Powered by SearchIQ The Best Sleeping Bags for Dogs Read more The Best Doggie Bags Read more The Best Dog Poop Bags Read more