Questions & Answers

	Are baby sleeping bags safe?
	Yes. Well fitting, low-tog baby sleeping bags, when used correctly, are potentially one of the safest forms of bedding for your baby. While the baby has complete freedom of movement within the bag, the fitted neck and armholes ensure that there is no danger of either slipping in or out, provided the baby is placed in the correct size of grobag® baby sleeping bag for his age/weight. Therefore, provided also that a suitable level of nightwear is worn, he can sleep safely at a pleasant and constant temperature throughout the night. grobag® has conducted exhaustive research and product testing to ensure that all the components of our baby sleeping bags conform to relevant British Safety Standards and safety regulations. We also follow guidelines from Health Professionals that baby sleeping bags should be well-fitting and lightweight. This is why our grobag® baby sleeping bags are no more than 2.5 togs.
	When can I first put my baby in a grobag® baby sleeping bag?
	Our 0-6 mth size grobag® baby sleeping bag can be used for babies that weigh over 7lbs or 10lbs depending on design (please check product details). The 0-6 months size has little poppers under the arms to make the arm hole smaller for when your baby is very young. It is very important to check that your baby's head cannot pass through the neck-hole when the grobag® baby sleeping bag is fastened for use.
	Why is the weight of the baby so important for smaller size grobag® baby sleeping bag?
	Our key safety consideration is to ensure that babies cannot slip down inside the baby sleeping bag. Therefore, we design the neck size to be as large as possible to allow comfort and heat loss, whilst being smaller than the average head circumference of the younger age/lower weight of baby we advise for the grobag® baby sleeping bag. We use Health Professional graphs to link head sizes with weight. Most new parents do not know head circumference of their babies, but they do know their weight, hence we use weight as a guide. You must always take care not to allow your baby's head to slip down and get covered by any bedding, whether that bedding is a grobag® baby sleeping bag, blankets or sheets.
	Why don't grobag® baby sleeping bags have sleeves?
	We believe that baby sleeping bags should be sleeveless to aid heat loss and air circulation. Remember that babies sleeping under traditional blankets rarely sleep with their arms inside. In cooler weather, we recommend our long-sleeve bodysuits, in addition to a long-sleeved pyjama top or grobag® socksuit. For more information on the grobag® sleepwear range see grobag sleepwear page.
	What should my baby wear under a grobag® baby sleeping bag?
	What your baby wears will depend on the type of grobag® baby sleeping bag and the temperature of the baby's bedroom. (In the same way as you would adjust the nightclothes and number of blankets). As a guide, please refer to the what to wear page. Please remember, though, that babies are all different and, just as with blankets and sheets, you will soon discover what your baby is most comfortable wearing.
	What is the best room temperature for my baby?
	Health professionals recommend that the ideal room temperature for your baby is around 16-20°C. Our grobag® baby sleeping bags are designed to be used at this temperature. If the nursery is warmer or colder, simply adjust the level of clothing or the tog of the grobag® baby sleeping bag your child is wearing. Many people asked us how to keep the nursery at around 16-20°C in the winter, without having to have the central heating going all night! Simple, for us, we invested in a small thermostatically controlled heater that cost about £15 and this just came on a few times a night to maintain the room temperature, thus saving time turning on and off all the radiators. (Remember to remove the heater once your child can climb out of his cot). To help you keep an eye on room temperature we have invented the grobag egg™ colour changing digital room thermometer. See grobag egg™ for more detail.
	Is there any danger that my baby could become too hot in a grobag® baby sleeping bag?
	Provided you follow the guidelines in the choosing tog and what to wear pages, there should be no danger of your baby over-heating. Decrease the level of nightclothes and bedding if your baby is unwell and has a raised temperature. If you are in any doubt, please consult a Health Professional.
	What should I do if my baby gets too cold or too hot?
	If your baby has woken up because he is too cold, pick them up & adjust either the temperature of the room, or the baby's clothing. You can cuddle your baby in their grobag® baby sleeping bag to warm them up again before putting him back, warm and cosy in his cot. If your baby feels hot, you should cool him down by removing some clothing, then either adjust the temperature of the bedroom or the clothes your baby is wearing before returning him to his cot.
	Why is there free nursery thermometer?
	We provide a free room thermometer with every grobag® baby sleeping bag to help you monitor the temperature of the room your baby is sleeping in. It also gives further information on how to use your grobag® baby sleeping bag and suitable levels of clothing for your baby, and it is an ideal help for you and anyone looking after your baby. It was designed by Ouvrielle for husband Rob, so that he would stop asking how to dress the baby every night! Also see what to wear page. To make it even easier to check the room temperature we have invented the grobag egg™ colour changing digital room thermometer. See grobag® egg™ for more details.
	What does the TOG rating mean?
	The tog rating describes the warmth or "Thermal Resistance" of a product and is widely used in the UK to explain warmth levels of duvets. grobag® baby sleeping bags are tog tested to conform to BS4745:1990. Latest advice from Health Professionals is that baby sleeping bags should be ‘lightweight'. This is why grobag® baby sleeping bags are 2.5 togs or less.
	Why only 2.5 togs when my winter weight duvet is 12 togs?
	Health Professional guidelines recommend that baby sleeping bags should be ‘lightweight'. Our own research and our mounting body of "parent testimonials" confirm that our 2.5 Tog grobag® baby sleeping bags are ideal for the UK climate. A baby sleeping bag surrounds the baby, providing insulation from both below and above, and also a warm pocket of air around the baby. Because of the low tog rating grobag® baby sleeping bags also provide a versatility that a higher tog sleeping bag would not allow, and both our 2.5 tog and 1.0 tog baby sleeping bags can be used for the vast majority of the year. When the weather is very cold, simply add more clothing (this could include a sleepsuit, socks and even a cardigan). When the weather is warmer, or if your child is unwell, you can remove layers of clothing while still keeping your baby at the right temperature. Never use a duvet or quilt with a baby sleeping bag.
	Which tog grobag® baby sleeping bag should I buy?
	Our 2.5 tog quilted grobag® baby sleeping bags are ideal for autumn, winter and spring and can be used right up until the summer nights become warm. So, if your nursery is usually 20°C or below, we recommend a 2.5 tog baby sleeping bag. Approximately 75% of the grobag® baby sleeping bags we sell are 2.5 tog, so they are very useful! 1.0 togs are ideal for use from late spring to late summer when the nights are warmer. However, if you live in a particularly mild part of the country or if you have well insulated and heated accommodation and your nursery is regularly 21°C or above, you may prefer a 1.0 tog grobag® baby sleeping bag for year round use. They are also very useful in early spring and autumn for day-time naps whilst your baby is still in a 2.5 tog grobag® baby sleeping bag at night. 0.5 tog grobag® baby sleeping bags are for use in high summer, for holidays abroad, or if your child is unwell and has a raised temperature.
	How many grobag® baby sleeping bags should I buy?
	We recommend you buy at least 2 grobag® baby sleeping bags (so you will always have a spare one if you suddenly need one in the middle of the night!).
	What other bedding can I use with my grobag® baby sleeping bag?
	You should use your grobag® baby sleeping bag instead of blankets and sheets. The only other bedding required is a bottom sheet. Duvets, quilts and pillows should not be used for babies under 1 year old and never with a baby sleeping bag. If your baby shares your bed, make sure they are only in a grobag® baby sleeping bag, and not under your own bedding as well. Please note that grobag® baby sleeping bags are designed to replace blankets and sheets in your baby's cot or bed. They are not intended for use as dressing gowns outside the baby's bedroom. IMPORTANT: NEVER USE YOUR grobag® BABY SLEEPING BAG WITH A DUVET OR QUILT
	If my baby is in a grobag® baby sleeping bag do I need to use the feet to foot position in the cot?
	grobag® baby sleeping bags are designed to be used without any additional blankets or sheets so there is no need to use the feet to foot position, as there will be no loose bedding to tuck in.
	Is it OK to use a grobag® baby sleeping bag when my baby is in a Moses Basket?
	Yes, this is absolutely fine. Remember to make sure that your baby is big enough for their grobag® baby sleeping bag and their head cannot slip down inside the sleeping bag.
	Why do some designs have a front zip and others have a side zip?
	Feedback from parents has been very mixed about what they find easiest for their baby, so we now offer a choice across the range to suit everyone. Some people prefer a side opening, where it can be opened out flat for easy night-time changes. Other parents have said that they prefer the front zip version, and this can be particularly useful on the multi-functional designs, which have a 2 way front travel zip to ensure they can be used with a 5 point harness. Front zip version grobag® baby sleeping bags have zip guards, to make your baby even more comfortable.
	My toddler has learnt how to undo the zip on their grobag® baby sleeping bag, but I want her to stay in her grobag® for a few more months.
	To overcome this problem, grobag® has invented the zip-click™ on the 18-36m size grobag® baby sleeping bags. The zip-click cover at the bottom of the zip stops adventurous little ones from opening their zips. Parents have told us that they love this feature!
	Can my baby wear a grobag® baby sleeping bag in the car – I can’t bear to wake them up?
	Some of the grobag® baby sleeping bags are multi-funtional and are suitable for sleeping babies at home or on the move. They have a 2 way zip at the front and a back vent which can be used in conjunction with a 5-point harness. This way, you can easily transfer your baby from cot, to car or pushchair. For more information on how to use the travel feature see bright stripe design.
	My baby has sensitive skin – which grobag® baby sleeping bag should I choose?
	Our organics grobag® baby sleeping bag is made out of 100% organic naturally dyed cottonb (lining and outer) which is kind to sensitive skins and kind to the environment.
	How do I wash my grobag® baby sleeping bag?
	All grobag® baby sleeping bags can be machine washed at 40°C. They can be hung out to dry or tumble dried on a low setting. As with all cotton goods, we have designed the baby sleeping bags to allow for up to 5% shrinkage.
	When do I stop using a grobag® baby sleeping bag?
	grobag® baby sleeping bags can be used right up to the time your child is ready to move from a cot to a bed, and because of the freedom of movement they allow, can be used even longer if the child wishes. Even though your toddler will happily stand up in a zipped bag, cot-climbing will be far from easy, and your grobag® baby sleeping bag may well delay the age at which you have to move your child to a bed - a big bonus! The largest size grobag® baby sleeping bag is for children age 3 - 6 yrs who just love their grobag® so much, they don't want to leave it! Please note that this size is very large – so don't consider it until your child has grown out of the Toddler size.
	Is grobag® a brand name?
	Yes, it is a registered trademark. Remember, a baby sleeping bag by any other name is not a grobag®! When you buy a grobag® baby sleeping bag, we truly believe you have the safest, most tested, best made and best value baby sleeping bag available.
	How can I create the safest possible sleep environment for my baby?
	Advice for parents to reduce the risk of cot death: Cut smoking in pregnancy – fathers too! And don’t let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby. Place your baby on the back to sleep (and not on the front or side). Do not let your baby get too hot, and keep your baby’s head uncovered. Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or cot in a room with you for the first six months. It’s especially dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed if you (or your partner): are a smoker, even if you never smoke in bed or at home, have been drinking alcohol, take medication or drugs that make you drowsy, feel very tired; or if your baby: was born before 37 weeks, weighed less than 2.5kg or 5½ lbs at birth, is less than three months old. Don’t forget, accidents can happen: you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby; or your baby could get caught between the wall and the bed, or could roll out of an adult bed and be injured. Settling your baby to sleep with a dummy, even for naps, can reduce the risk of cot death, even if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep. For further information visit www.fsid.org.uk
	What are grobag® baby sleeping bags made of?
	grobag® baby sleeping bags come in a variety of soft fabrics, and all of the designs have cotton lining to go next to your baby’s skin. They are available in woven cotton, organic cotton, soft cotton jersey, luxurious velour, soft anti-pill fleece and cotton towelling. 2.5 togs grobag® baby sleeping bags have a soft polyester filling which is lightweight and quick to dry. 1.0 and 0.5 tog grobag® baby sleeping bags are made of 100% cotton, as there is no filling on the lighter weight togs. Zips and poppers are always a chosen from a reputable branded supplier to ensure ongoing quality and safety.
	Do you use chemicals to fire retard your grobag® baby sleeping bags?
	No. We do not believe in the use of chemicals to fire retard our baby sleeping bags because prolonged exposure to a high dosage of chemical flame retardant is thought to carry a considerable risk to health.
	Are grobag® baby sleeping bags fire retardant?
	Outer fabric and lining: Where possible, we use 100%cotton lining on our grobag® baby sleeping bags in order that a natural and breathable product like cotton will always be next to a baby’s skin. The only possible way in which to fire retard cotton is to add chemicals and we believe that the risk to an infant of direct contact with these chemicals (by skin contact, sucking or inhaling) outweighs the potential risks associated with fire. Filling: The filling of our main range of 2.5 tog grobag® baby sleeping bags is Fire Retardant. It is made from 100% polyester which is constructed in such a way as to meet fire retardancy requirements without adding any chemicals. (Our range of organic 2.5 tog grobag® baby sleeping bags had a cotton filling which is not fire retardant.) Although the cotton lining and the outer fabric are not fire retarded, the use of the inherently fire retardant polyester filling on our main range of 2.5 tog grobag® baby sleeping bags effectively acts as a fire retardant “barrier” on the whole made up product.
	I’ve heard about baby sleeping bags with a special anti-allergic filling. Do you make these?
	We are always aware of new innovations available and anti-allergic filling which is advertised to retard house-dustmite is one of these. The problem with these fillings is that to do their job, they often have a chemical content, which may in turn cause other problems when worn in close proximity by a baby over a period of time. Baby sleeping bags, when washed regularly, have no chance to build up dust-mite allergens, and that washing, even at low temperatures effectively eradicates house dust mite. We have therefore chosen, as far as possible, to go the safer “natural route” in sourcing the components for our grobag® baby sleeping bags rather than including chemicals in our components that we do not believe have any proven benefit.
	Some other baby sleeping bag makes last longer as the bottoms fold up. Why don’t your’s do this?
	There are two reasons for this, both with safety in mind. The first is that we are very careful to make sure that grobag® baby sleeping bags fit correctly and are not too large for the age range. By extending the age range, the baby sleeping bag would be in danger of being too large for the baby at the smaller end of the range. The other key consideration is the importance of not letting a baby overheat. Even if the excess fabric at the bottom of the baby sleeping bag is folded up at the back, it would cause extra heat around the baby’s feet and legs. Once the baby is able to turn over, this extra fabric would be acting in effect as an extra covering.