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Family camping may call for baby sleeping bag
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A good baby sleeping bag is essential for family camping trips, especially in cooler or colder weather and in more rugged settings than the average family campground. If you're "roughing it" or headed with the family into the deep woods or high mountain country -- make sure you have a comfortable, safe baby sleeping bag. Here are three tips to help you find the right bag or sleep sack for your infant or toddler:
Tip 1: Match the bag to the season and the camping environment.
Think just as you would regarding an adult hiker or camper on this matter. You wouldn't take a warm weather sleeping bag for an adult out on a trek into the Rockies in December, would you? Regarding toddlers and infants, you need to be as much or more aware of seasonal conditions and the environment your camping in than you are with adults. Babies and toddlers are more fragile and at risk from adverse weather. One danger is to think "cute" regarding baby's camping gear and sleeping bag. Don't worry about how "cute" the baby's camping essentials are. Think about how "fragile" baby may be instead and plan for adequate protection. Although a good blanket or bedroll might work well for an adult in many situations, take extra care to go beyond baby blankets and a Moses basket to something warmer and snugger for the little ones.
Tip 2: If the bag doesn't fit, look for something else.
Babies and tots are generally much smaller than adults, so of course you want to be very conscious of how well the sleeping bag you choose will truly fit your little one. Don't convince yourself that one of big brother's or big sister's hand-me-down sleeping bags will work out well for an infant. Such a mistake leads to more width and length in the baby sleeping bag, creating a genuine safety hazard and probably eliminating the necessary "snugness" a baby needs for important warmth and sleeping comfort.
There are commercially made baby sleeping bags available from online merchants, in specialty baby stores, and generally available on eBay. They are designed specifically for babies or toddlers and made to fit them. Make sure you check out the details to find something with adequate room for baby to kick his or her feet and squirm around as babies must when they sleep. But make sure the bag is snug enough to keep baby from sliding down and having his or her breathing restricted, or legs or arms cramped for space.
Tip 3: Take advantage of the added protection of combining a good baby sleeping bag with a carry cot.
Don't settle for a "kid in a bag" approach to camping with your tot or infant. You know you'll need warm blankets, warm inner and outer clothing for the little one, so take advantage of the added safety and protection offered by one of the many wonderful carry cots available on the market. A "carry cot" is a well-padded, insulated baby carrier similar to a Moses basket, only generally better lined and even hooded for weather protection. Some baby stores offer sleeping bags specifically made to fit into matching carry cots. Combining the two gives you the luxury of "baby portability" that will cover a wide variety of family camping settings.
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