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Any help here would be much appreciated.

I've read all the posts on the subject and still can't make my mind up. I have 3 little-uns (1, 2.5, and 4) who would really appreciate a child-friendly design and a Mum and Dad who would really appreciate a good nights sleep.

I started by looking at the Outwell kids Dino and Flowies bags but decided that the mummy style of bag would probably restrict them too much.

This then discounted quite a few others for the same reason.

The Vango Astral was the right shape (square) but only comes in a rather dull black. The Vango Nitestar Midi (square) looks a little better in that it has a green stripe amongst the same dull black.

Coleman do some interesting (pink, red, blue, etc) bags for children but their comfort rating only goes down to +8c.

We only go camping May-September (usually a 2-7 days at a time) and our budget £40 a bag. 

Any advice/comments would be great!!!

I work on the principle that when the lights are out you can't tell if a sleeping bag is pink, blue or mud coloured...all you're really interested in is how warm you are. Buy a good quality, warm bag (the Vango Nitestars are excellent) and get them each a small fleece blanket in a fun design to provide the child friendly bit. If your bag is good enough quality then you don't need duvets, extra liners and extra top/bottom blankets to be warm.

Have to point out though that mummy bags are considerably warmer for small kids. there's a lot of dead air space in these square end bags that's hard for a little body to warm up. My kids had the Nitestar Midi mummy bags and they were always very warm.

Thanks guys. I want to keep the luggage down so I'm not keen to take extra blankets or fleeces.

I have to say the Vango Nitestar range were my favourite. I'm tempted to buy a Vango Nitestar 300 (comfort rating 4C to 20C) which is for adults but is a better spec than the child version Vango Nitestar Midi (comfort rating 7C to 20C). Obviously I'll need to tie off the bottom or fold it under.

Quote: Originally posted by preston99 on 04/4/2009

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Thanks guys. I want to keep the luggage down so I'm not keen to take extra blankets or fleeces.

I have to say the Vango Nitestar range were my favourite. I'm tempted to buy a Vango Nitestar 300 (comfort rating 4C to 20C) which is for adults but is a better spec than the child version Vango Nitestar Midi (comfort rating 7C to 20C). Obviously I'll need to tie off the bottom or fold it under.

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Thing is, with an adult width bag there will be so much excess space round the child that any extra potential warmth from the higher rated bag will be lost.As I said before little bodies really struggle to warm up big draughty bags. A child proportioned bag will be much cozier.

The other thing to watch out for is that the hoods of adult bags usually have toggle latch drawstrings (choking hazard) while children's bag hoods are normally elasticated.

Ageee with above. Mummy style bags will definately keep them warmer. And will keep the pillow in the right place.

The Vango Nitestars are good. If you have a Decathlon store near you their Quechua S10 bags are perfect and less than £20 each.

Definately a fair weather camper. I don't like rain. Rain + Tent = Trouble.
2011:
July: Galpton, Devon
August: Duinrell, Holland

Thanks everyone, I think I know what to do now.

An adult bag would have been a mistake.

Our kids sleep well in these:

http://www.outdoorworld.co.uk/coleman-chestnut-extend-kids-sleeping-bag-p-514.html

http://www.littleadventureshop.co.uk/Kids-Adventure-Products/Deuter-Little-Starlight-Expandable-Toddler-Kids-Sleeping-Bag.html

try the above link it, was recommend by a person on here. Its a little more expensive but does have growing room, any views on this product would help.