Gro Company Grobag review

This is where the Gro Company's Grobag comes in. My baby ‘wears’ the Grobag over his shoulders like a jacket but then the zip goes all the way down to the bottom of the bag, encasing his body, but leaving his arms and head free. He can kick until his heart’s content without the risk of losing his blankets or getting cold. Many other parents have said that the cosy warmth of the Grobag has been the godsend they needed to conquer the sleep hurdle.

The makers of Grobag also work closely with the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) to provide bedding that meets the guidelines for safe sleep temperatures.

What we love

Every Grobag is sold with a handy nursery thermometer so I could see what tog sleeping bag would provide my baby with the right amount of warmth. The one tog rating is the standard Grobag for a nursery that’s between 20 and 24 degrees (which is the average temperature of many nurseries). Grobag provided comprehensive info on how much or little bedding to add, how warm the nursery should be and what items to dress my baby in depending on the tog rating of the Grobag I’ve got.

Also giving me peace of mind are the secure fixings, which means my baby can’t crawl into or out of the bag, or get it trapped around his neck or head.

Having a contained sleeping bag that my baby wears is also a big plus when I’m out and about around bedtime. He can doze off in his pushchair and still be ready for bed when we get home, as he just has to be transferred from one place to another.

The Grobag is very easy to clean – if you have a tumble drier you only need one – and it stays in good condition for a long time.

What to watch out for

I always made sure I got baby into his Grobag while he was awake - it’s a snug fit around the arms and shoulders and if he’s dozed off during a feed, he has to be manoeuvred quite a lot to get into it. Grobags also come in a variety of colours and patterns for girls and boys, so the fashion-conscious among us don’t lose out!

Since Grobag started many other manufacturers now make baby and toddler sleeping bags, some with sensible additions such as a ‘buttonhole’ for car seat straps. Unless you have lots of ‘grow room’ in your Grobag, you won’t be able to get your baby into a three-point or five-point harness using the crotch strap, ruling out many buggies and all 0-4 car seats. Grobags aren’t cheap – an average of £25 compared to about £5 for blankets – and your baby can grow out of the first one in only a few months. That said, dependng on the style you go for, some are priced at £15.99.

Who is The Gro Company's Grobag best for?

For mums desperate to get their baby sleeping soundly and safely through the night.

MadeForMums verdict

A good investment for a good night’s sleep. The Grobag lets you do away with the hassle of multiple blankets and sheets, and is convenient when you’re out with your baby in his pushchair. The lack of holes for car seat straps is a downside.

Updated 11/12/2014