TOG Ratings: What TOG Sleep Sack Is Best For Your Baby?
When it comes to your baby, there is so much conversation about quality sleep and quality products that it can also create quality confusion… especially when it comes to TOG ratings. TOG ratings on baby clothing, swaddles and sleep sacks are there to help improve safe sleep for baby. TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and it measures the heat of a particular product. The TOG rating, or number, represents the “amount” of thermal insulation that the product provides. A higher TOG rating means it can be used for cold weather and cool nights, while a lower TOG rating means it is best used in warmer temperatures.
Because overheating can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), TOG ratings help parents pick the best fabrics to keep their babies at a comfortable and safe sleeping temperature.
While it’s always safer for baby to be cooler than warmer during sleep, perhaps consider a product with a lower TOG rating to start, and adjust accordingly. For more FAQs about TOG ratings, keep reading!
Why does the TOG rating matter?
TOG rating for babies matters in that it can help determine how and what you dress your baby in for the most comfortable sleep. Because overheating can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), TOG ratings help parents pick the best fabrics and garments – from footie pajamas to sleep sacks - to keep their babies at a comfortable and safe sleeping temperature.
What does TOG mean on sleep sacks?
You may see a TOG rating on a variety of sleep products, including sleeping bags and duvets, not just those made for baby. TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and it measures the heat of a particular product. The TOG rating, or number, represents the “amount” of thermal insulation that the product provides. A high TOG rating (2.0) means it can be used for cold weather and cool nights. A low TOG rating (around 0.5) means it is best used in warmer temperatures and is typically made from a cotton or muslin fabric.
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Are TOG ratings accurate?
TOG ratings should be accurate per each individual item but it’s important to take other factors into consideration like the temperature of the room as well as outdoor climate. Be sure to read any hang tags with manufacturer recommendations on a given garment, and/or explore their website where some more information might be found on how to read their TOG accurately.
What TOG should a baby sleep in?
Because TOG ratings are specific to fabrics, not climate, it’s important to note the TOG rating on any given product. Some fabrics may feel soft and thick but have a low TOG rating due to cooler material, while another, thinner fabric may have a higher TOG rating because the garment may not be as breathable. Typically, a TOG rating of around 1.0 works great year-round.
Of course, it’s also important to pay attention to your baby’s sleep environment and room temperature to ensure her comfort and safety. Baby swaddles and sleep sacks come with TOG ratings, so let these help guide you in how to dress baby for the safest sleep.
Keep in mind that every baby is different, the TOG rating that works well for one baby, may not be as helpful for another. Once you figure out if your baby’s natural temperature runs hot or cold, you’ll have a better sense of which TOG rating works best for you.
What should a baby wear with each TOG sleep sack rating?
Because every baby is different and you know yours best, there are no one size fits all when it comes to TOG sleep sack ratings. As an informal guide, a sleep sack TOG chart would show that ratings between 0.5 and 1.0 generally allow for a short sleeved onsie or lightweight cotton PJs underneath a sleep sack. TOG ratings between 1.0 and 2.5 may require long sleeve pajamas. Of course you’ll also need to keep the weather in mind and have a sense of your baby’s temperature. So check the room temperature, TOG rating, and trust that you know what works best for your baby!
What is a 1.0 TOG sleep sack equivalent to in clothing?
A 1.0 TOG rating is likely made of a lightweight and breathable fabric. While there’s no direct equivalent, it can be thought of as a T-shirt and/or a piece of clothing that is perfect for layering. The idea is that a 1.0 TOG can be considered a year-round fabric as it’s easy to layer… add another layer of clothing to keep baby warm, or remove a layer to keep her cool.
When should a baby wear a 2.5 TOG rating sleep sack?
The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the sleep sack. So a 2.5 TOG would be ideal in cooler conditions. For example, a 2.5 TOG is recommended in a nursery that is 61°-68°F
Can a baby overheat in a sleep sack?
Sleep sacks help to regulate baby’s body temperature, but overheating can still be an issue. Depending on the weather and TOG rating, you’ll know how to dress baby for the safest sleep possible. A lightweight onesie or pajama should do the trick when it comes to what baby should wear underneath a sleep sack in warmer weather. In the winter months, a long sleeve or fleece pajama may be preferred.
Remember that it’s always better for baby to sleep just a little cooler than it is for her to be too warm.
Generally, sleep sacks are a safe choice for newborns as they help to reduce the risk of SIDS, but always refer to manufacturer instructions for the safest sleep possible.
What TOG sleep sack for baby is best in the summer?
The lower the TOG rating, the cooler the sleep sack. So when it comes to warm summer months, a TOG 1.0 sleep sack or lower could be ideal. Again, this depends on the climate as well as the temperature in baby’s sleep space.
What TOG sleep sack should a baby have in winter?
The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the sleep sack. So when it comes to cool winter months, sleep sacks with TOG rating 2.5 or higher are ideal. Again, this depends on the climate as well as the temperature in baby’s sleep space. In cooler weather, baby may need long sleeve pajamas underneath her sleep sack as well, so always check the TOG rating as well as sleep space conditions to make sure baby is safe and comfortable.
How do I know if my baby is too hot?
No one knows your baby like you do so if you notice that your baby’s skin is red, feels damp, or is breathing heavy, then it’s possible your baby is too hot and/or overheating at night. Because babies aren’t able to regulate their own body temperature, it’s a good idea to use a sleep sack. Dreamland Baby sleep sacks offer two great options a 1.0 TOG that is lightweight and breathable for year-round use and and a 2.5 TOG that's ideal for cooler temperatures
How can you tell if a baby is too cold?
You know your baby best which means you know about how well he sleeps and in what condition. If his hands feel cold at night, that’s actually not the most accurate measure of his temperature. It’s best to check his back or chest and adjust accordingly, if needed. Depending on the age of your baby, the Dreamland Baby line of products can provide the TOG you need for cooler temps and for year round use! The gentle weight also soothes and comforts your baby which could mean longer stretches of sleep for all of you. Nighty night!
What is the best overall TOG for babies?
When it comes to the best overall TOG for babies, Dreamland Baby comes to mind! That’s because our sleep sacks and swaddles are lightweight and breathable and have two TOG options. The 1.0 TOG is perfect for year round use and the 2.5 TOG is ideal for when temperatures dip and your nursery gets chilly!
What TOG is a dreamland baby sleep sack?
Dreamland has you covered year-round with two TOG options:
1.0 TOG: Designed for temps from 68-73°F or 21-23°C
2.0 TOG: Designed for temps from 61 to 68 °F or 16 to 20 °C.
