What is a TOG rating?

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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 trying to find the right TOG 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. 
reviewed by Genevieve Titov, Sleep Angel
8 min read |
31 January, 2025

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. 

At Love to Dream we use the industry-recognised measurement system, called TOGTOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and helps simplify the process of choosing the right garment/s for your baby.

How does TOG work?    

Put simply: The lower the TOG rating, the lighter the fabric. The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the fabric.   

  • Products with a  0.2 Rating are ideal for Room Temperatures from 24-27°C.  
  • Products with a 1.0 TOG Rating are ideal for Room Temperatures between 20-24°C. 
  • Products with a 1.5 TOG Rating are ideal for Room Temperatures between 18-24°C. 
  • Products with a 2.5 TOG Rating are ideal for Room Temperatures between 16-20°C.  
  • Products with a 3.5 TOG Rating are ideal for Room Temperatures below 16°C.
 

      How to chose the right TOG for your baby to wear to bed   

      We believe the simplest way to make sure your baby is suitably dressed is to dress for room temperature using the system above. we've also created a temperature guide  which factors in clothing/sleepwear layers which is a key contributor to overall warmth for your baby. . 

      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 guide below

      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.

      Before there was TOG

      Although TOG is a trusted system which has existed for decades, some Love to Dream products may reference an alternative temperature guide.  We know Love to Dream products are treasured and regifted again and again.  So, if your product doesn’t have a TOG guide, please use the temperature guide below.  

      • Products with a Warm Rating equal a 0.2 TOG and are ideal for Room Temperatures from 24-27°C.  
      • Products with a Moderate Rating equal a 1.0 TOG and are ideal for Room Temperatures from 20-24°C.  
      • Products with a Mild Rating equal a 1.5 TOG and are ideal for Room Temperatures between 18-24°C.  
      • Products with a Cool Rating equals a 2.5 TOG and are ideal for Room Temperatures between 16-20°C.
      • Products with a Cold Rating equal a 3.5 TOG and are ideal for Room Temperatures below 16°C.  

      Did you know?..

      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.

      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 rating (for example: if your baby sleeps in a ~20C room the ideal TOG 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).

      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. 

      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, Bamboo are a 1.0 TOG rating
      • The SWADDLE UP™ Lite, Organic Lite, Bamboo Lite are a 0.2 TOG rating
      • The SWADDLE UP™ Cotton Fleece is a 1.5 TOG rating
      • The SWADDLE UP™ Quilted Cotton are a 2.5 TOG or 3.5 TOG rating

      • The Transition Bag OriginalBamboo as well as the Transition Suit Original  are a 1.0 TOG rating
      • The Transition Bag LiteBamboo Lite as well as the Transition Suit Lite are a 0.2 TOG rating
      • The Transition Bag Cotton Fleece is a 1.5 TOG rating
      • The Transition Bag Quilted Cotton area 2.5 TOG or 3.5 TOG rating

      TOG guide for sleeping bags & sleep suits

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

      • Sleep Bag and Sleep Suit 0.2 TOG
      • Sleep Bag and Sleep Suit 1.0 TOG
      • Sleep Bag and Sleep Suit 1.5 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?

      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 while sleeping? 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, use a room thermometer combined with 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 these 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.

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