All your questions about our Merino Toddler Sleeping Bags with Feet Answered...
We started developing our toddler sleeping bag with feet in response to a particularly lively child within the Superlove family, if you have a child like this you know exactly what we mean. For a child determined to have their foot-freedom, tripping in a baby style non footed bag becomes a real issue. So we developed the first footed style in 2013 and then made it size adjustable the following year. In that time people have asked us the same questions about this style and so we felt to share our answers here
Why don't these have covers / fold-overs for the feet?
To cut a long story short, fold-over covers for sleeping bags don't work well and can lead to lack of safety on some flooring surfaces. It might seem like a good idea, but in reality, we found during our extensive testing, that integral covers created issues and could even be potentially unsafe.
The design and structure of these sleeping bags, and the fact that they are designed to fit for several years (unlike a typical sleepsuit with feet covered) and this depends on the feet being either fully through the foot holes, or totally inside the bag. However, fold-over foot covers creates a 'foot half in / half out' scenario which quickly leads to feet slipping out whilst sleeping or walking and results in tangles.
When toddling or walking, it is safer for a child to be either barefoot, or wearing socks that have gripper soles. When sleeping, feet may be drawn inside entirely, or (and this is more often the case once foot freedom has been tasted) or covered with a pair of socks. Socks, given they are not actually attached to the sleeping bag, don't create any of the same issues as an attached foldover cover would. Sometimes the simplest things are still the best and since, no matter how attractive something might appear, if something is a gimmick we know will create issues for people, we never include it in our designs.
In terms of socks, we like the Falke Catspads so much that we now stock them. Just like our sleeping bags, they are lined with thermoregulating merino and have grippy soles
We find that socks are only needed when the room is 18°C (64°F) or lower. The rest of the time, Merino sleeping bags keep the body core so perfectly cosy that most little ones are very happy with feet bare (and outside of the coldest months it can be a good thing in terms of thermoregulation).
Can I get away with sizing up?
Yes often this is possible. There are a couple of considerations...
For the small size sleeping bag (aimed at height of 76cm or average sized 9 months+). For most little ones, by 6 months they *should* find the neckline fits well and is safe but to be sure, please ensure you carefully try the sleeping bag on before use and check that your baby's head could not pass downward via the neck opening and into the bag.
For both small & large sizes
The second area where the fit may need some extra consideration is that it will
likely be a little too long if your little one hasn't reached the recommended height yet. This is not an issue if it is to be worn
with feet inside / for sleeping. However, could present extra
challenges if a child is keen to try and walk. Ensure you are using
the highest height adjustment setting (popper settings found inside the gusset) and just observe your little one to check that the foot cuffs are fitted enough to keep the bag fabric sufficiently out of the way to avoid tripping.
Some parents find that folding the foot cuffs over a second time is useful to adjust this.
At the early end of the age range (or below the suggested age range) how well a child will get on walking in this style will be partly down to height and size but ALSO it can be very much influenced by where they are at with their developing mobility and confidence in walking too. We hear of many younger little ones who are confident movers, getting on fine when sizing up early. If you aren't sure, a try on is the best bet (UK returns are free)
Which way does the zip go?
By default the zips on these connect at the top and zip downward. This acheives a couple of things
Self undressing: Even though our zips are well hidden below a full length zip cover, some houdini kids are very clever and love to 'entertain' their tired parents by stripping down when they should be sleeping. This zip configuration vastly reduces that.
Softness. One for the tummy sleepers. The bottom of a zip is much lower profile than the top part (with the puller tab etc) so we think this is better sitting out of the way of the chest.
Potty Training / Toilet. This does depend a bit on the age and gender of the child and can be a matter of preference, but zipping upwards from the bottom can be helpful as it allows access to the bottom half without getting entirely undressed.
Note: If you really want yours with a 2-way zip, get in touch with our team at care@superlovemerino.com
How do I stop my little one undressing themselves at night?
Lol. Some little ones are so funny (in hindsight). It's less amusing when you are trying to get them to sleep and they strip and run down the hall though isn't it?
These sleeping bags are designed so they can be worn comfortably back to front. That should solve it ;)
