What is a TOG rating?

We know that many parents and carers can find dressing their baby for the right temperature confusing. It can become even more challenging when you’re finding the right TOG and temperature rating to choose. We agree, it’s not simple and there are a host of factors that influence this decision, making it challenging to give blanket advice to parents and carers.

Every baby feels hot and cold differently to another, ambient temperatures fluctuate, and different clothing and sleepwear layer combinations will differ in their thermal effectiveness.

However, at Love to Dream we have created a temperature-based rating across 5 key categories to simplify the process of choosing the right garment/s (they loosely match the added TOGs).

What does TOG mean?

TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and is an industry-recognised measurement for the warmth of garments and bedding. Put simply: The lower the TOG rating, the lighter the fabric. The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the fabric.

Love to Dream's temperature-based rating below simplifies the process of choosing the right garments:

Products with a Warm Temperature Rating are ideal for Room Temperatures from 24-27°C. Our "Lite" Summer Garments are best suited for this temperature range. (0.2 TOG)
Products with a Moderate Temperature Rating are ideal for Room Temperatures from 20-24°C. Our "Moderate" Garments are best suited for this temperature range. (0.5 TOG)
Products with a Mild Temperature Rating are ideal for Room Temperatures between 18-24°C. Our “Mild” Garments are best suited for this temperature range. (1.0 TOG)
Products with a Cool Temperature Rating are ideal for Room Temperatures between 16-20°C. Our "Warm" Winter Garments are best suited for this temperature range. (2.5 TOG)

How to chose the right TOG or temperature rating for you baby to wear to bed.

We believe the simplest way to make sure your baby is suitably dressed is to dress for room temperature. We've create a temperature-based rating across 5 key categories to support the the process.

To best dress for different room temperatures and ensure you select the right Love to Dream product follow these three simple steps:

Prior to selecting a Love to Dream product we would recommend having a good understanding of the temperature of your baby’s room.
Always look for the ideal room temperature guidance on our products and website to help your selection.
Follow the recommended clothing by room temperature within the temperature chart below.

Temperature Chart

Our aim at LOVE TO DREAM is to empower parents to choose the right products from our range that best suit their children’s needs. Every child and everybody feels hot and cold differently, ambient temperatures fluctuate, the child’s general health and wellbeing will impact body temperature and different clothing and sleepwear layer combinations will differ in their thermal effectiveness. As these factors make it challenging to give absolute and definitive advice to parents and carers, the clothing guide should be used only as a general guide. The parent or carer is best suited to determine the right sleepwear and clothing combinations for the child.

*The table above provides with guidelines around how to dress your baby/toddler based on the room temperature. The table is only a guide. All babies are different. The number of clothing layers may vary according to a baby’s health, their physiology & the temperature in the room. The care-giver must determine what is suitable.

How to use our temperature chart

To choose the right product for your child, follow these 3 simple steps:

Determine the temperature or the room your baby will be sleeping in
Use our temperature (TOG guide) to determine the matching rating (for example: if your baby sleeps in a ~20C room the ideal temperature rating is Moderate).
Depending on the room temperature, your baby’s health and their physiology you then decide on the number of layers to wear underneath the sleep garment. (In the above a example the ideal combination could be long-sleeved pyjamas and a sleeveless bodysuit).

How should I consider TOG when dressing my child?

Published TOG ratings (with appropriate rounding) should be considered in conjunction with our specific clothing guides (found online and on pack) and are from test results that we believe reflect the appropriate TOG when used in conjunction with our clothing guides. Test methods are EN ISO 11092, ASTM 1291(modified to the same parameters as EN ISO 11092) and ISO 5085-1.

We believe that our TOG ratings, together with our clothing guides, help parents and carers make the best decision on how to dress their child at different room temperatures. We also provide guidance on how the parent or carer can check if the child is too hot or too cold. This is important in empowering the parent or carer to decide what is best for their child. All children are different. The number of clothing layers required may vary according to a child’s health, their physiology the room temperature, the outside temperature and other factors. The care-giver must determine what is suitable. We do not provide medical advice.

The TOG rating (with appropriate rounding) is obtained using any one, or combination, of the below globally recognised test methods, EN ISO 11092, ASTM 1291(modified to the same parameters as EN ISO 11092) and ISO 5085-1.

Temperature/TOG Guide for Swaddles and Transition Bags

Our Swaddle Up and Transition Bag/Suit range comes in a variety of temperature ratings.

The SWADDLE UP™ Original, Organic, Bamboo are a Moderate temperature rating (0.5 TOG).
The SWADDLE UP™ Lite, Organic Lite, Bamboo Lite are a Warm temperature rating (0.2 TOG)
The SWADDLE UP™ Mild is a Mild temperature rating
The SWADDLE UP™ Warm is a Cool Temperature rating (2.5 TOG)
The SWADDLE UP™ Extra Warm is a Cold Temperature rating (3.5 TOG)

The Transition Bag Original, Bamboo as well as the Transition Suit Original are a Moderate temperature rating (0.5 TOG).
The Transition Bag Lite, Bamboo Lite as well as the Transition Suit Lite are a Warm temperature rating (0.2 TOG)
The Transition Bag Mild is a Mild temperature rating
The Transition Bag Warm and Transition Suit Extra Warm are is a Cool Temperature rating (2.5 TOG)
The Transition Bag Extra Warm and Transition Suit Extra Warm are a Cold Temperature rating (3.5 TOG).

Temperature/TOG guide for sleeping bags & sleep suits

Our Sleep Suit and Sleep Bag range comes in a variety of temperature ratings.

Common FAQs on dressing your baby for sleep

What temperature should your baby be at night?

The Lullaby Trust recommends:

Optimal Temperature: Keep the room temperature between 16-20°C to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Use a Thermometer: Employ a room thermometer for accurate measurement.
Monitor Baby's Temperature: Check the baby's chest or back of the neck to ensure they are not too hot or cold.
Appropriate Bedding: Use light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting sleep bag; avoid hats and heavy blankets indoors.
Adjust for Seasons: In warmer weather, use lighter bedding and ensure good ventilation; in cooler weather, add layers as needed but avoid overheating.

How do I know if my baby is too cold at night?

If concerned, it’s important to check your baby’s temperature to ensure they’re comfortable. You can do this by feeling your child’s back or tummy, which should feel warm.

Signs your child might be too cold:

Shivering.
Cold hands and/or feet.

Fussiness.

To maintain a warm sleeping space, follow the below steps:

Use a room thermometer.

Use our Clothing guide to choose a suitable product that works well with the season/temperature

How do I know if my baby is too hot while sleeping?

If concerned, it’s important to monitor your baby’s temperature. Below, find common signs that your baby is too hot during the summer months.

Signs your child might be too warm:

Sweating.
Warm to the touch.
Rapid heartbeat.

Lethargic.
Flushed skin.
Rapid breathing.

To bring your child’s temperature down, follow the below steps:

Offer fluids suitable for their age.
Change the fabric grade of their sleepwear to suit room temperature.
Move your child to a more well-ventilated room if possible.

If you’re still worried about your child’s temperature, please seek medical advice.

Can I layer sleep bags to increase the warmth?

It’s not recommended that you layer sleep bags or swaddles, as this can increase the risk of overheating or suffocation. Instead, choose an appropriate garment for the room temperature and select lightweight layers that can be worn beneath.

At Love To Dream, we know that every child is different, and we’re committed to helping you to find the right solution for your family. With you at every step, Love To Dream™ believes today’s little dreamers are the shapers of tomorrow. For further advice from our experts, visit our S leep Library .