A baby sleeping bag is one of the simplest ways to keep a baby warm at night without loose blankets. But the labels can be confusing: 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 TOG. What do these numbers mean, and which one is right?
What does TOG mean?
TOG stands for "thermal overall grade". It measures how well a fabric keeps warmth in. The higher the number, the warmer the sleeping bag. A 0.5 TOG bag is light, like a thin summer layer. A 2.5 TOG bag is warm and suits cooler bedrooms.
The right room temperature
The UK safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust recommends a bedroom temperature of 16–20 °C for babies. Overheating is a known risk factor for sudden infant death, so it is better to choose a lighter bag than one that is too warm.
Which TOG for which temperature?
| Room temperature | TOG rating | What to wear underneath |
|---|---|---|
| 24–27 °C | 0.5 TOG | Short-sleeved bodysuit, or just a nappy when it is very warm |
| 20–24 °C | 1.0 TOG | Long-sleeved bodysuit |
| 16–20 °C | 2.5 TOG | Long-sleeved bodysuit and a light sleepsuit |
This table is a guide, not a strict rule. Every baby is different, and the best check is always the baby.
How to tell if a baby is too warm or too cold
- Feel the back of the neck or the chest, not the hands or feet. Little hands and feet often feel cool even when the baby is warm enough.
- Sweating, damp hair, a hot red face or fast breathing are signs of being too warm. Take off a layer.
- No hat indoors. Babies release a lot of heat through the head.
- No duvet or extra blanket on top of a sleeping bag.
Swaddle or sleeping bag?
In the first weeks, many babies settle better when their arms are wrapped. Once a baby shows signs of trying to roll over, swaddling should stop. From then on, the arms stay out so the baby can move freely. A 2-in-1 swaddle sleeping bag makes this step easy: the arm openings simply open up.
Choosing the right size
A sleeping bag should fit well around the neck and arms, so the baby cannot slip down inside it. There should still be enough room at the bottom for the legs to bend and kick freely, which is good for healthy hip development.
Our sleeping bags
Our sleeping bags from the Estonian brand Lenne come in 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 TOG, made from organic cotton and OEKO-TEX® certified. For newborns up to 6 months there is a 2-in-1 swaddle sleeping bag; from 6 to 24 months an arms-out sleeping bag. Find the right one in our sleeping bag collection.
Sources
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby room temperature
- NHS: Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Swaddling: Is it safe?
This article gives general information and does not replace advice from a doctor or midwife.