TOG Guide
What is a TOG rating, and why does it matter?
TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade, a measure of how much heat a fabric retains. In baby sleeping bags, it indicates warmth. Choosing the right TOG helps keep your baby at a safe, comfortable temperature through the night.
This guide explains:
➤ What TOG ratings mean
➤ How to choose the right TOG for each season
➤ What your baby should wear underneath
➤ Common questions from parents
What is TOG in Baby Sleeping Bags?
TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) measures how well a material retains heat. The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleeping bag.
Choosing the correct TOG depends on:
➤ Room temperature
➤ Season
➤ What your baby is wearing underneath
Why Are TOG Ratings Important?
Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as easily as adults. The right TOG:
✔ Prevents overheating or getting too cold
✔ Keeps baby’s body temperature stable
✔ Supports safer, more restful sleep
Slumbersac TOG Ratings Explained
We offer baby sleeping bags in four TOG options to suit every season and room temperature:
- 0.5 TOG: Thin and unlined for hot summer nights with room temperatures above 24°C.
- 1.0 TOG: Lightly lined for the warmer seasons, ideal for room temperatures between 18-24°C.
- 2.5 TOG: Padded for year-round use, suitable for room temperatures between 15-21°C.
- 3.5 TOG: Warmly padded for winter, ideal for room temperatures below 18°C.
Each sleeping bag is designed for breathable comfort and temperature regulation.
Explore our full baby sleeping bag range to find the right TOG for every season.
What Should My Baby Wear Under a Sleeping Bag?
Here's a quick guide for dressing your baby under different TOG ratings:
- Over 24°C: 0.5 TOG - Nappy or short-sleeved bodysuit
- 18–24°C: 1.0 TOG: Long-sleeved bodysuit or lightweight pyjamas
- 15–21°C: 2.5 TOG - Long-sleeved bodysuit and pyjamas
- Below 18°C: 3.5 TOG - Bodysuit, pyjamas, and optional vest
Always check your baby’s temperature by feeling their chest or back. Hands and feet can feel cool and are not reliable indicators.
We recommend following the guidelines in the table below to dress your baby appropriately based on room temperature and TOG rating. However, these are only recommendations. Always check your baby to ensure they’re not too hot or cold.
Quick Checklist for Choosing the Right Baby Sleeping Bag
Finding the right baby sleeping bag is key to helping your little one sleep safely and soundly. While picking the right TOG rating is a great start, there are a few other things to keep in mind too.
✔ Choose the TOG based on your baby’s room temperature
✔ Dress your baby in breathable layers
✔ Avoid extra blankets – increase TOG instead
✔ Look for extras like detachable sleeves for flexibility
✔ Ensure a proper fit to avoid slipping inside the bag
Our handy checklist is full of simple tips to help you choose the perfect sleeping bag for your baby.
Key Questions Parents Ask About TOG
1. What TOG Should I Use in Winter?
For winter, the appropriate TOG depends on the temperature of your baby’s room. A 2.5 TOG sleeping bag is suitable for most UK winter nights. For particularly chilly rooms, choose a 3.5 TOG sleeping bag, which has thicker padding. Many of our sleeping bags also come with detachable sleeves for extra warmth.
2. What TOG is Best for Summer?
Summer weather in the UK can be unpredictable. On colder summer nights, a 2.5 TOG might still be needed. For average summer nights, use a 1.0 TOG sleeping bag. On very warm nights (above 24°C), switch to a 0.5 TOG muslin sleeping bag for better breathability and to keep your baby cool and comfortable.
3. How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Too Warm or Too Cold?
- Feel the back of your baby's neck. If it feels sweaty, they may be overheating.
- Cool hands and feet are normal.
- Their chest should feel comfortably warm, not hot.
4. What Is The Ideal Room Temperature For a Nursery?
The Lullaby Trust recommends a room temperature for babies of 16–20°C. This range helps create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for babies, reducing the risk of overheating or becoming too cold.
5. Can I Put a Blanket Over a Baby Sleeping Bag When It Gets Cold?
We don't recommend using blankets on top of baby sleeping bags, as it can lead to overheating or pose a safety risk. Instead, choose a higher TOG sleeping bag for colder nights, dress your baby in layers, and keep their room at a safe temperature (16–20°C is ideal).
