As the warmer days come to an end, you might notice your baby’s room feeling cooler at bedtime particularly overnight and in the early hours.
It’s often around this time that parents start wondering whether their baby needs a warmer sleeping bag. But rather than choosing a TOG based on the season, the most important thing to check is the temperature of the room where your baby sleeps.
Here’s how to choose the right baby sleeping bag for cooler autumn nights.
What TOG Does My Baby Need in Autumn?
TOG measures the thermal insulation of a sleeping bag. The higher the TOG, the more warmth it provides.
At Slumbersac, our general room-temperature guide is:
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0.5 TOG: above 24°C
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1.0 TOG: 18–24°C
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2.5 TOG: 15–21°C
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3.5 TOG: below 18°C
These temperatures are guidelines, and every baby is different. Check your baby’s neck or back to see how warm they feel rather than relying on their hands or feet, which can naturally feel cooler.
As autumn temperatures fall, many homes move into the 15–21°C range, making a 2.5 TOG baby sleeping bag a popular choice for cooler nights.
Why Choose a 2.5 TOG Baby Sleeping Bag?
A 2.5 TOG sleeping bag is designed for room temperatures of approximately 15–21°C.
It provides extra warmth compared with lighter 0.5 and 1.0 TOG sleeping bags, while still giving your baby plenty of room to move comfortably.
What your baby wears underneath can also be adjusted depending on the room temperature. On warmer nights within the recommended range, they may need fewer layers; when the room is cooler, you can add an appropriate layer underneath.
Our TOG Guide can help you choose the right sleeping bag and clothing for different room temperatures.
Baby Sleeping Bags with Detachable Sleeves
Some of our 2.5 TOG baby sleeping bags are available with detachable sleeves, giving you additional flexibility when temperatures change.
The sleeves attach securely and can be removed when they’re not needed. They also have lighter padding than the body of the sleeping bag to allow comfortable movement.
This can be particularly useful during autumn, when bedroom temperatures can vary considerably from one night to the next.
Always choose your baby’s TOG and clothing according to the temperature of their sleeping environment.
Why Choose a Baby Sleeping Bag Instead of Loose Bedding?
A well-fitting baby sleeping bag is a practical alternative to loose blankets and bedding.
Because it is worn rather than placed over your baby, it cannot be kicked off during the night or pulled up over their face like loose bedding can.
The correct fit is important. The neck and armholes should fit securely so your baby cannot slip down inside the sleeping bag, and you should always choose the correct size for your baby rather than sizing up.
Slumbersac baby sleeping bags are made using soft, breathable materials, including cotton and organic cotton, and are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
How Do I Know If My Baby Is Too Hot or Cold?
The best place to check your baby’s temperature is their neck or back.
If their skin feels hot or sweaty, remove a layer or consider a lower TOG. If their neck or back feels cool, they may need an additional layer or a warmer sleeping bag.
Don’t judge your baby’s temperature by their hands and feet alone, as these can feel cooler than the rest of their body.
A room thermometer can also make it much easier to keep track of the temperature throughout the night.
Getting Ready for Cooler Autumn Nights
There’s no particular date when you need to switch from a summer sleeping bag to an autumn one. Let the room temperature guide you.
If your baby’s bedroom has dropped into the 15–21°C range, it may be time to move from a lighter sleeping bag to a 2.5 TOG baby sleeping bag.
With different sizes, designs and options including detachable sleeves, you can choose the sleeping bag that works best for your little one – and adjust the layers underneath as temperatures change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What TOG sleeping bag should my baby wear in autumn?
Choose a TOG according to your baby’s room temperature rather than the season. As a general guide, Slumbersac recommends 1.0 TOG for 18–24°C, 2.5 TOG for 15–21°C and 3.5 TOG for temperatures below 18°C.
Is 2.5 TOG suitable for autumn?
A 2.5 TOG baby sleeping bag is suitable when the room temperature is approximately 15–21°C. This temperature range is common in many UK homes during cooler weather, but you should always check the actual room temperature.
What should my baby wear under a 2.5 TOG sleeping bag?
The layers underneath will depend on the room temperature. Your baby may need lighter clothing towards the warmer end of the 2.5 TOG range and an additional layer when the room is cooler. Use a room thermometer and check your baby’s neck or back to make sure they feel comfortably warm.
Should I buy a bigger baby sleeping bag for autumn so it lasts longer?
No. Always choose a sleeping bag according to your baby’s current size. The neck and armholes need to fit securely so your baby cannot slip down inside the sleeping bag.
How can I tell if my baby is too warm at night?
Check your baby’s neck or back. If they feel hot or sweaty, remove a layer or choose a lower TOG. Hands and feet can naturally feel cooler, so they are not the best way to judge your baby’s overall temperature.
