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As a parent, ensuring your baby is comfortable and safe during sleep is a top priority. One common question parents have is, “What is TOG?” and how does it help in choosing the right baby sleeping bag? In this guide, we’ll answer key questions, provide recommendations, and offer insights to help you make informed decisions about TOG ratings.
What is TOG?
The term TOG stands for “Thermal Overall Grade” and refers to the thickness and warmth of a baby sleeping bag. The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the sleeping bag will keep your baby. Selecting the right TOG depends on the temperature of your baby’s nursery.
Why Are TOG Ratings Important?
Babies are less capable of regulating their body temperature than adults. Using a sleeping bag with the appropriate TOG rating ensures they remain at a safe and comfortable temperature throughout the night, avoiding the risks associated with overheating or being too cold.
TOG Ratings Explained
At Slumbersac, we offer baby sleeping bags in four TOG ratings to suit all seasons:
- 0.5 TOG: Completely unlined and designed for hot summer nights with room temperatures above 24°C.
- 1.0 TOG: Lightly lined for the warmer seasons, ideal for room temperatures between 18-24°C.
- 2.5 TOG: Padded for year-round use, suitable for room temperatures between 15-21°C.
- 3.5 TOG: Warmly padded for winter, perfect for room temperatures below 18°C.
We recommend following the guidelines in the table below to dress your baby appropriately based on room temperature and TOG rating. However, these are only recommendations. Always check your baby to ensure they’re not too hot or cold.
Key Questions Parents Ask About TOG
1. What TOG Should I Use in Winter?
For winter, the appropriate TOG depends on the temperature of your baby’s room. A 2.5 TOG sleeping bag is suitable for most winter nights. When temperatures drop significantly, a 3.5 TOG sleeping bag, with thicker padding, is the best choice. Many of our sleeping bags also come with detachable sleeves, allowing you to adjust for added warmth.
2. What TOG Should I Use in Summer?
Summer weather in the UK can be unpredictable. On colder summer nights, a 2.5 TOG might still be needed. For average summer nights, a 1.0 TOG is typically sufficient. During very warm nights when room temperatures exceed 24°C, a 0.5 TOG made of breathable muslin cotton is ideal for keeping your baby cool and comfortable.
3. How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Too Warm or Too Cold?
You can use the following checks:
- Feel your baby’s nape (the back of their neck). If it feels damp, your baby may be overheating.
- Cool hands and arms are normal, but your baby’s chest and back should feel comfortably warm.
4. What Is The Ideal Room Temperature For a Nursery?
The recommended room temperature for a child's room is between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. This range helps create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for babies, reducing the risk of overheating or becoming too cold.
Dressing Your Baby Based on TOG Ratings
We recommend following the guidelines in the table to dress your baby appropriately based on room temperature and TOG rating. Please do remember that these are only recommendations.
- 24°C - 0.5 TOG: Short-sleeved bodysuit or just a nappy
- 18-24°C - 1.0 TOG: Long-sleeved bodysuit or pyjama top and bottoms
- 15-21°C - 2.5 TOG: Long-sleeved bodysuit and pyjamas
- Below 18°C - 3.5 TOG: Long-sleeved bodysuit, pyjamas, and optional vest
With these tips and our range of Slumbersac sleeping bags, you can rest easy knowing your baby is snug and safe no matter the season.