What is a TOG rating?

At Love To Dream™, we believe that today’s little dreamers are the shapers of tomorrow. For over 15 years, we’ve proudly helped parents establish a sleep routine that works for the whole family.

We’re famous for our bestselling sleep suits, bags, and swaddles, and one of the most common questions customers ask is: what is a TOG rating? From how to know if your baby is too cold at night to dressing for the right season, find out everything you need to know below.

What does TOG mean?

TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and is an industry-recognized 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.

Below is a set of guidelines that helps parents and carers understand which TOG values are right for differing room temperatures:

0.2 TOG – ideal for room temperatures between 75°F to 81°F
1.0 TOG – ideal for room temperatures between 68°F to 75°F
2.5 TOG – ideal for room temperatures between 61°F to 68°F
3.5 TOG – ideal for room temperatures below 61°F

How to find the right product for your child

Below is a set of guidelines that helps parents and carers understand the different TOG and additional classifications available at LOVE TO DREAM US and their suitability across differing room temperatures:

0.2 TOG - Ideal for WARM room temperatures between 75°F to 81°F
MODERATE - Ideal for MODERATE room temperatures between 68°F to 75°F (broader room temperature range than 0.2 TOG, more versatile product)
1.0 TOG - Ideal for MODERATE room temperatures between 68°F to 75°F
MILD - Ideal for MILD room temperatures between 64°F to 75°F (broader room temperature range than 1 TOG, more versatile product)

*Our aim at Love To Dream™ is to empower parents to choose the right products and fabrics from our range that best suit their children’s needs. Our product range has therefore been designed and made with different fabrics and with different constructions ranging from a single layer of fabric up to a triple layered construction, with built in quilted features to ensure we have all temperatures from Warm to Cold covered.

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. These factors make it challenging to give blanket advice to parents and carers.

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.

What temperature should your baby be at night?

First Candle US doesn’t recommend a specific room temperature for your baby. Instead, it’s important to follow the below steps:

Always dress your baby according to the room temperature/season, you can use our Clothing guide to find the right sleep garment.
Always ensure there are no toys, pillows, or blankets where the baby is sleeping.
Babies control their temperature through the face and head. Make sure to put your baby to sleep on their back with the face uncovered.
Never use hot water bottles or heated blankets.

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 above 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.