What is a TOG rating?

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. 

How to use our TOG 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 TOG guide to determine the matching TOG rating (for example: if your baby sleeps in a ~20C room the ideal TOG rating is 1.0 TOG).
• 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).

TOG guide for Swaddles and Transition Bags/Suits

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

• The SWADDLE UP™ Original, Organic, Viscose from Bamboo are equivalent to approximately 1.0 TOG.
• The SWADDLE UP™ Lite, Organic Lite, Viscose from Bamboo Lite are is equivalent to approximately 0.2 TOG.
• The SWADDLE UP™ Warm is equivalent to approximately 2.5 TOG
• The SWADDLE UP™ Extra Warm is equivalent to approximately 3.5 TOG.
• The Transition Bag Original, Organic, Viscose from Bamboo as well as the Transition Suit Original are equivalent to approximately 1.0 TOG.
• The Transition Bag Lite, Viscose Bamboo Lite are is equivalent to approximately 0.2 TOG.
• The Transition Bag Warm and Transition Suit Warm are equivalent to approximately 2.5 TOG
• The Transition Bag Extra Warm and Transition Suit Extra Warm are equivalent to approximately 3.5 TOG.

TOG guide for sleeping bags & sleep suits

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

• Sleep Bag and Sleep Suit 0.2 TOG
• Sleep Bag and Sleep Suit Organic 1.0 TOG
• Sleep Bag and Sleep Suit 2.5 TOG
• Sleep Bag and Sleep Suit 3.5 TOG

Common FAQs on dressing your baby for sleep

What temperature should your baby be at night?

First Candle US doesn’t recommend a specific room temperature for your baby. The recommendation is that babies should be kept warm, but they should not be allowed to get too warm. An overheated baby is more likely to go into a deep sleep from which it may be hard to wake up. Keep the temperature in the baby’s room at a level that feels comfortable to a lightly clothed adult and avoid overdressing the baby.

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.