Everyday Parents review the Premium Side Zip Sleeping Bag

ergoPouch AU
Baby sleeping in a cot wearing a peach-colored side zip sleeping bag with a pacifier, alongside text that reads “ergo Explorers – Tested by real parents.


In 2026, we welcomed the Side-Zip Sleeping Bag to our range. We saw a growing need for a product that accommodates our tummy sleepers and wriggly infants and toddlers who struggle to get into a regular Sleeping Bag. We reached out to our community who already have our regular Sleeping Bags and asked them to compare this new side-zip style bag to find out which works best for them.

Of course, every baby is unique, so having this option helps us cater to all kinds of sleepers. Here's what these 3 mini sleepers from our community thought

A grayscale baby monitor image shows a baby sleeping in a crib. The baby is lying on their stomach, tucked into a side zip sleeping bag.

Rosie

"We loved the side zip sleeping bag, it was so easy to put on once my little one fell asleep without having to try and fold her legs in to the leg divided sleeping bag. I found the material so soft and really beautiful. The zip across the bottom and then up the side also meant they could unzip the bottom only part and walk around whilst not having a divided leg sleeping bag. The shape of the sleeping bag being wider at the bottom also makes it very spacious for them and they looked so comfortable when sleeping. The two-way zip also meant they could keep their chests warm overnight whilst I changed their nappies, having a flat opening on the side also made nappy changes so much easier too!

It was a lot more comfortable for both my girls who sleep on their stomachs (once they are asleep) as it doesn’t have the zip up the middle and knocking into their chin.

An unexpected bonus was when my little one wet through her nappy, it dried so much faster then the other ones as I was able to spread it out fully on the washing line which was an added bonus.

My 2yo was able to unzip it herself and liked putting it on herself."

Two photos shows a toddler sitting in a grey armchair, wearing a pink long-sleeved sleeping bag featuring side zippers.

Stephanie

"I was a little hesitant at first as I've become so used to having a front zip on all of my daughter's clothes however I have discovered that it is much easier to have the side zip to be able to do changes along with being easier to put the sleeping bag on as if they are a wiggly worm like mine once they lift their legs up the bag is covering so no issue there. One particular thing that I really like is the feel of the material on this sleeping bag. It is really soft and smooth which is a much nicer feeling on the skin, first night I used it my baby chucked up and I had to wash it and it washed quite well. Didn't take that long to dry either which is good as I air dry my sleeping bags. I think that the sizing was great and the design is super cute makes her sleep in style. In terms of how she slept I think she was quite comfortable and didn't have excess wake ups which is a hit"

An overhead shot shows a toddler sleeping on their stomach in a cot. The child is wearing a pink side zip sleeping bag decorated with a small floral pattern.

Bridey

"We tried the ergoPouch side zip sleeping bag, and overall it was quite good but maybe not the preference for our baby.

The quality felt really nice, soft, and also washed very well without seeming to pill which was a plus.

But for us, the sleeping bag doesn’t seem as preferable to the sleeping suit. Our baby definitely prefers having her legs separate so she can move more freely and I think got frustrated due to her limited mobility, but this is probably just due to her being used to the suit as we’ve had her in suits now for about 6-7 months now.

So while it’s a solid option and really well made, it just didn’t end up being as preferable for our baby. Our baby does generally roll over and sleep on her tummy through the night, so the side zip definitely has a preference there.

Definitely worth trying — but it depends on what your baby likes. We would be interested to see the side zip design on the sleeping suit to be honest, I think that would be worthwhile!"

What are your thoughts on the Side Zip? Did you prefer it over a central zip?

Comparison between a standard sleeping bag with central zipper and the side zip sleeping bag

"My daughter is a wriggler with all changes. As she lifts her legs up during changes I found this to be significantly easier then the central zip as when she was lifting her legs up it wasn't affecting where you zip up so was able to zip it up without complications" - Stephanie

"I loved the side zip compared to the central, it made it so much easier to get on when they are asleep and the sleeping bag can open flat. It also looked more comfortable for them not having the zip in the middle. The only problem I could see (although I don't have a Houdini child) is those that try to put them on backwards so the kids can't take them off themself, may struggle with the side zip if their kids can access them" - Rosie

"I did prefer the side zip, because our baby sleeps so much on her stomach that is definitely my preference."- Bridey

Three infants sitting side by side wearing Side Zip Sleeping Bag in Daisies, Dragonflies and Willow

How would you describe the quality of the Side Zip Bag?

"I really like the material of this sleeping bag. Definitely can feel the quality on it it felt very smooth and comfortable. I have other central zip sleeping bags but must say this one feels nicer then them. I had to wash it the first time I used it as Alyssa vomitted on it and it washed great. I air dried it and it didn't take that long to dry. It was warm enough I had a few nights I couldn't use it as my bedroom was too warm for it but on the cooler nights it was fantastic." - Stephanie

"Sooo sooo sooo good quality. Felt so soft and a lovely material. We layer as we live in regional Victoria, but we've never had a problem with the girls being cold in their ergo pouch sleeping bags. Washing was an added bonus because it could be folded out flat so it meant that it dried quicker then the other ones" - Rosie

"Quality was great, washed well and didn’t pill which was a big plus. Nice and warm too." - Bridey

Would you purchase the Size Zip Sleeping Bag again?

"Yes- The price is very similar to the cost I've paid for other sleeping bags. Mostly I would pay this amount because of the quality of the product" - Stephanie

"Yes- I would purchase this if this was my preference, however, currently not for my baby due to her loving the separate legs in her sleep suits" - Bridey

"Yes- I can't put a price on a good sleeping bag, I've tried Kmart ones before and found they woke up when they weren't good quality. I believe good quality sleeping bags means they sleep longer so they are happier and that in turns makes me happier" - Rosie

So, central zip or side zip? What would you pick?

We hope these reviews help you decide whether the Side Zip Premium Sleeping Bag is the right choice for you! If you'd like to be involved in our product testing program, sign up to our ergoPals Facebook group to be across our next round of recruitment.


With love,

ergoPouch

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