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In a nutshell

A handy wrap for keeping baby from getting chilly while you're out and about.

What we tested

  • Ease of use
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Comfort
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Ease of washing
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Style
    A star rating of 2.0 out of 5.
  • Quality
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 1.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Pros

  • Folds down very small, keeps baby's feet warm, can be used in buggy or car seat without adjustment

Cons

  • Doesn't keep arms covered for warmth or feeling of security, pricey

Designed as a practical halfway house between a swaddling blanket and a jacket, Bug in a Rug can be used to keep your baby warm in her buggy or when transferring from the car to home.

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The original Bug in a Rug was a fleece wrap developed in Australia and now available over here from BabyRug. The version I tried out on baby Maya, 6 weeks, was the Summer Cotton Wrap, a 100% cotton cover-up suitable for warmer weather. It’s a soft, light fabric with a hood, enclosed feet and two sides that fasten over your baby’s tummy with a strong Velcro strip. You can do it up with your baby’s arms inside or outside, so it can be worn with a 5-point harness (one which has shoulder-straps, fastening over and under the arms) in her car seat or buggy.

The summer version is suitable for popping on over your baby’s clothes if it gets a bit chillier while you’re out and about. Her feet will be kept warm and the hood helps protect against heat loss (babies lose most of their body heat from their heads).

What we love

Small and light enough to stuff into the pocket of a changing bag, or even a handbag, the Bug in a Rug can be taken everywhere – ideal as you never know when you might need it.

It’s quicker to put on than separate socks, hat and jacket, and will stay put better than a blanket when handling baby. I was surprised that the hood stayed on Maya’s head even though it looked too big for her.

The pure cotton fabric is lovely and soft, and feels good quality. The Velcro strips are large and stick securely so the wrap won’t come undone.

What to watch out for

Swaddling Maya securely in a blanket generally helps to settle her, but the Bug in a Rug doesn’t close tightly enough to have a calming effect. The marketing for the product claims it helps your baby to feel ‘secure’, but the Velcro fasteners on the wrap are positioned to keep the material loosely wrapped around your baby – they can’t be adjusted to tighten it. I tried swaddling Maya in the wrap by tucking one side under her body and pulling the other one tight around her, but the sides aren’t long enough to tuck in securely.

Who is BabyRug Bug in a Rug best for?

Mums on the move with young babies in tow.

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MadeForMums verdict

If you’re out and about a lot with your baby and don’t want extra layers of baby clothing clogging up your changing bag, the Bug in a Rug is worth considering, though it is quite pricey. It fulfils its promise of being a handy cover-up, but doesn’t provide the comforting cocoon suggested.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandBabyRug
ModelBug in a Rug
Price£21.99
Available sizesSmall 0-3 months, body length 46cm, head to toe 62cm; Medium 3-6 months, body length 50cm, head to toe 74cm
Suitable for
Child age (approx)Up to 6 months
Features
Washing instructionsMachine washable and safe to tumble dry
Features
  • Hood
  • Enclosed feet
  • Velcro fastening for sides
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