Camping with young kids can seem impossible but I assure you that you can do it! I was overwhelmed thinking about all the things to consider with a baby when camping. A must for camping trips with your baby is the Morrison Outdoor sleeping bag that is designed for safe sleep. My babies and toddlers are warm, comfortable, and able to sleep safely in a sleeping bag. Our Morrison Outdoors sleeping bags have been on many overnight adventures! From front country camping to backpacking in the backcountry to staying warm in a frozen ice fishing cabin in the middle of an Alberta winter. Camping trips really bring out the magic for kids and you will be hooked by how in awe your kids are of nature. To make these camping trips enjoyable and cozy, I highly recommend the Morrison Outdoors Baby & Toddler Sleeping Bag. This blog is going to go over why, safety tips, and more!
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Morrison Outdoors Shopping Options: Explorer Store, Morrison Outdoors, Amazon Canada & USA, and MEC.
Let’s explore why this sleeping bag is essential for your outdoor adventures with babies and toddlers!
What Makes It Stand Out?
There is nothing like it for babies and toddlers, the Morrison Outdoors option truly excels with its thoughtful arm design and practical features. Morrison Outdoors is an outdoor family that solved a pretty big issue for families with small kids and babies that want to camp. This brand is actually named after thier little explorer, Morrison. Innovation in the outdoor baby space is highly celebrated by us at Kids Who Explore.
The warmth is evident when my child wraps up in it, but its user-friendly aspects are what I cherish the most. Whether it's the insulation choice or the emphasis on safety, this sleeping bag meets different camping needs without compromise.
The materials are also a standout feature. They are breathable and soft, ensuring that children are comfortable all night long. According to tests conducted by outdoor equipment experts, 90% of parents reported that their kids sleep soundly when using quality sleeping gear.
Additionally, durability is crucial for camping gear. The Morrison sleeping bag is built to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor adventures, promising many trips filled with fun and comfort.
These come in adult sizing too!
Let's really zone in on safety prior to comparing and getting into the sleeping bags as that is always my top priority with my kids:
Safety
Safety is paramount when using sleeping bags for your kids. Always ensure you follow established safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and suffocation.
Safe Sleep Checklist to Help Prevent SIDS and Suffocation:
✓ Always place baby on back to sleep.
✓ Never place loose bedding and soft objects in the baby’s sleeping area.
✓ Never place an infant 15 months and younger to sleep on an inflatable mattress.
✓ Provide a separate sleep surface for your baby.
Key Safety Guidelines with Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bags:
Do NOT Size Up:
Just like the risk of using a regular sleeping bag for baby, there is a suffocation risk with oversized sleeping bags for babies aged 6–18 months. So you want to make sure your baby is the correct size as you do not want babies head to slip into the sleeping bag. There is great resale value for these sleeping bags so just buy and sell the sizing that you need for your baby.
Monitor Your Child’s Temperature:
Ensure you choose the sleeping bag material that suits the climate you will be most often camping in. You will need to monitor babies temperature throughout the night to ensure your kid doesn't overheat in the sleeping bag.
Be Cautious with Slippery Fabrics:
Slippery fabrics make it harder to hold onto baby so just be mindful when moving around camp. My kids have fallen a lot when they try and get up and walk in the sleeping bag.
Keep Away from Fire Hazards:
Maintain a safe distance from campfires and other ignition sources to protect both the child and the sleeping bag from disaster.
Disclaimer: Morrison Outdoors are certified safe sleep for babies and toddlers when camping. It's essential to keep in mind that while Morrison Outdoors sleeping bags prioritize safety, it's your responsibility to use them correctly and adhere to general guidelines for safe infant sleep (listed above in checklist form). This means placing your baby on their back to sleep on a firm surface, ensuring the sleeping bag fits properly and is the right size for your child, and dressing your baby appropriately for the weather conditions.
Made for Comfort, Safety, and Easy Diaper Changes
When camping with babies and toddlers, my main concern is creating a safe and cozy sleeping space. The Morrison Outdoors sleeping bag excels in this regard. It includes adjustable open-and-close cuffs, which allow you to customize the fit. This feature is a lifesaver for restless sleepers who frequently shift during the night. My oldest does feel like the down-filled sleeping bag is the most comfortable. I can easily change my baby while keeping him in the sleeping bag so that he keeps all of his warmth. The zipper zips up from the bottom, making the diaper change access ideal.
Sizes: Growing Options for Babies, Toddlers, and Pre-schoolers
There’s something uniquely comforting about snuggling into a warm sleeping bag after an adventurous day outdoors. The Morrison Outdoors sleeping bag is available in three sizes, making it suitable for all your little campers:
Little Mo: For babies aged 6-18 months, fitting heights of 24-34 inches.
Big Mo: For toddlers aged 18-36 months, accommodating heights from 30-40 inches.
Mighty Mo: For preschoolers aged 3-5 years, fitting heights of 36-50 inches.
This sleeping bag has helped thousands of families continue camping and adventuring once baby arrives. Having a bag tailored to their size helps ensure they remain snug and secure. Each of these sizes come in two different temperature ratings.
Temperature Rating
Little Mo 20" baby sleeping bag is rated for temperatures between 20°F to 60°F (-6°C to 15°C), meaning it's suitable for a wide range of 3-season camping conditions; their "Big Mo 40" is designed for temperatures between 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C).
Synthetic vs. Down
For even more comfort, the sleeping bag comes with different insulation options. Each baby and toddler sleeping bag is available in two temperature rating options: 20°F and 40°F. The 20°F bag utilizes 650 fill power duck down for insulation, while the 40°F bag is filled with synthetic insulation. The lighter weight and more compact size of the 20°F bag what I use when backpacking as it is super light and super warm for the Rockies. The synthetic insulation works well in temperatures down to 40°F (4°C). For chillier nights, the 100% RDS-down insulation keeps little explorers warm even when temperatures dip to 20°F (-6°C). Having these choices makes it easier to prepare for different weather conditions, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep for everyone. I always have my kids in the down sleeping bags here in the Canadian Rockies because it does get very cold in the evenings. However, I do use synthetic when camping in warmer areas as my kids do run pretty hot when they sleep.
Pros & COns
Synthetic Sleeping Bags
Pros:
Cost-effective
Moisture resistance (retains insulation when wet)
Easy to clean and maintain (machine washable)
Hypoallergenic for babies with allergies
Cons:
Bulkier and heavier than down bags
Less compressible, taking up more pack space
Down Sleeping Bags
Pros:
Superior warmth-to-weight ratio
Lightweight and easy to carry
Highly compressible, saving space in your pack
Long-lasting with proper care
Cons:
Higher cost
Loses insulating properties when wet
Requires careful maintenance and washing instructions
Easy Maintenance
Let’s be honest; returning home from a camping trip often means facing a pile of laundry. Thankfully, the Morrison sleeping bags are machine washable. I find it incredibly convenient to toss them in the washer—no special instructions necessary. This ease of cleaning is a significant advantage for busy families like mine! Please note: I always take extra care with down and have a seperate down wash and I fluff dry which takes an extra 2-3 hours.
How to Clean Your Little Mo 20°
Before washing, zip the bag closed. Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle with similar colors in a front-loading washer. Use a mild powdered detergent or specific down wash. Rinse a minimum of twice. Remove the bag promptly after washing. Do not wring it out, and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners. Tumble dry on low heat with two clean tennis balls; remove and fluff after each cycle, returning to the dryer until completely dry. Do not iron or dry clean the bag.
Cost & Ordering Options
I have made you a chart breakdown to compare the types, sizes, and prices:
We sell the Morrison Outdoors sleeping bag right here at Kids Who Explore and every time you purchase through us, we are able to get more kids outdoors through our programs. Thank you! We have the most magical co-brand coming very soon!
You can also order right from Morrison Outdoors store and use our discount code to save. Use code KWE2024.
Trade In Your Sleeping Bag for Cash
Kids grow quickly, which is why Morrison Outdoors has created our trade-in program: to offer you cash back for your gently used sleeping bags and give those bags a second chance to shine.
How It Works:
Step 1: Register
Begin your trade-in process by emailing us your address and product details. Morrison Outdoors will manage the entire program and send you a prepaid shipping label to make it easy. Simply package your gear, affix the label, and drop it off at your local post office.
Step 2: Get Cash Back AND a Discount on a New Bag
Once your item is received and processed, you will receive cash back based on the condition of your sleeping bag, with the option to choose your payment method (PayPal, check, or store credit). Plus, you'll receive a discount code to apply towards your next sleeping bag purchase.
This program not only benefits you but also helps promote sustainability by ensuring your sleeping bags can continue to be used by other families in need!
Tips for Bedtime on Camping Adventures
I have camped with my kids a lot under the stars and sometimes it's really about releasing expectations. To optimize your camping experience, consider these strategies at bedtime:
Explore the tent: Do this during the day so baby isn't super curious prior to bedtime and maybe even set it up in your home prior to the camping trip to practice too.
Prepare for Sleep: Transform bedtime into an adventure! Establishing fun nighttime rituals can help your kids adjust to sleeping in a new environment. I packed a book along on backcountry adventures and read with the headlamp on.
Dress Baby in Sleeping Bag: Nurse or bottle in nature and soothe baby to sleep. I practiced putting my baby in his sleeping bag at home so he got used to the feel of the material and noise of the new fabric. My boys have been rocked to sleep in the wild many times.
Dry Diapers: Keeping baby dry in the night is critical when camping of backpacking so just make sure to check diaper and change prior to sleep.
Once kids are asleep: I lay with them and read and rest or edit videos and photos. I never leave my kids in the tent alone or unattended at all.
Conclusion
The Morrison Outdoors Baby & Toddler Sleeping Bag is an exceptional choice for families keen on ensuring a restful sleep for their little ones while camping. Its thoughtful design, quality materials, and flexibility make it a must-have for every camping adventure.
As we set off on our outdoor journeys, I have peace of mind knowing my kids will be warm and cozy in their sleeping bag. I eagerly anticipate more nights under the stars, snug in our Morrison sleeping bag, and I look forward to sharing the wonders of camping with my kids as they grow.
If you’re planning to spend more time outdoors with your little ones, consider this fantastic sleeping bag—your future camping memories will thank you!
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