If you’re a new parent that’s wondering how to dress your baby for sleep as the season changes, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I will cover some key information about TOG ratings, including how to dress a baby for sleep according to the TOG charts.
So, let’s begin.
In comparison to adults, babies are less able to regulate their body temperature, and sudden changes in temperature can make your baby more fussy than normal.
As the seasons change and the temperature begins to shift, you want to ensure that your baby is as comfortable as possible by providing them with enough layers so that they are warm, but not too many to cause them to overheat.
Finding this balance can be a tricky one, especially when you’re a new parent.
That being said, a comfortable baby is much more likely to sleep soundly through the night until they wake up for their next feed.
What Is A TOG Rating?
TOG, also known as Thermal Overall Grade, is a unit of measurement that is used to determine the thermal insulation of a product, usually in clothes.
In short, the higher the tog rating, the warmer the product.
Generally speaking, when it comes to baby sleepwear, the TOG rating corresponds to the temperature the nursery is kept at and which product your little one should wear to stay at an ideal temperature.
You will need to note that TOG ratings stack up when paired together. Bearing this in mind, if your baby is wearing two layers of 1.0 TOG, they have a total of 2.0 TOG insulation.
When it comes to baby clothing, sleep garments tend to range from a rating of 0.5 to 3.5.
How Do You Dress A Baby For Sleep With The TOG Rating?
Figuring out which TOG rating is right for your baby depends on the temperature outside and how this affects the temperature within your house, specifically in your baby’s nursery or the room that they are sleeping in.
Below is a TOG chart to give you an idea:
Room Temperature | TOG Rating | Suggested Garments
26°C+ /80°F – 0.25 – Ultra lightweight, can be layered over a diaper
24-27°C / 75-81°F – 0.5 – Lightweight, can be layered over a short-sleeved onesie
20-24°C / 69-74°F – 1.0 – Mid-light weight, can be layered over a onesie or light pyjamas
16-20°C / 61-68°F – 2.5 – Mid-heavy weight, can be layered over a long-sleeve onesie
10-16°C / or below 61° F – 3.0 – Heavy weight to protect against the cold, can be layered over pyjamas
It is important to mention that this is just a guide, and you will need to adjust your child’s garments at your discretion in accordance with your child’s temperature and the room’s temperature.
It is crucial that you are regularly checking your child’s temperature to ensure that they are as comfortable as possible and aren’t in danger of overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What TOG Sleeping Bag Should You Use For Babies In Autumn And Spring?
As the seasons change, the shift in temperature can make it a challenge to know what to dress your baby in for sleep.
When the temperature outside begins to drop in the fall or begins to get warmer during the spring, it’s important to look at the TOG rating on your baby’s sleeping garments.
As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are providing your baby with enough layers to keep them cosy without overheating them. Failure to do so will increase the risk of SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
For spring and autumn, if your baby’s room is 71 – 75°F or 22°-24°C, you will want to opt for a sleeping bag with a 1.0 TOG rating.
However, which sleeping bag you choose will depend on how warm your baby’s room is, so you will need to make sure that you are regularly checking and are adjusting the temperature as necessary to ensure that your child is comfortable and safe.
What TOG Sleeping Bag Should You Use For Babies During Winter?
The answer to this question entirely depends on how warm you keep your house during the winter months.
As a general rule, keep the following in mind:
The ideal temperature for your baby to sleep in is 68° – 71°F or 20° – 22°C.
Make sure that you don’t dress your baby in more than one layer than an adult would wear to be comfortable in that environment
You will need to check your child’s temperature to make sure that their extremities (hands, feet, and head) are not too hot or too cold to the touch. When checking your child’s temperature, their chest and tummy should feel warm and dry as opposed to cold and sweaty.
Do Babies Cry If They Are Too Warm?
Your baby may begin to cry if they are too warm or too cold. However, you can’t rely on this, and you must be able to recognize the signs that your baby is too warm.
If your baby becomes fussy because of the temperature, there are certain signs that you can keep an eye out for.
These signs can include your baby sweating, their skin feeling clammy to the touch, their hair being damp, and they may also develop a heat rash.
However, it’s important to check your baby’s temperature on a regular basis to ensure that they are at a comfortable temperature.
In Summary
After reading this article, hopefully you have a better understanding of the TOG rating and how to dress your baby for sleep.
As the temperature shifts outside, make sure that you are checking the TOG rating on your baby’s sleeping garments to ensure that they are as comfortable as possible.
The main thing is that your baby remains at a comfortable temperature throughout the night to provide them, and you, with the best possible night’s sleep.
When thinking about clothing, there is so much to consider, such as sizing, the materials used, the quality of the products, and also how ethical they are. There is also the topic of fast fashion and its effects on the environment.
This is why I decided to set up our site Torly Kid, to provide parents and carers with the ultimate guide to everything related to children’s clothing and fashion. From the best outfits for crawling toddlers, to the prettiest dresses for tweens, we’ve got you covered.
