Thursday, November 30, 2017

Top 5 Best Wearable Blankets for Your Kids | 2017 Reviews

Top 5 Best Wearable Blankets for Your Kids | 2017 Reviews

When can babies sleep with blankets? As a parent, you should already know by now that using blankets on infants are a huge no-no and that having them on toddlers is nearly pointless because they usually just kick it off after a few minutes and then complain that they are cold.

Thank goodness for the invention of the wearable blanket. This item has given many parents all over the world some peace of mind knowing that their babies can stay warm all throughout the night, without overheating and without the danger of getting tangled up in the blankets. These baby sleep sacks have also given back parents minutes of valuable sleep as the babies no longer cry after wriggling out of the blanket and feeling cold.

  • Provides an easier way to transition from swaddling to using a blanket
  • It is portable and can easily be brought during travels
  • It allows babies to sleep longer, giving parents more sleep
  • It reduces the risk of SIDS
  • It keeps them warm throughout the night without the risk of overheating
  • It grows with your kids (has leg holes for walkers)

When choosing this type of baby sleep bag, it is important to note two things: zippers and material thickness. It is crucial to go for baby sleep sacks that have top to bottom zippers so that the baby cannot reach it and free himself while you are asleep. On the other hand, material thickness should be based on the current season – thick during winter and thin during summer. Merino wool is great for use in all types of seasons but can burn a hole in your pocket.

If you are ready, here are the top 5 best wearable blankets for your kids to use.

Quick Comparison Table

Baby Sleep Sack from Woolino

Halo Sleepsack 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket

Merino Kids Organic Cotton Baby Sleep Bag

SlumberSafe Kids Sleep Sack Wearable Blanket

Slumbersac Kids Summer Sleep Sack

Baby Sleep Sack from Woolino
Halo Sleepsack 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket
Merino Kids Organic Cotton Baby Sleep Bag
SlumberSafe Kids Sleep Sack Wearable Blanket
Slumbersac Kids Summer Sleep Sack Wearable Blanket

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

0 to 3 years

10 to 36 lbs

2 to 4 years

3 to 6 years

3 to 6 years

Merino Wool

Cotton

Organic Cotton

Cotton

Cotton

Baby Sleep Sack from Woolino

Baby Sleep Sack from Woolino

For parents interested in finding baby sleep sacks to use on their kids during the colder winter months, this wearable blanket made from Merino Wool is the perfect solution.

While parents are no longer worried about their babies getting tangled in loose blankets thanks to the popularity of the baby sleep bag, a growing concern now is which weight to use on their babies. Certainly, you would not want your baby to feel too cold or too hot when they sleep, right? Even that can result to SIDS which is something no one would want to happen.

The Woolino baby blanket is made from breathable Merino wool which means that it is able to naturally regulate the body temperature so that they are able to sleep safely and soundly throughout the night, no matter what season it is.

Another thing we love about the Woolino sleep bag is that it comes with a two way zipper so you can unzip it from the top or bottom with ease. Open it at the top to get the baby out easily and open it at the bottom so you can do some quick diaper changes – it is quite convenient for everyone! Those who are worried about the zippers digging in or pinching your baby’s neck or face need not worry because it has a protective flap up top to keep the zipper hidden.

Additionally, parents need not worry about their baby’s wearable blanket having full of chemicals because this one does not. It is made from hypoallergenic Australian Merino wool which is naturally fire resistant. You can also toss this one in the laundry along with other clothes as the industrial zippers seem indestructible and the organic outer cotton material and inner wool will still stay intact.​

This baby sleep bag certainly burns a hole in one’s pocket but it is such a good investment that many of us would not think twice getting it. This product deserves to be placed at the first position in our list.

Details of the Baby Sleep Sack from Woolino

Recommended Ages

0 to 3 years

Material

Merino Wool

Halo Sleepsack 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket

Halo Sleepsack 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket

When it comes to wearable blankets, it is the Halo sleep sack that pioneered it all after its founder lost his firstborn due to SIDS. It was then that the brand was conceived and it is now being used in hospitals and is being recommended by pediatricians as well.

These trademarked sleep sacks are meant to replaced the regular blankets but not pajamas so the latter still has to be worn while the baby is inside the sack. What this type of blanket does is keep the baby inside, allow them to kick and freely move around during their sleep and yet prevent them from slipping out of the blanket and leaving them cold for the rest of the night.

What we love about this sleep sack is that it is just the right weight for warmer nights like in the summer. It is made of cotton and is not very thick or very thin so it just gives them the right amount of warmth throughout the night. Another thing we like is that it has an “upside down” zipper which means that it runs from top to bottom. This is important so your kid is not able to reach it, unzip themselves and wriggle free from their sack and it also prevents the zippers from digging into their bodies in case they roll to their tummies in the middle of the night.

Truly, this wearable blanket is the perfect alternative to swaddles and is great because they keep the babies snug but still free to move around their hands (no sleeves to prevent overheating) and feet.

For colder months, Halo also offers a micro fleece version to keep them warm. Do go for a bigger size of what your baby usually uses because their sizes run a bit small and they are also not preshrunk. It is still a much better choice to get an all-season sleep bag, in our opinion, so we are placing this at the second spot in our list.

Details of the Halo Sleepsack 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket

Recommended Ages

S (10-18 lbs), M (16-24 lbs), L (22-28 lbs), XL (26-36 lbs)

Material

Cotton

Merino Kids Organic Cotton Baby Sleep Bag

Merino Kids Organic Cotton Baby Sleep Bag

Yet another great toddler sleep sack to consider getting for your kids is this one from Merino Kids. This sleep bag features two layers of organic cotton and is 100% all natural and GOTS certified. Parents also do not have to worry about wrapping their kids in chemicals because this one does not have any pesticides and chemicals and is naturally fire retardant.

What makes us love the Merino Kids wearable blanket? Obviously, we love it for its main purpose of replacing loose blankets which can be a safety hazard for kids who constantly toss and turn around during their sleep. We cannot keep watch 24/7 so we need to find a way to let them stay safe and secure even without us looking and constantly hovering.

This sleep bag is designed for toddlers and can be used for up to two years so you need not purchase any other wearable blanket. Although this product is definitely on the higher end of the list in terms of pricing but it is a well worth investment since it lasts quite long compared to other similar products that last only a few months.

But, this product is not just designed as sleep sacks for babies when they are sleeping in their beds and cribs. It actually comes with an innovative safety belt aperture so that you baby can continue sleeping in them in their car seats or strollers without being disturbed. You can simply slip in the bag through these apertures and not remove them from the bags so that they can maintain a good sleep routine.

Also, we realized that its contoured body design does have a huge advantage. It helps keep the bag in place so the bodice stays clear of the face, lessening the risk of suffocation. Your kids can still freely move their bodies and legs inside the sleep bag but it is secure enough that they cannot sleep underneath or wriggle out and end up feeling cold. That means more sleep for you and your baby.​

This product, however, is slightly pricey and is designed only for the warmer months so we will have to put this on the middle of our list.

Details of the Merino Kids Organic Cotton Baby Sleep Bag

Recommended Ages

2 to 4 years

Material

Organic Cotton

SlumberSafe Kids Sleep Sack Wearable Blanket

SlumberSafe Kids Sleep Sack Wearable Blanket

If you are looking for other contenders as the best wearable blanket for babies, aside from heavily praised Halo one, you might want to take a look at this one made by SlumberSafe.

SlumberSafe creates high quality sleep sacks for babies that are perfect not just for use inside the home but also during camping trips and sleepovers at grandma’s house. This blanket has a rather high TOG allowing it to be perfectly useful all throughout the year. SlumberSafe blankets are, however, only designed for older kids between three and six years of age so you will have to look somewhere else if you are looking for infant sleep sacks (they do have a down sleep sack with an even higher TOG which are designed for children from birth up to six years).

What we like about this product is that it provides just the perfect alternative for sleeping bags which might be too big for children this age. It does not come with leg holes at the bottom so it really resembles a sleeping bag and, thus, will make them feel like one of the adults or the bigger children.

This product looks simple enough and yet can spell a difference between life and death. It does not only protect your kids from the cold weather especially during camping trips but also makes sure that they do not get tangled in loose blankets that can potentially block their airways.

This SlumberSafe wearable blanket is such a cute sleeping bag for toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children and even comes with beautiful and playful designs. For example, one design has forest animal embroidery at the front and the back that will make them even closer to nature when out camping. At the back are cute prints of animals such as owls, squirrels, foxes and many more.

Although we would like to focus more on infant blankets, this is such a nice toddler blanket to consider so we are placing it in fourth position.

Details of the SlumberSafe Kids Sleep Sack Wearable Blanket

Recommended Ages

3 to 6 years

Material

Cotton

Slumbersac Kids Summer Sleep Sack Wearable Blanket

Slumbersac Kids Summer Sleep Sack Wearable Blanket

This 1.0 TOG wearable blanket is one of the best baby sleep sacks to use during the warmer summer months. It is made from 100% cotton ensuring that your child stays comfortable and safe while wearing it all throughout the night. It is also lightly padded and very soft which will definitely guarantee a longer sleep for the kiddos.

What we love about this sleep sack wearable blanket is that they are perfect for use during camping and overnight trips outside the house so you do not have to lug those heavy and bulky sleeping accessories such as duvets and blankets. Additionally, parents no longer have to worry about these loose blankets covering their babies which could become a potential safety hazard. Kids also tend to toss and turn and roll over around a lot during their sleep and end up kicking their blankets and waking up cold. This wearable blanket certainly eliminates such a problem.

These SlumberSac baby blankets are made from 100% cotton and lined with 100% cotton as well which is just the perfect material for babies who have sensitive skin. It also has a filling made from quick dry soft polyester fleece to help prevent allergies. This filling also prevents the sac from losing form and becoming lumpy.

Another thing that we love about this product is that it is all natural and does not come with any fire retardant chemicals that can harm your baby’s health. Their lightweight sleeping bags for kids are also designed to fit kiddos from birth until 10 years of age.

While it looks very simple and unassuming, we believe that it is still one of the best baby blankets in the market and that it does its job quite well. It is, however, only designed for summer and the warmer months so you will have to look for another wearable blanket to use when the colder temperatures come in. As such, we will have to place this one at the bottom of our list.

Details of the Slumbersac Kids Summer Sleep Sack Wearable Blanket

Recommended Ages

3 to 6 years

Material

Cotton

Conclusion

Remember that these sleep bags and wearable blankets are not meant to replace the regular pajamas and sleeping wear. They are designed to have no sleeves in order to have better temperature control – put your kids in thicker sleepwear during winter and in lighter ones during the summer season.

Also, be sure to keep watch of your kids during the first few uses of this wearable blanket to see how they behave. They might not like the zipper digging into their skin or they might not become comfortable with the lack of “freedom” in their legs. You can also opt to go for those with leg holes for the bigger kids. We hope both you and your kid enjoy a great night’s sleep every night!​

The post Top 5 Best Wearable Blankets for Your Kids | 2017 Reviews appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Diaper Bags for Dads | 2017 Reviews

Top 5 Best Diaper Bags for Dads | 2017 Reviews

Having a baby means putting a lot of weight on your shoulders – figuratively and literally. Not only do you become in charge of the life of a tiny human being but you also have to carry them around a lot for the first few years as well as lug around a ton of their stuff.

While moms tend to go for diaper bags that look like purses or one that doubles as their office bag, dads tend to go for something a little different, usually in the modern backpack form.

Thankfully for the man of the house, the best diaper backpacks come in all sorts of forms and sizes. They look very modern and sleek that it can become hard to tell whether they are truly designed to stuff in all baby’s accessories or not. Not only that, these modern diaper backpacks also double as laptop bags and have multiple pockets to put in baby essentials as well as dad’s essentials.

So, how do dads go and look for the best diaper bags for them?

Fortunately, men are less fussy about bag styles, unlike moms, as long as they are able to serve its function well. Obviously, a good diaper bag is one that is able to fit in all of the baby's essentials and maybe even more. Some dads also love it if there are extra pockets to place their items in such a laptop, a mobile phone or a tablet, chargers, and others.

It would also be a big plus if the straps of the bag were designed to provide comfort to the wearer’s back and shoulders, even after a few hours of lugging it around. Others would also prefer if the bags had extra straps that would make them compatible for hanging on stroller handles – and having a changing mat included in the package is great, too.​

Quick Comparison Table

Skip Hop Signature Diaper Backpack

Ferlin Baby Diaper Backpack with Changing Pad

HapTim Large Baby Diaper Backpack

Diaper Bag Backpack by HYBLOM

DadGear Backpack Diaper Bag

Skip Hop Signature Diaper Backpack
Ferlin Baby Diaper Backpack with Changing Pad
HapTim Large Baby Diaper Backpack
Diaper Bag Backpack by HYBLOM
DadGear Backpack Diaper Bag

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

1.7 pounds

2.6 pounds

2.2 pounds

1.7 pounds

3 pounds

13 x 6 x 16.5 inches

17 x 12 x 4 inches

14 x 7.9 x 18 inches

16 x 12 x 2 inches

10 x 12 x 18 inches

Polyester

Polyester

Nylon

Nylon

Polyester

Skip Hop Signature Diaper Backpack

Skip Hop Signature Diaper Backpack

A lot of mommies and daddies love this Signature backpack from Skip Hop, just like us here at ParentsNeed HQ. In fact, there are many points that make us love this pack. Are you ready to get on with the details?

For starters, we love that this bag has a lot of storage space. You can actually fit in two babies' worth of items from diapers to wipes to formula and so on. Plus, it's quite stylish and comes in a backpack-style so it is definitely perfect for dads to use. We love that it keeps free both of the hands, so even if you have more than one kid with you, it makes it easy to carry them around.

Another reason why we love this backpack is that it makes use of very durable and thick material. If you are familiar with the Forma backpack, you may have already known that it uses fabric that has a satin feel and is rather thick but soft. On the other hand, the Signature backpack has a smoother and more liquid resistant texture to it so you can easily wipe off messes and stains. That said, this could be a reason why it is not the most comfortable to wear.

When it comes to storage, it certainly does not disappoint. It comes with two mesh pockets located on both sides and can fit two huge Avent bottles with ease. You may encounter problems such as the backpack being front heavy. Although tipping forward is not really a make or break deal, it can become very annoying if you happen to put it down on a flat surface in a public place and you are doing things on your own.

Other things we like about this pack is that it comes with nine pockets (aside from the two located on both sides) plus the lined pockets to place your phone in. It even comes with stroller straps in case your shoulders get too tired from carrying. Of course, there is also a padded pocket inside the pack that can fit most 15-inch laptops, perfect for dads and moms on the go.

Because of that, we are placing this one at the top spot on our list.

Details of the Skip Hop Signature Diaper Backpack

Weight

1.7 pounds

Dimensions

13 x 6 x 16.5 inches

Style

Duo Diaper Backpack

Material

Polyester

Ferlin Baby Diaper Backpack with Changing Pad

Ferlin Baby Diaper Backpack with Changing Pad

Another great alternative for dads looking for cool diaper bags is this multifunction nappy bag from Ferlin. It comes with a slightly manlier look – but still chic enough for women to use – compared to the others that we have included in this list.

One thing that we like about this nappy backpack is its fabric. Just one look (and touch) will already tell you that it is made from high-quality material. In addition to making sure that it does not wear and tear very easily, it is also waterproof and can be cleaned without a lot of hassle. The bag also comes with a huge storage capacity, including two main compartments with a total of 11 interior pockets, two side pockets, a zippered front pocket as well as a changing pad.

Its large storage capacity enables parents to not just store items for one child but also for another one. Dads and moms who are always on the go can also take advantage of its size and pockets by storing important things such as cell phones, keys, and other small electronic items. They are definitely perfect for when parents are out and about with their little ones or when traveling for short periods. This pack even comes with a chest strap so parents can carry it around for long periods without it feeling uncomfortable. We also love that it does not easily topple over when made to stand on its own.

We here at ParentsNeed HQ highly recommend using this product as it comes with a very reasonable price for the quality that it provides. However, some parents have complained that it does not seem to have very high quality and that its fabric gets frayed and the zippers get broken very easily but this may just be an isolated case.

If you are on a budget and would love to get a good quality diaper backpack that looks stylish and provides a lot of storage and function, then this is something that you should definitely consider. There are still many things that we like about this bag which is why we have placed it at the second spot in our list.

Details of the Ferlin Baby Diaper Backpack with Changing Pad

Weight

2.6 pounds

Dimensions

17 x 12 x 4 inches

Style

Modern

Material

Polyester

HapTim Large Baby Diaper Backpack

HapTim Large Baby Diaper Backpack

Yet another stylish and modern-looking diaper backpack is this one from HapTim. It seems that there is a running trend in diaper bags for dads – and they are all beautiful and functional all the same. Now, what do we love about this huge diaper bag?

For one, we love that it has a really cool design which does not make it look like a diaper bag at all. It could easily pass off as a trendy cool bag or a daypack for avid travelers. Looking at the front of the pack is enough to convince you on how stylish and chic it is. The front pocket cover comes with a special shape design making it look very cool.

Now, parents worry a lot about storage when it comes to diaper bags and this one does not disappoint. In fact, it comes equipped with 17 various storage compartments so you can put in all sorts of items that you need when going out with your little one. The front compartment comes with seven interior pockets including three that are insulated. There are also side pockets for easy storage as well as several others in the front and back. Whether you are going out for a quick walk or a longer staycation with the family, you can be sure that you have all the storage that you need.

We love the design so much that we recommend it even to non-parents! It is built with just the right size and has enough storage to put in all your needs for a quick hike. You can even store a laptop inside if you wish to. Another thing we like is that it comes with a unisex design so it is great not just for dads to use but also for moms.

Perhaps the only main reason why this isn’t as high on the list is its pricing. It is currently the second most expensive item here although still quite reasonable. You do get the quality for the price that you pay for and we are quite sure that you will not get disappointed. For that reason, we are placing it at the middle spot in our list.

Details of the HapTim Large Baby Diaper Backpack

Weight

2.2 pounds

Dimensions

14 x 7.9 x 18 inches

Style

Modern

Material

Nylon

Diaper Bag Backpack by HYBLOM

Diaper Bag Backpack by HYBLOM

This backpack really leans more toward a chic-looking design but it is still fit for young dads to use, especially when they are out and about with their little kids. So, what is the main selling point for this cool backpack for Dads?

For one, it comes with elasticized interior storage pockets so you can fit in both small and larger items inside with ease. It also has bottle pockets on both sides providing easy access if you have to feed your little one on the go. Most importantly, its bottle pockets are insulated so your baby's milk (or juice) stays hot (or cold) for longer. Other pockets include multiple ones that use zippers and parents can also make use of a cell phone storage compartment. For added comfort and ease to traveling families, the bag also comes with a diaper changing pad as well as durable stroller straps for when your shoulders start to hurt from all the weight.

How spacious is this diaper pack for moms and dads? Some parents attest that they are able to use this bag to put in all the essential items that two kids need on a short walk or day out. You do not even have to take everything out when getting just one item because the top cover opens up pretty wide, allowing you to see everything inside very easily.

Although this is the cheapest item in our list, it certainly does not mean that it lacks in quality. In fact, it stays sturdy and strong even with many items inside it. The only thing that we do not quite like about this backpack is that it looks a little too preppy and chic. It is great for women to bring around but perhaps not as appealing to men. Still, would it not be cute to see dads with such cute and stylish bags while bringing their little kiddos along?

Perhaps the only downside to this pack is in the straps. It might be more comfortable if it had more padding to it and if the straps were made slightly narrower to prevent it from rubbing against the inside of the arms. Because of this, we think it deserves to be placed at the fourth spot.

Details of the Diaper Bag Backpack by HYBLOM

Weight

1.7 pounds

Dimensions

16 x 12 x 2 inches

Style

Modern

Material

Nylon

DadGear Backpack Diaper Bag

DadGear Backpack Diaper Bag

If you are looking for something a little more rugged-looking yet stylish, then this backpack diaper bag from DadGear is your best choice. When it came to this bag, one of the things that really stood out for us was its style and quality. This bag is made in the USA and even comes with a lifetime warranty. Cool, right?

What else do we love about this diaper backpack? Well, we love that it does not look like one that simply stores diapers, formula or wipes at all. In fact, it can pass off as a laptop bag or a daypack for a single person who travels a lot. It has a very modern design and we are quite sure people would be amazed to see what it has inside.

Another reason why you might want to consider getting this DadGear bag is that it comes with 13 different compartments to hold all your baby's essentials – and more. There are compartments for storing diapers, wipes, formula, and bottles as well as mom's and dad's phones and keys. It even comes with stroller straps and a washable changing pad, making it truly perfect for families who are always on the go. The bag can also easily fit the overhead compartment of the plane, in case you were worried about its size. Some parents have complained though that the bag is a little too big and heavy than the average backpack.

Now, you might worry about having to take out everything inside the bag just to get something at the bottom – you no longer have to do that. This diaper pack comes with a clamshell design which means that when you unzip and open the main compartment, you already get to see everything inside. The diaper hammock and wipes compartment can also be found near the top of the pack so you can quickly make diaper changes without having to take everything out.

There are obviously a lot of things that we like about this product but we think that the price is a little way too high so we have to place it at the fifth spot in our list.

Details of the DadGear Backpack Diaper Bag

Weight

3 pounds

Dimensions

10 x 12 x 18 inches

Style

Modern

Material

Polyester

Regardless of what type of diaper bag, sling or backpack you might choose, the most important consideration to keep in mind is that it is able to serve its function well, which is to transport all of the baby's essential items from one place to another. Having extra functions such as a laptop or mobile compartment are already secondary, as well as having changing pads, extra straps and so on.

Of course, it is nice to keep the overall look stylish but comfort should always be the first thing in mind. Try to put in your baby’s items inside the bag and give it a quick walk to see if it does not hurt your back or shoulders. Enjoy strolling with your baby!

The post Top 5 Best Diaper Bags for Dads | 2017 Reviews appeared first on ParentsNeed.