Baby sleeping bag and sleep nest: a complete guide for brands looking for a manufacturer

Sleeping bag vs. sleep nest: what are the differences?

The baby sleeping bag (or turbulette) is a sleep sack for babies that is open at the top, with straps or armholes. It replaces the blanket in the crib and secures the infant's sleep by eliminating the risk of suffocation. It is the best-selling product in nursery textiles, with repurchases by size (0-6 months, 6-18 months, 18-36 months).

The sleep nest is an envelope that completely surrounds the baby, including the arms, with an opening at the top. It is mainly used for outings and transportation (stroller, infant carrier, car seat). Some models include a slot for the seat belt.

For brands, these two products serve complementary purposes and allow for the expansion of a nursery textile collection beyond clothing, with higher retail prices and a greater unit margin.

The TOG rating: choosing the appropriate thickness

The TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) measures the thermal resistance of a textile. The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleeping bag. It is not an indicator of quality but of suitability for the ambient temperature. Informed parents systematically check the TOG — it is a major purchasing decision criterion.

• TOG 0.5 — Heatwave (25°C+) — Single muslin, no filling
• TOG 1 — Summer (22-24°C) — Single jersey or double gauze
• TOG 2.5 — Mid-season (18-21°C) — Lined jersey + 100 g/m² wadding
• TOG 3.5 — Winter (< 18°C) — Padded jersey + fleece, 200 g/m² wadding

For a first collection, we recommend covering TOG 1 (summer) and TOG 2.5 (mid-season) — these two references cover 8 to 9 months of the year in temperate Europe. TOG 3.5 is a niche market (cold climates, Scandinavian markets).

Materials and construction

The baby sleeping bags and sleep nests we manufacture at LOI Confection use certified materials. The multi-layer construction varies depending on the target TOG:

• Outer shell: cotton poplin (110-130 g/m²), GOTS organic cotton jersey (160-180 g/m²), organic double gauze, linen blend
• Lining: interlock jersey (200 g/m²), 1x1 rib, organic cotton jersey. It must be softer than the outer shell as it is in contact with the skin
• Filling (TOG 2+): polyester wadding (80-200 g/m²) or organic cotton wadding for GOTS versions. The wadding is fused or quilted to the lining to prevent internal pilling

Safety requirements

The safety of baby sleep products is a critical issue. A defect can have serious consequences. The applicable European standards are:

• Zipper: it must have a fabric chin guard (no metal-to-skin contact) and a slider that prevents accidental opening. The zip must open from the bottom to make diaper changes easier without undressing the baby
• Internal seams: all seams in contact with the skin must be flat or covered with bias tape. No raw seams, no visible overlock stitches on the skin side
• EN 14682: no cords, free ties, hoods, or detachable elements that could pose a risk of strangulation
• REACH: strict compliance for dyes, metal accessories, and filling. Formaldehyde limit: 20 ppm (baby class 1)
• Flammability: the filling and fabrics must comply with the flammability standards applicable in the country of destination

To learn more, read our article on safety standards for baby clothes in Europe.

Pattern making and technical constraints

The pattern for a baby sleeping bag is more complex than it appears. Unlike a garment, the sleeping bag must provide sufficient volume for the baby to move their legs freely without the fabric riding up over their face.

Sizing

The length of the sleeping bag is calculated based on the baby's shoulder-to-foot measurement + 10-15 cm of ease at the bottom. The width at the torso must allow for free arm movement. The armholes must be fitted (not too wide, to prevent the baby from slipping inside) while remaining comfortable.

Multi-layer assembly

The assembly of a wadded sleeping bag involves 3 superimposed layers with strict placement tolerances. The wadding must be attached to the lining before assembly (quilting or fusing) to prevent it from shifting during washing. Managing the thickness at the junction seams (armholes, zipper contour) requires specific machine settings.

Customization and finishing

The baby sleeping bag is a product that is particularly well-suited for customization — it is a very popular newborn gift. Our hand embroidery workshop allows for the addition of:

• Name embroidery: done by hand or machine depending on the volume. Positioned on the chest or back
• Embroidered motifs: animals, stars, flowers — from a catalog of motifs or custom-designed
• Fabric appliqués: pieces of fabric cut out and sewn on in relief
• Contrasting bias tape: finishing bias tape in a color or pattern different from the body

Development process

The development of a baby sleeping bag or sleep nest follows a structured 4-phase process:

1. Brief and tech pack: you send us your specs (sizes, TOG, materials, finishes). If you don't have a tech pack, our development team can create one from your sketches or references
2. Prototype: made in 15 to 20 days. Includes a sample of each size and colorway
3. Validation: exchanges and adjustments until your approval. Usually 1 to 2 rounds of corrections
4. Production: 30 to 45 days depending on quantities. MOQ of 150 to 300 pieces per style/size/colorway

We work in Full Package or CMT depending on your preferences. In Full Package, we source fabrics, wadding, and accessories based on your specifications.