What is a TOG rating?

What does TOG mean?

TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade — a simple way to measure how warm a fabric will keep your baby. Understanding TOG ratings can make dressing your little one both easier and safer, as overheating and loose bedding such as blankets can increase sleep risks for infants.

You can think of TOG as a warmth scale:

At the lighter end, a 0.2 TOG baby sleeping bag is soft, breathable, and ideal for warm summer nights.

At the warmer end, a 2.5 TOG or 3.5 TOG sleeping bag is thicker and cozier, designed to keep your baby comfortable during colder winter evenings.

For those in-between seasons like spring and autumn, a 1.0 TOG or 1.5 TOG option offers the perfect balance of warmth and comfort.

In general, the higher the TOG rating, the warmer and thicker the garment will be, making it best suited for cooler temperatures. Lower TOG ratings are lighter and more breathable, helping to keep your baby comfortable in warmer weather with better airflow.

Why TOG Ratings Matter for Safer Sleep?

Choosing the right TOG is about more than just comfort — it also plays an important role in creating a safer sleep environment for your baby.

During the first 12 months, babies are still developing the ability to regulate their body temperature effectively. If they are dressed too warmly, the risk of overheating increases, which is recognized as a risk factor for SIDS （Sudden Infant Death Syndrome）. On the other hand, if they are too cold, they may wake more frequently and find it harder to settle into restful sleep.

Selecting the appropriate TOG for your baby’s room temperature helps maintain that ideal balance — keeping them comfortably warm without becoming overheated.

Safety Tip: If you’re ever unsure which TOG to choose, it’s generally safer to opt for the lower TOG rating. Babies are safer being slightly cool rather than too warm.

This is also why loose blankets are not recommended for babies under 12 months. A TOG-rated sleep bag or swaddle is designed to stay securely in place, providing more consistent and even warmth while reducing the risk of blankets being kicked off or covering your baby’s face during sleep.

What TOG Do I Need?

Great question! The good news is you don’t need a different TOG for every temperature change. Each TOG is designed to work across a range of room temperatures, so you can adjust your baby’s comfort by adding or removing layers underneath.

Here’s how to choose the right TOG:

  • Check the temperature in your baby’s room
  • Use a TOG guide to match the room temperature with the recommended sleeping bag
  • Add or reduce breathable layers underneath as needed

A nursery thermometer can help you keep track of the room temperature, especially as it may change overnight.

As a simple guide:

  • 24°C – 27°C: 0.2 TOG
  • 20°C – 24°C: 1.0 TOG
  • 18°C – 22°C: 1.5 TOG
  • 16°C – 20°C: 2.5 TOG
  • Below 16°C: 3.5 TOG

Choosing the right TOG and layering appropriately can help keep your baby comfortable and sleeping safely all year round.

TOG temperature chart

Follow our easy TOG and temperature dressing guide to help keep your baby cozy and comfortable for sleep. Save it for later as a handy reference for naps and bedtime routines.

Disclaimer: Every baby is different and may feel hot or cold more easily than others. Room temperatures can change, and your baby’s health, clothing, and sleepwear layers can all affect how warm they feel. This guide is a general recommendation only. Parents and carers know their child best and should choose the sleepwear and layers that feel most comfortable for their baby.

Back to blog