Choosing a Grobag

Grobags come in a 0-6 month size and a 6-18 month size, various levels of warmth and a couple of styles

Size

Our 65cm long baby is now in the 0-6 month size with about 10cm on length left to grow into. The 0-6 month size has adjustable arm holes which you can make smaller for a snug fit. This was great when we first put her in them and she was a lot smaller, but now it doesn’t really matter.

I’ve started putting our baby in the 6-18 month size from time to time and these fit okay around her shoulders and arms - but they are really long. These don’t have the adjustable arm holes which makes the fit a bit baggy, but it’s not like she’s going to slip down into it or anything.

Warmth / Tog

Grobags come in various levels of warmth which they measure as a “tog” level. There are 0.5 tog, 1.0 tog and 2.5 tog Grobags. The idea behind Grobags is to replace all other blankets. To help, each Grobag comes with a cardboard room thermometer with advice on how to dress your baby depending on the temperature of the nursery and warmth level of the Grobag.

2.5 tog bags are suitable for rooms which are 16 - 20°C (18°C is the reccommend temperature for newborn nurseries)
1.0 tog bags are suitable for rooms which are 20 - 24°C (22°C is the reccommended setting for your thermostat during summer in Australia)
0.5 tog bags are suitable for rooms which are 24 - 26°C

If you live in a house with excellent temperature control, then you can pick whichever bag suits your thermostat settings. However, if you are relying on fans and open windows this summer, you probably want to consider a 1.0 tog bag.

Styles

Grobags come in two main styles - Jersy and Travel

Jersy grobags are made from very soft pyjama like fabric. Most jersy Grobags have a zip which runs down the side seam and continues across the bottom of the bag. This makes it much easier to gain access during late night nappy changes. (Some have a centre zip which you do up at the neck line and pull downwards to close.) If you are only using your Grobag at night, or have a persistant tummy sleeper for a baby, Jersy Grobags are a good option.

Travel Grobags have a clever opening in the back which allows you to feed the car/pram harness through and strap your baby in while still in the Grobag. It makes car - cot transfers much easier. These bags have a two way zip down the centre front which allows you to open just the bottom half for nappy changes. Travel bags have a more durable outer fabric and “daytime” colours and patterns. Travel Grobags are perfect for babies who like to sleeping the car or pram. If you plan to use your travel Grobag during the day more often than at night, consider how warm it gets in the sun before choosing a tog level.

Where to buy