How do I wash a sleeping bag?

The way you will wash a sleeping bag all depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many sleeping bags are machine-washable, so you can throw it in the washing machine at the end of the day and then likely tumble dry on low. However, there are some manufacturers who don’t recommend putting their sleeping bag in certain types of washing machines or washing machines at all. If your sleeping bag is machine-washable, you can use your normal laundry detergent if it is safe for the material or unless the manufacturer says otherwise. The larger the washing machine, the better, because then you can ensure the sleeping bag will be fully cleaned. Once it’s done washing, you’ll want to dry it on low in the dryer if the manufacturer allows, or you can simply let it air dry, but it will take longer. There’s also the handwashing method, which includes filling a bathtub with cool or warm water and the recommended soap. You don’t want too much soap as it will be harder to rinse out. You’ll rub in the soap into any areas that need it and then let it soak for about an hour. From there, you’ll rinse out the water continuously and then let it air dry or dry on low in a dryer.

Does my child need a blanket while using a sleeping bag?

More than likely, your child will not need an additional blanket if they’re using a sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are made with special material to keep them warm to low temperatures, typically around 40 to 45 degrees. You can check the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to temperature rating. The problem with adding a blanket to a sleeping bag is that there is the possibility of overheating. If it’s chilly outside, you may not think overheating will be a problem, but it’s absolutely possible if an additional blanket is used, so keep that in mind before piling them on.

The 6 Best Kids' Sleeping Bags for 2023

Whether they frequent slumber parties or love a good outdoor adventure, having a quality sleeping bag is important for a kid. The best kids' sleeping bags are well-fitted, will work for the intended environment (indoors vs. outdoors), and keep kids comfortable.

Sleeping bags come with a variety of extra features that will help keep your child comfortable like hoods, fleece lining, pockets, anti-snag zippers, and more. Once you've nailed the size and features down, don't be afraid to pick a sleeping bag that's personalized to your child's taste. Other great features to look out for are their temperature range, durability, and ease of cleaning. We researched popular options from trusted brands with these features in mind.

Here are the best kids sleeping bags to choose from.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Coleman Kids 45° Sleeping Bag at Amazon

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Best Budget:

REVALCAMP Kids Sleeping Bag at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

L.L. Bean Kids’ Flannel Sleeping Bag at L.L.Bean

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Best for Big Kids:

Wenzel Moose Youth 40-Degrees Sleeping Bag at Amazon

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Best for Hot Weather:

Coleman Kids 50° Sleeping Bag at Walmart

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Best for Cold Weather:

HiHiker Camping Sleeping Bag & Pillow at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Brittandjules.com

Pros

Designed for kids up to 5 feet 5 inches tall
Comfort cuff

Cons

Slippery material

We chose this sleeping bag from Coleman as our best overall because it comes in three color options and has a pocket inside the bag where they can stash small items. Designed for kids up to 5 feet 5 inches tall, these mild-weather sleeping bags can keep your kiddo warm in temps as low as 45 F. Reviewers note that it works equally as great indoors as it does outdoors. Aside from the fun colors and patterns, these sleeping bags are made with ThermoTech insulation and a “comfort cuff” around the top edge to add a little extra coziness that your kiddo will appreciate.

The zipper is designed to specifically avoid getting caught on fabric, and there’s also an interior pocket where kids can store a flashlight or their phone. It's a great option for kids who belong to a scouting organization and frequently go on camping excursions. Packing up the sleeping bag is easy, too, because it’s equipped with “roll control” locks that keep the bag straight while it’s being rolled up, and then the “quick cord” pulls around and snaps in place to keep everything tightly packed.

When it needs to be cleaned, you can simply toss it into the washing machine.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.3 x 13.8 inches | Temperature: 45 degrees | Material: Nylon | Machine-Washable: Yes}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Budget-friendly
Water-resistant

Cons

Slippery material

Kids who hate trying to roll up their sleeping bag will appreciate this option because it's designed to be stuffed in a carrying bag for super easy transportation. With enough room to fit a kid up to 6 feet and 1 inch in height, there are 10 color options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

While the price is definitely appealing, this sleeping bag is best for sleeping indoors—also to have extras on-hand when hosting slumber parties—and on warm summer nights because it shouldn’t be used in temps below 40 degrees. The exterior fabric of the sleeping bag is water-resistant to keep them protected and dry on dewy mornings and it has an anti-snag zipper design.

Price at time of publication: $33

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 30 x 71 inches | Temperature: 40 degrees | Material: Polyester | Machine-Washable: Yes}

L.L.Bean

View On L.L.Bean

Pros

Flannel lining
Zippered carrying bag

Cons

Not suitable for children under 5 feet
Costly

If you’re looking for something plush and cozy, this sleeping bag is worth the splurge. The interior is lined with super soft cotton flannel and the sleeping bag is packed with much-needed insulation. The exterior is made from nylon and has a quilted design to evenly distribute warmth. Rather than dealing with strings, kids can just roll this sleeping bag up and put it in a zippered carrying bag for easy transportation—convenient for those family camping trips. This sleeping bag is best for kids under 5 feet and is safe for large washing machines.

Price at time of publication: $99

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 62 x 27 inches | Temperature: 40 degrees | Material: Cotton flannel and nylon | Machine-Washable: Yes}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Double slider zippers
Fun design

Cons

Low height limit

Kids as tall as 5 feet can comfortably fit in this sleeping bag, which is available in two colors. It features double slider zippers, making it easier to get more airflow on a hot night or to convert the bag into one big blanket instead—perfect for rainy day indoor activities like building a fort or picnicking inside. It’s packed with insulation and will keep your kiddo warm in temperatures as low as 40 degrees. Kids who don’t want to roll the sleeping bag up can instead just stuff it into the included carrying case, making it easy for transporting and storing away until they need it again.

Price at time of publication: $31

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 66 x 26 inches | Temperature: 40 degrees | Material: Polyester | Machine-Washable: Yes}

Walmart

View On Walmart View On Coleman.com View On Homeshoppingmalls.com

Pros

Perfect for summer camping
Interior pocket

Cons

Not suitable under 50 degrees

Designed for temperatures 50 degrees and up, this sleeping bag is great for kids to take to summer camp. It’s available in three color options, all of which have fun glow-in-the-dark details, a small interior pocket, and a comfort cuff along the top of the bag to keep them cozy while they sleep.

The zipper is designed not to snag and the bag has roll locks to keep it straight while it’s getting rolled up in the morning. This sleeping bag is best for kids 6 years old and up who are 5 feet tall or less.

Price at time of publication: $28

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 16.50 x 9.50 x 7.10 inches | Temperature: 50 degrees | Material: Not listed | Machine-Washable: Not listed}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

High minimum temperature rating
Water-resistant

Cons

Bulky

Kids who love camping despite the weather will do well with this sleeping bag that is designed to keep them warm in temperatures as low as 25 degrees—perfect to take along for all kinds of fall family outdoor activities. From the top of the included hood to the bottom of the bag, it measures just over 7 feet, making it a great choice for bigger kids.

There are eight different color options, all of which are designed with heat retention technology and double zippers so it can be quickly and easily cooled down if it gets too warm. The sleeping bag is water-resistant, can be cleaned in the washing machine, and comes with a carrying bag for easy transporting.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 86.6 x 31.5 inches | Temperature: 25 degrees | Material: Polyester | Machine-Washable: Yes}

Final Verdict

The best sleeping bag for your individual kid will be based on a variety of factors, but if you’re looking for something that will hold up for basic summer tent camping and slumber parties, you can’t go wrong with the Wenzel Moose Youth 40 Degrees Sleeping Bag (view at Walmart).

What to Look For When Buying a Sleeping Bag for Kids

Size

Sleeping bags are available in different lengths and widths. Keep your child's height in mind when purchasing to ensure that the sleeping bag isn't too snug or too big.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Not all sleeping bags are created to be used for outdoor camping. Some are designed to use when visiting family or heading to a slumber party. If you are looking for an option for your kiddo to use when they have sleepovers with their grandparents, choosing one that is lightweight and breathable is ideal. You can go a step further and choose an indoor option that has a little pillow attached for added comfort.

On the other hand, if you are preparing for a family camping trip, you want to choose an option that is insulated and designed to keep your kid protected from the elements. When it comes to insulation, springing for down insulation versus synthetic stuffing can help your kiddo stay warm in cooler temps.

Extra Features

For a family of serious campers, choosing a sleeping bag that has a cozy hood, warm flannel lining, or handy pockets could be super useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I wash a sleeping bag?

The way you will wash a sleeping bag all depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many sleeping bags are machine-washable, so you can throw it in the washing machine at the end of the day and then likely tumble dry on low. However, there are some manufacturers who don’t recommend putting their sleeping bag in certain types of washing machines or washing machines at all.
If your sleeping bag is machine-washable, you can use your normal laundry detergent if it is safe for the material or unless the manufacturer says otherwise. The larger the washing machine, the better, because then you can ensure the sleeping bag will be fully cleaned. Once it’s done washing, you’ll want to dry it on low in the dryer if the manufacturer allows, or you can simply let it air dry, but it will take longer.
There’s also the handwashing method, which includes filling a bathtub with cool or warm water and the recommended soap. You don’t want too much soap as it will be harder to rinse out. You’ll rub in the soap into any areas that need it and then let it soak for about an hour. From there, you’ll rinse out the water continuously and then let it air dry or dry on low in a dryer.
Does my child need a blanket while using a sleeping bag?

More than likely, your child will not need an additional blanket if they’re using a sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are made with special material to keep them warm to low temperatures, typically around 40 to 45 degrees. You can check the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to temperature rating.
The problem with adding a blanket to a sleeping bag is that there is the possibility of overheating. If it’s chilly outside, you may not think overheating will be a problem, but it’s absolutely possible if an additional blanket is used, so keep that in mind before piling them on.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters and an aunt to three nieces and two nephews ranging from 5 to 10 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.