A baby nurse weighs in on what TOG rating is for a baby’s sleep, as well as why it matters.
TOG. or Thermal Overall Grade, is a newer way to help determine the appropriate amount of clothing for a baby which helps parents better keep their baby’s temperature regulated without as much of the guesswork. There are several different tog ratings in the tog rating system. From 0.5 to 3.5, TOG rating can be used for summer, winter, and everything in between. Let’s look at what TOG rating is for baby sleep as well as the right sleep sack for different seasons.
Babies can’t regulate their temperature like we adults do. This makes it tough to tell if they are too hot or cold. Our babies also can’t sweat or shiver for several months, which means signs they aren’t comfortable can be more subtle. Watch for things like irritability or the nape of the neck feeling too hot or cold. These are signs that they need to be clothed differently.
Using the TOG rating system helps us be a bit more precise about what our babies need. It takes into account what the temperature is whether we are indoors or outdoors. This helps us know more about how our baby needs to be dressed. It takes out some of the guessing! Want a list of the right sleep sacks according to TOG and temperature? It’s below for you!
What Is a TOG Rating for Baby Sleep?
According to the Halo Sleep website, “TOG, or Thermal Overall Grade, is a unit of measurement – it was created in Britain – and used to determine the thermal insulation of a product, usually in clothes. This is relatively common, for example, in baby sleepwear and blankets. Generally, with baby sleepwear, the TOG rating corresponds to the temperature the nursery is kept at (or the parent’s room) and which product your little one should wear to stay at an ideal temperature. TOG ratings stack, so if your baby is wearing two layers of 1.0 TOG, they have a total of 2.0 TOG insulation.”
The lower the TOG rating, the warmer the environmental temperature is. The higher the TOG rating, the colder the environmental temperature is. A lower TOG rating is more ideal for warm, summer months because a baby’s nursery will have warmer temperatures. A higher TOG rating is needed in clothing or wearable blankets for the colder months.
Cotton sleep sacks generally have a TOG rating of 0.5 and are ideal with indoor temperatures of 75-80 degrees F. Velboa and microfleece sleepsacks have a TOG of 1.0 and are better for temperatures of 72-75 degrees F. 1.5 TOG is great for 68-72 degree temperatures. See below for my top picks in baby’s sleepwear for different temperatures and seasons.
What Is a TOG Rating for Baby Sleep?
Different materials and breathable fabric all play a role in determining TOG value. Organic cotton or organic breathable products will have a lower tog rating than a heavier sleep sack with a type of material like fleece. The temperature of the room is another big factor in determining the right wearable blanket for your baby.
Best Baby Sleep Sacks according to TOG Rating
Here are the best baby sleep sacks organized by their TOG ratings and nursery temperatures. I hope it helps!
TOG Rating 0.5, Temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23.9-26.7 Celsius)
1. Nest Designs Sleeveless Sleep Bag, TOG 0.5
Meet one of my favorite companies for sleep sacks. Nest Designs Sleep Bag has a 2-way zipper for easy access during diaper changes. It’s made with their Signature Avo Fabric, a blend of rayon from bamboo, avocado, and cotton. This sleep bag is buttery soft, cool to touch, breathable, and cozy against your bubs’ skin. Perfect for a warm climate!
2. HALO Cotton Sleepsack, TOG 0.5
Sleeveless and made of 100% cotton muslin, this HALO sleepsack is a staple, safe sleep item for warmer spring nights and summertime. Layering in colder weather makes this sleep sack good for year-round use. HALO has led the way in baby sleep sacks for many years. The cotton options are perfect for a warmer baby’s room.
TOG Rating 1.0, Temperature of 72-75 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2-23.9 Celsius)
1. HALO Sleepsack Micro-Fleece Wearable Blanket TOG 1.0
Made from a super-soft polyester micro-fleece fabric with a TOG rating of 1.0. This sleep sack is just the right comfort for moderate seasons or climates. It can be layered with warmer sleepwear for cooler temperatures.
2. Aden + Anais Baby Sleeping Bag Wearable Swaddle Blanket, TOG 1.0
Made with two layers of lightweight and ultra-soft 100% organic cotton muslin, the Aden + Anais Sleeping Bag is exceptionally breathable for optimal airflow. The functionality and beautiful designs makes this brand a popular choice among new moms.
TOG Rating 1.5, Temperature of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22.2 Celsius)
1. HALO Velboa Sleepsack, TOG 1.5
Made from a super-soft micro-fleece minky dot fabric with a TOG rating of 1.5, the HALO Velboa Sleepsack offers just the right comfort for cooler seasons or climates; can be layered with warmer sleepwear for cooler temperatures.
TOG Rating 2.0, Temperature of 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3-20 Celsius)
1. Nest Designs Convertible Quilted Sleep Bag, TOG 2.0
Get the most out of your sleep bag with Nest Designs new convertible design made from our silky smooth blend of bamboo and cotton. With feet out, your little adventurer is free to roam and explore—perfect for bedtime routines or playful mornings. When it’s time to settle in for the night, simply tuck in feet and snap to secure to transition to a footless sleep bag.
TOG Rating 2.5, Temperature of 64-68 degrees Fahrenheit (18-20 Celsius)
1. Mosebears Sleep Sack Wearable Blanket, TOG 2.5
With a cozy feel and ultra-softness, this Mosebears sleep sack sports a warmth of TOG 2.5. Great for a winter night! The zipper is two-way making middle-of-the-night diaper changes a breeze.
TOG Rating 3.0, Temperature of 61-64 degrees Fahrenheit (16-17.8 Celsius)
1. HALO Micro-Fleece 3-Way Adjustable Wearable Blanket
Made with 100% polyester micro-fleece fabric, super-soft and plush inside and out, and designed to wick away moisture this HALO sleep sack is great for cooler temperatures AND baby’s that prefer to be swaddled. With a TOG Rating of 3.0, this 3-way adjustable swaddle reduces the startle reflex and helps with easier transitioning out of the swaddle.
TOG Rating 3.5, Temperature of 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit (10-16 Celsius)
1. Nest Designs Organic Long Sleeve Sleep Bag
A top-of-the-line TOG sleeping bag! Made for a cold winter day, the Hide N’ Hoot 3.5 TOG baby sleep sack with sleeves is the ultimate in comfort and luxury as your baby sleeps in this wearable blanket throughout the night. This winter sleep sack is made with 100% organic cotton with Sorona fill. Sorona is an eco-friendly, fully biodegradable filling used to insulate our sleep bags and give it a light, plushy softness. Made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, this baby sleeping bag is breathable and soft to touch.
2. Baby Deedee Sleep Nest Travel Quilted Baby Sleeping Bag
With a TOG rating of 3.5, the Baby Deedee Sleeping Bag is the perfect solution for those who need extra warmth, whether in the house or when traveling. With removable sleeves and a waterproof design, this tog sleep sack is great for camping in different weather. Though baby sleep sacks may at times be called baby sleep bags, usually a “baby sleep bag” is heavier and used for cold weather and when you need the temperature of your baby to stay extra warm.
Remember TOG builds. If your baby is wearing a fleece sleeper (with a TOG of 1.0) and is also wearing a fleece sleep sack with a TOG of 1.0, then they are dressed in a TOG of 2.0, which is ideal for upper 60-degree temperatures.
Are sleep sacks safe for babies who can roll over?
Yes! Unlike the swaddle, the sleep sack is safe for babies who are moving and rolling over. Most sleep sacks enable a baby’s arms to be free so they can position themselves as they would like.
Swaddling is a great comfort technique option for ages two months old and less. It’s very important to learn the right swaddle technique for it to be effective. Get ready to swaddle like a pro! Here I guide you through my 5 step technique that baby’s love! After two months old, sleep sacks are the safest sleep options for babies.
Safe Sleep Guidelines
As a baby nurse, I feel it’s right to briefly go over the current safe sleep guidelines for your baby. When the “Back to Sleep” campaign was launched several decades ago, the United States saw a large decrease (around half) in SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Placing babies on their back to sleep really helped!
- Always place baby on their back to sleep on a flat, firm mattress, without any added things in the crib.
- No fluffy blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or bumper pads.
- Make sure cords from baby monitors or white noise machines are out of reach of the crib or bassinet.
These measures alone greatly reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Also remember to always unswaddle or remove your baby from a wearable blanket, sleep sack, and sleeping bag BEFORE placing them in their car seat. Failing to do so causes an improper fit in the harnesses which can result in harm in the presence of a car crash.
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