What is TOG?: A Complete TOG Temperature Chart Guide
Night after night, parents stand over their sleeping babies wondering: “Is my child too hot or too cold?”
This common worry keeps many up at night. Sleep temperature matters for babies who can’t adjust their covers or tell us when they’re uncomfortable.
The TOG rating system offers a simple solution to this nightly guessing game.
TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) works like a warmth score for baby sleepwear. It takes the confusion out of choosing the right sleep sack for any room temperature.
This guide breaks down TOG ratings for all seasons and explains exactly what to dress your baby in underneath. Soon you’ll feel confident that your little one is sleeping at just the right temperature all night long.
What is TOG in Baby Sleepwear?
TOG is a method to measure how well fabric holds in warmth. The higher the TOG number, the warmer the garment. Sleep experts created this system to help parents dress babies safely for sleep.
Unlike adult blankets, babies need special sleep gear that won’t come loose. TOG ratings help solve this problem. They guide you to pick the right thickness based on your home’s temperature.
Most baby sleep sacks have TOG ratings between 0.5 and 3.5. The lower numbers work well for warm weather. The higher numbers suit colder rooms and winter months.
TOG Rating Explained
TOG measures how well a fabric stops heat from moving away from the body. A sleep sack with 0.5 TOG is light and breezy, while one with 3.5 TOG is thick and very warm.
The rating depends on the fabric’s type, thickness, and how it’s made. Cotton, bamboo, and wool all hold heat differently. Some fabrics can feel thin but still have a high TOG if they trap air well.
It’s helpful to know that TOG is based on science. Heat moves from warm places to cooler ones. Sleep sacks with higher TOG ratings slow down this heat loss, keeping your baby warm.
TOG Rating Chart: When to Use Each Rating
Finding the right TOG rating shouldn’t be difficult. This chart eliminates the guesswork for parents. Now, you can match your room temperature to the perfect sleep sack in seconds.
0.5 TOG: This is perfect for warm rooms (24-27°C or 75-80°F). It is great for summer months or homes with good heating. Underneath, dress the baby in a short-sleeve bodysuit.
1.0 TOG: Good for mild weather and rooms around 21-24°C (70-75°F). Works well in spring and fall. A long-sleeve bodysuit works well under this weight.
2.5 TOG: This is best for cool rooms between 16-20°C (61-69°F). It is ideal for fall and mild winter nights. Put your baby in a long-sleeve bodysuit and maybe thin pants.
3.5 TOG: It is made for cold rooms between 14-16°C (57-60°F). It is perfect for winter when nighttime heating is lower. Wear it with a long-sleeve bodysuit and warm pajamas.
| TOG Rating | Room Temp | Best For | Season | What to Wear Underneath |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 TOG | 24–27°C (75–80°F) | Very warm rooms | Summer | Short-sleeve bodysuit or just a diaper |
| 1.0 TOG | 21–24°C (70–75°F) | Mild nights | Spring / Fall | Long-sleeve bodysuit |
| 2.5 TOG | 16–20°C (61–69°F) | Cool rooms | Fall / Mild Winter | Long-sleeve bodysuit + light cotton pants |
| 3.5 TOG | 14–16°C (57–60°F) | Cold rooms / colder homes | Winter | Long-sleeve bodysuit + warm footed pajamas |
How to Choose the Perfect Sleep Sack Based on TOG
Picking the right sleep sack feels like a big job when you’re new to TOG ratings. With so many options on store shelves, parents often wonder which features matter most.
These five key points will guide you to the perfect choice for your baby.
- Check the room temperature first. Look at how warm or cool your baby’s room gets at night. If the temperature stays around 70-75°F all year, a 1.0 TOG sleep sack might work well. Use a room thermometer to get the right reading.
- Safety comes first. Choose sleep sacks without sleeves or hoods. They should fit well around the neck and arms. This design keeps the fabric from covering your baby’s face during sleep.
- Consider buying two types. Many parents find it helpful to have at least two sleep sacks with different TOG ratings. This lets you switch between them as the weather or your heating system changes.
- Look for good fabrics. Breathable materials like cotton and bamboo work best. These fabrics help move sweat away from your baby’s skin, keeping them dry and comfy all night.
- Make sure it fits right. The sleep sack should be snug at the top but roomy at the bottom. Your baby needs space to kick and move their legs, which is good for hip growth and comfort.
What to Wear Under a Sleep Sack
The right clothes under a sleep sack depend on the TOG rating and room temperature.
The general rule of thumb is:
Dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear to be comfortable in the same room.
Here’s a simple guide to follow.
| TOG Rating | Room Temp | What to Wear Underneath |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 TOG | 24°C+ (75°F+) | Just a diaper or short-sleeved cotton bodysuit |
| 1.0 TOG | 21–24°C (70–75°F) | Short-sleeved or long-sleeved bodysuit |
| 2.5 TOG | 16–20°C (61–68°F) | Long-sleeved bodysuit + full-length pajamas |
| 3.5 TOG | Below 16°C (under 61°F) | Bodysuit + footed pajamas + optional thermal vest if needed |
Why the TOG Rating is Important for Baby Sleepwear
Babies can’t control their body heat as well as adults. They need our help to stay at the right temperature. TOG ratings make this job easier.
Sleep sacks with the right TOG for your room help stop your baby from getting too hot. This is key because too much heat has been linked to sleep risks for babies.
When babies sleep at the right temperature, they often sleep better and longer. Better sleep means more rest for you, too.
Sleep sacks also give a safer choice than loose blankets. Blankets can move and cover a baby’s face, but sleep sacks stay put.
How to Know if Your Baby is too Warm or too Cold
A baby who is too warm might sweat, have red cheeks, or feel damp at the neck. If you see these signs, use a sleep sack with a lower TOG rating or dress them in fewer clothes.
A baby who is too cold might have a cool chest or back when you touch it. They might also sleep poorly or wake up more than usual.
The best way to check is to feel your baby’s chest or upper back. This should feel warm, not hot or cold. Don’t use hands or feet to check, as they often feel cooler than the rest of the body.
A room thermometer helps you know for sure what TOG to use. Place it near where your baby sleeps, but not too close to windows or vents.
Rest Easy: Your TOG Rating Takeaways
TOG ratings take the guesswork out of dressing your baby for sleep. The chart gives you a clear plan based on room temperature and season.
Remember that each baby is a bit different. Your baby might need slightly more or less warmth than the chart shows. Trust what you see and feel when you check on them.
Keep track of room temperature and adjust your baby’s sleep clothes as needed. Even small changes in home heating can call for different TOG ratings.
We’d love to hear about your TOG rating path! Share your story in the comments below. Which TOG rating helped your little one sleep better? Or ask us any questions you still have about keeping your baby cozy at night.
