What about TOG values?
TOG values
What about the TOG values and what is it? TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade, it indicates the warmth of a sleeping bag. The higher the value, the warmer the sleeping bag.
| TEMPERATURE BABY ROOM | MAX ALLOWABLE TOG VALUE | WICH SLEEPING BAG |
|---|---|---|
| up to 16°C | 4.0 TOG | Winter sleeping bag + banket |
| 16 to 19°C | 3.0 TOG | Winter sleeping bag + thin blanket of sheet |
| 20 to 22°C | 2.0 TOG | Spring/Autumn sleeping bag + thin blanket of sheet |
| 23 to 25°C | 1.5 TOG | Summer sleeping bag + thin blanket of sheet |
| > 25°C | 0.5 TOG | Summer sleeping bag |
The TOG value is a guideline. Therefore, always keep an eye on whether your child is not too hot or too cold.
How do I know when my baby is too hot?
When your child is sleeping you can feel the neck whether it is too hot or too cold. If you have any doubts, feel the feet, which will
provide more certainty about your baby's temperature. If your baby is sweating, he/she is too hot. Cold hands are not a real indicator, that happens more often.
The advice to choose a sleeping bag that is not too warm and to give your child warmer pajamas is a wise choice, especially if you want to keep the temperature in the nursery flexible. Here are a few reasons and tips to put this advice to good use:
Why a thinner sleeping bag and warmer pajamas?
- Temperature regulation: A thin sleeping bag (for example a sleeping bag with a low TOG value, such as 0.5-1.0 TOG) ensures that your child does not overheat, which is safer while sleeping. Children cannot regulate their temperature very well yet, so overheating can be dangerous.
- Layering principle: By putting your child in warmer pajamas, such as fleece pajamas or long-sleeved cotton pajamas, you can easily respond to temperature changes in the room. When it is warmer, you can adjust the pajamas without immediately needing a new sleeping bag.
- Safety: Sleeping bags that are too thick can cause your child to feel stuffy. Using a lighter sleeping bag will keep your baby comfortable without feeling suffocated, especially in the early months.
- Seasonal adjustments: In the summer you can change the pajamas to something lighter (e.g. cotton) and keep the sleeping bag. This makes the entire sleep ritual more flexible.
Tips for choosing the right sleeping bag and pajamas:
- TOG value of the sleeping bag: Choose a sleeping bag with a low TOG value (0.5 to 1.0 TOG) for indoor use. This ensures sufficient breathability and prevents overheating.
- Material of the pajamas: For colder nights you can choose pajamas made of fleece, flannel or thick cotton. For warmer nights you can use cotton pajamas or even just a romper.
- Temperature in the room: Keep the room temperature between 16-20°C. Adjust the pajamas and possibly the sleeping bag based on the room temperature.
This combination ensures that your child sleeps comfortably, without the risk of overheating, while you can still easily respond to temperature changes.
