Whether you’re striking out on an unforgettable summer camping excursion or braving the cold weather for some breathtaking winter adventures, having the best toddler sleeping bag for your littlest campers is an absolute must!
No parents want to stay up at night worrying about the comfort and sleep safety of their little ones.
We’re here to help take the stress and hassle out of selecting the perfect toddler sleeping bag for your kiddo! Read on for a roundup of our top picks in all kinds of scenarios, as well as things to consider before buying, questions to answer to narrow down your options, and so much more.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
REI Co-Op Kindercone
Budget Option
REVALCAMP Sleeping Bag for Indoor & Outdoor Use
Best for Wide Age Range
Morrison Outdoors Little Mo 20
Best Overall
REI Co-Op Kindercone
When it comes to choosing the best toddler sleeping bag around, typically there are a few features you absolutely want. Good insulation and waterproof design for all sorts of elements are a must. And it’s also wonderful if you can find an adjustable sleeping bag that grows with your kiddo! Having space for pillows and a snug fit for cold nights can really come in handy as well.
With all these features in mind, we recommend the REI Co-Op Kindercore sleeping bag as the overall best toddler sleeping bag around. This toddler sleeping bag perfectly balances cozy comfort with useful features, making it roomy, water resistant, and a snuggly fit for little campers.
An environmentally friendly, kid conscious sleeping bag that will grow with your toddler as they age, the sturdiness and longevity of the Kindercone makes it the only sleeping bag you will need to purchase for your kiddo for a long time.
Pros
- Comes in a wide variety of colors suitable to all kiddo preferences
- Is suitable for three seasons of camping
- Is padded enough for sleeping on harder surfaces
- Is sturdy enough for kiddos to use for many years
- Comes with a stuff sack that allows you to adjust the length of the sleeping bag to fit your kiddo as they grow
- Roomy enough that even sensitive little ones will not feel trapped when sleeping in this sleeping bag
Cons
- Can run on the heavy and bulky side, so it may be a bit much for even older toddlers to carry on a hiking trip, and may not fit easily into some adult backpacks either
Best Budget Option
REVALCAMP Sleeping Bag for Indoor & Outdoor Use
Outfitting the whole family for a camping trip does not always make for a happy budget! If you find yourself balking at the cost of many toddler sleeping bags—especially when weighed in the scope of all the other camping accouterments you will need—have no fear! You can still get a quality toddler sleeping bag within your means.
For a toddler sleeping bag that is long lasting, grows with your kiddo, and is easy to pack in amongst your gear—both in terms of weight and cost—we recommend the REVALCAMP Sleeping Bag. This delightful flat lay sleeping bag is quite affordable, a great fit for even young toddlers, and is spacious enough for kiddos to use for many, many years.
These sleeping bags are cozy, water resistant, and great for summer camping especially. The wide variety of color options also guarantees you can grab a color your kiddos will love!
Pros
- A highly affordable option, particularly for the quality it offers
- Comes in a variety of colors for kiddos to choose from
- Lightweight and compact, making it ideal for carrying in a backpack and easy enough for older toddlers to transport themselves
- A great fit for toddlers that they can continue to use into their adolescent years
- Sturdy and long lasting despite even some frequent use
Cons
- Some consumers have noted issues with the zipper becoming compromised over time
Best for a Wide Age Range
Morrison Outdoors Little Mo 20
Sleeping bag camping can be tricky for the youngest of toddlers. In addition to the potential for their discomfort in a large, roomy sleeping bag, no one is going to have a good time if parents are tossing and turning and waking up worried that kiddos might have slipped down deep into their sleeping bags, creating a suffocation hazard.
That’s why, for younger toddlers up to two years old, we recommend the Morrison Outdoors Little Mo 20. This wearable sleeping bag more closely resembles a traditional sleep sack, but the added insulation settles it firmly into the toddler sleeping bag category.
Your little toddler can sleep in comfort and you can sleep with peace of mind, knowing they’re safe and well insulated in a wearable sleeping bag that conforms precisely to their bodies. No more concerns over safety in a spacious sleeping bag when your little ones use the Little Mo 20!
Pros
- A fantastic option for the littlest campers, as this toddler sleeping bag can grow with your kiddos from six months old up to two years old
- A great option for younger toddlers as it eliminates concerns about potential suffocation in a standard grade toddler sleeping bag
- Ensures adequate warmth for toddlers even when sleeping in very cold conditions
- Very lightweight and durable, making it easy to pack in among the rest of your camping gear
Cons
- Some consumers have reported needing to add extra layers for their kiddos inside the sleeping bag, as on the coldest nights (below freezing Fahrenheit), toddlers may have problems retaining body temperature
- Does not have unzippable cuffs at the hands, so little ones will not be able to stick their hands outside of the sleeves. This may cause some distress for older toddlers or those with sensory sensitivities
Best for Warm Weather Camping
Coleman Glow in the Dark 50 F Sleeping Bag
The seasons in which you take your toddler camping will be a huge determining factor in the best toddler sleeping bag for them to use. After all, a thick, heat-trapping sleeping bag can be a real drag in the hot summer months, when nights may not dip into cool weather at all.
With this in mind, for warm weather camping, we recommend the Coleman Glow in the Dark 50 F Sleeping Bag. Graded only for temperatures as low as 50 degrees, this is a lightweight, thin, yet durable sleeping bag made by camping behemoth Coleman specifically for those hot summer camping nights.
With this sleeping bag–which is great for toddlers and can also grow with them into their adolescence–you don’t have to worry about your kiddos overheating. Say goodbye to tossing, turning, and squirming in the sweating heat of an insulated sleeping bag.
Now your toddler can sleep at the perfect temperature during any summer camping adventure, thanks to the Coleman 50 F toddler sleeping bag!
Pros
- Great for both little toddlers and taller ones–and even for older kiddos up to five feet tall!
- Fun glow in the dark design makes for tons of camping fun
- A great, lightweight toddler sleeping bag option
- Thin but sturdy design ensures no overheating during summertime camping
Cons
- Consumers have reported difficulty retying and storing this toddler sleeping bag after use
Best for Cold Weather Camping
Kelty Kids Mistral Cloudloft Sleeping Bag
As important as it is for kids not to overheat during summer camping trips, it’s equally important—perhaps even more so—that they be able to maintain their body heat when camping in cold weather.
With this crucial necessity in mind, we recommend investing in the Kelty Kids Mistral Cloudloft Sleeping Bag for cold weather camping. This toddler sleeping bag is designed to grow with your kiddo, but even with the extra space, its fluffy design will help keep little campers warm even in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
The mummy shape of this toddler sleeping bag helps trap heat within the cocoon, keeping your little ones warm even when nights get below freezing during camping. With this toddler sleeping bag on hand, everyone can get a good night’s sleep knowing they’re warm and safe from the elements.
Pros
- Mummy design ensures great insulation even on the coldest nights
- Graded for temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit
- Plenty of space to grow with toddlers into adolescence
- Lightweight, easy to store, and nice and fluffy for cold weather camping
Cons
- Some consumers report issues with zipper malfunction or breakage after minimal use
Toddler Sleeping Bag Buyer’s Guide
Consider the Weather In Which You’ll Be Camping
While we often think of toddler sleeping bags as a standard item, that’s not actually the case. Many sleeping bags are rated for different types of weather—some for warm weather, some for cold. Some toddler sleeping bags might be fine for easy, dry nights of backyard camping, but in a wet outdoorsy setting, they wouldn’t last long before being soaked through.
These variations of normal are why it’s important to consider the weather you will be camping in before you choose your toddler sleeping bag. There’s nothing worse than being stranded in bad weather conditions with the wrong kind of sleeping bag for your littlest campers.
Choose the Right Sleeping Bag Shape for Your Toddler
Toddler sleeping bags come in many shapes and sizes. Some standard models are flat lays, mummy bags, and sleep stack styles. Based on your toddler’s age, size, and individual needs, you will want to choose a sleeping bag shape accordingly.
For example, younger toddlers may not be as safe in mummy shaped sleeping bags, as there can be a risk of suffocation. However, for some older toddlers, the sensory input from a nice, cocooning mummy style sleeping bag can be the perfect thing to help them sleep.
When choosing the best toddler sleeping bag, it is always important to check what ages a sleeping bag is graded for, and plan to purchase accordingly.
Know How to Adjust Toddler Sleeping Bag Sizes
Many toddler sleeping bags are actually graded to grow with your kiddo. Most of these come with convenient fillings in the foot of the sleeping bag that can be rolled down as your toddler grows, providing them more space over time.
The design of these can vary from one toddler sleeping bag to another, so it’s important to know how to adjust the size of your particular toddler sleeping bag. This will also help you to ensure the sleeping bag is snug so that your toddler can’t slip down inside, which raises the risk of suffocation.
Consider How Easily Your Toddler Can Get In and Out
Depending on your toddler’s age, you may be more or less likely to want them to be able to get in and out of their sleeping bag on their own. It can also be a simple matter of convenience whether your toddler can easily maneuver their sleeping bag on their own, or whether they will need help to do so.
While it can be convenient for older toddlers to be able to unzip and zip their sleeping bag and climb in and out at will, for younger toddlers, this may not be the case. For the littlest campers, you might need to consider more of a sleep sack style of a toddler sleeping bag to keep them from removing the sleeping bag and getting too cold.
Consider the Carrying Weight and Bulk of a Toddler Sleeping Bag
When it comes to weight range and shape, not all toddler sleeping bags are created equal. Some are quite heavy for their size, and some are very bulky, making them difficult for toddlers to carry themselves. Others can even be a challenge for grown ups to carry, despite being a toddler sleeping bag!
You will want to assess the weight and dimensions of any toddler sleeping bag and ensure that it can fit in with the rest of your gear or your toddler’s gear. After all, even the best toddler sleeping bag will not be the best fit for you if it’s difficult to carry around.
Keep the Type of Camping in Mind
Whether it’s glamping, rustic camping, dispersed camping, etc., the type of camping you plan to do with your toddler will in part define what is the best toddler sleeping bag for them. If you are considering a more luxurious camping situation with tent mats or even inflatable mattresses, you can likely skimp a bit on the fluffiness of a toddler sleeping bag.
However, for more rugged camping, the extra padding of a thickly insulated sleeping bag can mean the difference between a restful night’s sleep, or your toddler waking up frequently due to discomfort from the rough ground or the elements.
Knowing the kind of camping, seasons, weather, etc. you intend to enjoy will help you choose the best toddler sleeping bag for your particular needs.
Wrapping up the Best Toddler Sleeping Bag
Feeling confident about picking the best toddler sleeping bag for your kiddo? It’s time to empower yourself even more! Check out our Camping With Kids Checklist to ensure you have all the necessary items to make your camping experience safe and fun for the whole family.
- About the Author
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Renee Dugan is a lifelong writer, professional editor, and lover of the great outdoors.
A Midwest girl born and raised, Renee has always enjoyed the deep, life-giving inspiration that connection with nature brings.
In addition to channeling the awe of outdoor life into her prolific novel-writing career, she currently enjoys sharing it with her son and spreading knowledge of safe, fun outdoor life with Beyond the Tent readers and anyone she can help face-to-face.
Renee can be reached at renee.s.dugan@gmail.com