Sleeping bags for small newborns

ThatPearlZebra · 2025-04-07T17:27:34+00:00

Hi all, looking for recommendations for sleeping bags for small newborns. Most I have seen are recommended for slightly bigger babies but our little one is estimated to be around 4lb at birth so I’m a bit worried she’ll be drowning in them unless I can find smaller ones. I don’t know that I like the idea of faffing around with swaddles but if that’s our safest option I’m happy to hear opinions on them too.

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dementedpixie · 07/04/2025 18:35

I think you can get combined bag/swaddles

underhedges · 07/04/2025 21:50

I used a cellular blanket and tucked it under the arms of my newborn babies so there was no risk of them moving the blanket (so their body was covered but their arms were exposed over the top of the blanket pinning it down - feet to the foot of the bedside crib so no wriggling down could happen). Mine were born in the autumn and winter months and were warm enough. I didn't use sleeping bags for the first month or so.

underhedges · 07/04/2025 21:51

Zip up swaddles will also work if you prefer that option instead. No need to learn how to wrap them up, just use the zip.

User415373 · 07/04/2025 21:52

Agree zip up swaddles are great. You can get tiny ones!

CrispAppleStrudels · 07/04/2025 21:53

There used to be a tommee tippee grobag from 5lbs i think, as we used it for our 0.4th centile DD. So maybe you could swaddle for a little while before moving onto the grobag?

steppingin · 07/04/2025 21:54

underhedges · 07/04/2025 21:50

I used a cellular blanket and tucked it under the arms of my newborn babies so there was no risk of them moving the blanket (so their body was covered but their arms were exposed over the top of the blanket pinning it down - feet to the foot of the bedside crib so no wriggling down could happen). Mine were born in the autumn and winter months and were warm enough. I didn't use sleeping bags for the first month or so.

DD was 4lbs and this is what the hospital told us to do.
the tommee tipper sleep bag was the first she had at around 6lbs

YourLoftyCyanZebra · 07/04/2025 21:56

I used zip up sleeveless sleep bags for my 4lb8 son once he was over 5lbs, same as sling. Make sure baby can't wriggle down and adhere to safe sleep guidelines x

CrispAppleStrudels · 07/04/2025 21:57

I think love2dream also do one from 5lbs as well.

Eachpeachpearprune · 07/04/2025 21:58

underhedges · 07/04/2025 21:50

I used a cellular blanket and tucked it under the arms of my newborn babies so there was no risk of them moving the blanket (so their body was covered but their arms were exposed over the top of the blanket pinning it down - feet to the foot of the bedside crib so no wriggling down could happen). Mine were born in the autumn and winter months and were warm enough. I didn't use sleeping bags for the first month or so.

Exactly the same here for my 5lb 9 baby. All the regular sleeping bags I bought said not to use under 7/8lb and so I just used cellular blankets tucked under their arms. Personally, I didn’t want to swaddle so waited a month or so then used M&S sleeping bags.

kersh33 · 08/04/2025 09:36

I got the grosnug which I think has now been replaced by the Swaddlebag by Tommee Tippee. My daughter was a bit larger 2.9kg but went into those straight away. The neck hole is very small which is the main concern with the bigger sleeping bags. I never bothered with the swaddle bit as it didn’t help my DD sleep but it can be used that way.

LadyDanburysHat · 08/04/2025 09:43

My DC were all born at 8lbs, but I still used a swaddle for the first few weeks before moving to a sleeping bag.

Original poster

ThatPearlZebra · 08/04/2025 13:18

underhedges · 07/04/2025 21:50

I used a cellular blanket and tucked it under the arms of my newborn babies so there was no risk of them moving the blanket (so their body was covered but their arms were exposed over the top of the blanket pinning it down - feet to the foot of the bedside crib so no wriggling down could happen). Mine were born in the autumn and winter months and were warm enough. I didn't use sleeping bags for the first month or so.

That’s quite interesting, I had been recommended sleeping bags by several friends who have recently had babies so never looked into blankets really.
We have been gifted a few hand crocheted blankets of different styles by family members, would these be suitable to use or is a cellular blanket different altogether?
We’re due in the next 3 to 6 weeks depending on how early the specialist recommends for induction so I wouldn’t like to put something to thick on and overheat her.

OP posts:

underhedges · 08/04/2025 20:13

The cellular blankets I used were cotton so they were lightweight and I could add another layer if it was colder or felt they needed the extra weight. I'd be hesitant to use the crocheted blankets if they are made of wool. It could get too hot. They could be used in other ways such as in the daytime in the pram when you go out to keep baby warm, or to lie on for tummy time, etc.

Original poster

ThatPearlZebra · 08/04/2025 20:17

underhedges · 08/04/2025 20:13

The cellular blankets I used were cotton so they were lightweight and I could add another layer if it was colder or felt they needed the extra weight. I'd be hesitant to use the crocheted blankets if they are made of wool. It could get too hot. They could be used in other ways such as in the daytime in the pram when you go out to keep baby warm, or to lie on for tummy time, etc.

That’s handy to know, definitely sounds like something worth looking into! Thank you!

OP posts:

MrsRandallFraser · 08/04/2025 20:20

underhedges · 07/04/2025 21:50

I used a cellular blanket and tucked it under the arms of my newborn babies so there was no risk of them moving the blanket (so their body was covered but their arms were exposed over the top of the blanket pinning it down - feet to the foot of the bedside crib so no wriggling down could happen). Mine were born in the autumn and winter months and were warm enough. I didn't use sleeping bags for the first month or so.

DS ended up back in hospital less than 24 hours old and this how the neonatal nurses put him to bed. Since he’s been home we’ve continued it and he sleeps really good stretches so I have to assume he’s a good temperature.

ARichtGoodDram · 08/04/2025 20:21

The smallest one we found was no use until DD was over 5lbs - the neck hole was just too big.

With a blanket you can then dress according to the temperature. DD had a blanket and most of the time a short sleeve babygrow with no vest (it was very warm when she was born). If it was colder then a vest could be added or a long sleeve babygrow etc.

Original poster

ThatPearlZebra · 08/04/2025 20:26

I’m so glad I asked on here, cellular blankets weren’t something I’d heard of until today! Thank
you all x

OP posts:

HardyKoala · 08/04/2025 20:26

There’s a reason tiny babies can’t use them!

LuluDelulu · 08/04/2025 20:47

I never bothered with sleeping bags. Used cellular blanket and dressed baby warmly overnight in vest and sleep suit.

SpringIsSpringing25 · 08/04/2025 20:54

can I ask how old you are? And can I ask if you did any groups or parenting things at all???

i'm just astounded you are this close to delivery soooo exciting!!) and no one has talked to you about cellular blankets sorting the baby for sleeping.

Original poster

ThatPearlZebra · 08/04/2025 21:02

SpringIsSpringing25 · 08/04/2025 20:54

can I ask how old you are? And can I ask if you did any groups or parenting things at all???

i'm just astounded you are this close to delivery soooo exciting!!) and no one has talked to you about cellular blankets sorting the baby for sleeping.

I’m 27 and my husband 28, not sure how that’s relevant though. We’ve spent so much time with specialists and consultants etc that we haven’t seen our normal midwife as often as we probably should have. She has signed us up for a group but depending on what date they decide for induction if we’ll actually make it there or not. I’ve got nieces and nephews and loads of friends with children so I’m pretty confident with the general care of babies but it seems everyone I know who has had one recently just used the sleeping bags to be honest and we’ve had so many other things to worry about during this pregnancy that it never seemed as though she’d even make it here let alone have time to concern myself how I would put her to sleep

OP posts:

SpringIsSpringing25 · 08/04/2025 21:43

ThatPearlZebra · 08/04/2025 21:02

I’m 27 and my husband 28, not sure how that’s relevant though. We’ve spent so much time with specialists and consultants etc that we haven’t seen our normal midwife as often as we probably should have. She has signed us up for a group but depending on what date they decide for induction if we’ll actually make it there or not. I’ve got nieces and nephews and loads of friends with children so I’m pretty confident with the general care of babies but it seems everyone I know who has had one recently just used the sleeping bags to be honest and we’ve had so many other things to worry about during this pregnancy that it never seemed as though she’d even make it here let alone have time to concern myself how I would put her to sleep

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I was just curious as to how old you both were not having heard of cellular blankets & if pregnancy groups weren't giving out very much practical information any more.

I'm sorry you've had such a rough ride of your pregnancy and so much worry!! How lovely that she'll soon be here and in your arms, you probably won't put her down to need a sleep suit or blanket🥰🥰

not asking what it is, but have you chosen a name for her?

CrispAppleStrudels · 08/04/2025 21:57

SpringIsSpringing25 · 08/04/2025 21:43

I was just curious as to how old you both were not having heard of cellular blankets & if pregnancy groups weren't giving out very much practical information any more.

I'm sorry you've had such a rough ride of your pregnancy and so much worry!! How lovely that she'll soon be here and in your arms, you probably won't put her down to need a sleep suit or blanket🥰🥰

not asking what it is, but have you chosen a name for her?

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We did NCT in 2021 and their safe sleep session covered swaddling, sleeping bags and cellular blankets. It was never mentioned by my antenatal midwife, but i noticed with DD2 last year that the postnatal midwife did check the sleep space on her home visit and asked about what we were using for sleep.

Iloveeverycat · 08/04/2025 21:58

LuluDelulu · 08/04/2025 20:47

I never bothered with sleeping bags. Used cellular blanket and dressed baby warmly overnight in vest and sleep suit.

This, only used cellular blanket never used a sleeping bag

SpringIsSpringing25 · 08/04/2025 22:03

CrispAppleStrudels · 08/04/2025 21:57

We did NCT in 2021 and their safe sleep session covered swaddling, sleeping bags and cellular blankets. It was never mentioned by my antenatal midwife, but i noticed with DD2 last year that the postnatal midwife did check the sleep space on her home visit and asked about what we were using for sleep.

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Oh, that's good, good to know it hasn't just been dropped!!🤗