How to use TOG ratings to keep your baby snug as a bug

Posted in Sleeping.
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If you are like most parents, stressing over whether your bub is too cold or too hot in her sleeping bag at night, then TOG ratings are here to save the day.

What does TOG mean?

You may have noticed the letters “TOG” followed by a number rating on the tag of your little one’s sleeping bag, but what exactly does that even mean?

TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade. It’s an industry measure of the thermal insulance (also called thermal resistance) a particular fabric offers against the room temperature. Basically it tells you how warm the item will keep your baby.

Understanding TOG ratings can help you to figure out what to dress your baby in so she stays comfortable at night. So handy! Thanks TOG! 

You may also see TOG ratings on bedding like doonas and sleeping bags.

How does the TOG rating system work?

The rating system is simple. Basically, the higher the TOG number, the warmer the sleeping bag, swaddle or garment.

That said, it’s important to know that a thick fabric does not necessarily automatically correspond to a higher TOG rating. The rating has to do with the amount of thermal insulance generated, which explains why one of your baby’s sleeping bags may feel thicker but have a lower TOG rating than a thinner (but warmer) one.

Which TOG to choose?

To help you decide which TOG-rated sleeping bag or wearable blanket will best suit your bub at night, you’ll need to measure your little one’s nursery room temperature (a room thermometer that you can pick up from baby shops is a great idea).

The following guidelines have been set for teaming TOG ratings with room temperatures:

  • < 1.0 TOG – for room temperatures 24°C to 27°C
  • 1.0 to 2.0 TOG – for room temperatures 20°C to 23°C
  • 2.0 to 3.5 TOG – for room temperatures 10°C to 20°C

Some background on the TOG

TOG ratings were introduced in an effort to reduce the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS. The ratings are designed to keep little ones of 4kg or more at a comfortable temperature through the night, and were introduced to help prevent babies from becoming overheated.


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