In the last few years, the acronym TOG has become a commonly shared way of describing the warmth of a baby sleeping bag. But what exactly is a TOG rating and what does it mean? Read on to learn everything there is to know about TOG and how it relates to you and your baby.
What exactly is a TOG?
A TOG, or more precisely, a TOG rating, refers to Thermal Overall Guide. The TOG of a fabric is a measure of thermal resistance of a unit area, also called thermal insulation. The reference TOG is commonly used in the textile industry because of its an easy way to indicate the measurement of a specific fabric’s thermal insulation, how much insulation there is in the fabric of a sleeping bag and the amount of warmth it provides. Not all sleeping bags are the same, or made from the same fabric. Knowing the TOG can help parents to decide how to choose the right sleeping bag for their baby to make sure they’re not too hot or too cold when they’re sleeping.
In Australia, TOG ratings range from 0.2 – 0.3.5. The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the sleeping bag. Lower rated sleeping bags can be used in warmer weather and higher rated sleeping bags when the weather is cooler.
Why are sleeping bags good to use?
Sleeping bags are a good way to support a baby’s sleep.
- Babies often kick their covers off and a sleeping bag helps them to stay warm.
- Babies control their temperature through their face and head. Which is why it’s important to sleep babies on their back with their head and face uncovered.
- When chosen carefully, sleeping bags help to avoid overheating during sleep. Overheating is a known risk factor for sudden and unexpected death in infancy so it’s important to choose the right TOG to reduce the risk.
What is a safe sleeping bag?
Sleeping bags need to be carefully chosen so they fit with the guidelines around what constitutes a safe sleeping bag.
Choose a sleeping bag which is:
- Constructed so the baby can’t slip inside the sleeping bag and become completely covered.
- The right size for your baby with a fitted neck, fitted armholes (or sleeves) and no hood.
It’s also important the baby is dressed accordingly for the room temperature. When the weather is cooler, it’s fine to dress babies in layers of clothing before they’re placed into their sleeping bag.
There is no specific room temperature which is recommended for healthy babies. As a general guide, if you are setting an air conditioner for your bay, aim for 24-26 degrees Celsius which will be low enough.
10 top tips for choosing sleeping bags with a TOG rating
- Aim to choose a sleeping bag which is made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen or bamboo.
- Have more than one sleeping bag for your baby. The thicker ones can take ages to dry and it will help if you have a couple to choose from.
- Make sure your baby can move their legs freely within the sleeping bag. They need adequate room to move their legs and position their hips so they don’t feel restricted.
- Check the manufacturer’s guide on the sleeping bag packaging to help you make the best decision. Most include specifics about fabric weight and TOG ratings to suit the temperature.
- Always wash your baby’s sleeping bag before using. Just as it’s important to always wash their new clothes and bed linen to remove manufacturer and factory residue.
- Check the zip at the top of the sleeping bag is covered by the placket. Sleeping bags have a tendency to protrude out at the top of the baby’s neck when the zipper is closed. It helps to position the sleeping bag comfortably on the baby’s shoulders and pull it down so it’s not bunching up under the baby’s back.
- Sleeping bags can get wet around the baby’s neck, especially if they’re teething or sucking on the fabric. You may only need to sponge off the top section of the sleeping bag and dry it in-between washes.
- If it’s cold and your baby needs more warmth, use a single, lightweight blanket over the sleeping bag. Make sure your baby’s feet are at the end of the cot and the blanket can only reach as far as their chest. Tuck the blanket in firmly so it can’t ride up over the baby’s head.
- Be aware that poor quality sleeping bags can quickly lose the TOG rating when they’re washed.
- Make sure you choose the correct size sleeping bag for your baby’s age and weight.
A general guide to TOG values
- 0.2 TOG (Coolest) : Ideal for room temperatures between 24-27 degrees
- 1.0 TOG (Mild): Ideal for room temperatures between 20-24 degrees
- 2.5 TOG (Warm): Ideal for room temperatures between 16-20 degrees
- 3.5 TOG (Warmest): Ideal for room temperatures below 16 degrees
Speak with your Child Health Nurse if you have any other questions about your baby’s sleep or sleeping bags.
References
Choosing the right sleep bag for your baby | Red Nose Australia
TOG Thermal Overall Grade Test (eurolab.net)
What is a Safe Sleeping Bag? | Red Nose Australia
Written for Infacol by Jane Barry, Midwife and Child Health Nurse, March 2023.
