All about TOG
Do you know how to dress baby for sleep to keep them comfortable and safe?
Have you heard TOG and wondered what does TOG stand for? TOG means Thermal Overall Grade. It is simply a way to rate the warmth of a product like duvets, baby sleepwear, socks, and even carpets. There are varying levels, the higher the TOG rating, the warmer the product is and the lower the TOG rating, the lighter the product is.
Why is TOG important?
Knowing the TOG rating and which is the best TOG sleeper to use helps keep our babies at a comfortable temperature and safe while they sleep since babies can’t regulate their body temperature the way adults can. A baby who is too cold or too is more likely to wake up throughout the night, and according to the AAP, overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. That’s why it is so important to make sure they’re dressed appropriately for sleep.
Loose blankets are not safe for babies in a crib and are not recommended for sleep, a sleep bag (or sleep sack) is a type of wearable blanket that is safe to wear for sleep. Sleep bags come in different TOG ratings to accommodate different climates and seasons. I have particularly always been fond of Kyte Baby sleep bags as they are soft and plush and come in 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 TOGs. Sleep bags like this are an easy way to keep your lovely little one warm and comfortable without overheating.
Keeping a Consistent Temperature (Goldilocks Principle)
Just like you, your baby will be uncomfortable if they’re too hot or too cold. Remember Goldilocks? Same principle applies here. Here are some tips for keeping a baby’s temperature consistent:
Keep the room between 68-72 degrees. Many baby video monitors will display room temperature but are not always accurate or reliable.
Consider how you feel (if you feel too warm, then your baby likely is, too!)
If you add a layer for yourself, add one for your baby. Rule of thumb, baby may need one layer more than you.
How to check the temperature:
To check if your baby feels too cold or too hot, do not use their hands or feet to gauge their body temperature. There is less blood flow to the extremities so they will naturally feel cooler than the rest of the body. Instead, feel the back, chest, or nape (or back) of their neck.
What Should the Room Temperature Be?
The warmer the room, the lower the TOG, the colder the room, the higher the TOG. Don’t choose a TOG sleep bag based on the outside temperature, but rather the TOG should be chosen based on the ambient temperature in your child’s sleep space. If your home stays in the recommended range of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, then a 1.0 TOG would be appropriate.
The ideal temperature for your baby’s room (and your sleep space too) is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, year round, regardless of the season.
Dressing Baby for Sleep
A good rule of thumb for making sure your baby is dressed comfortably is to dress the baby in one layer more than you are wearing as an adult. Just remember that each baby is different, so this is just a guideline, and you should always check your baby.
If you’re worried baby is too warm, use a lower TOG sleeper or sleep sack (TOG 0.5) with a cotton onesie. You can always consider adding or removing a fan depending on temperature.
Signs of being too warm:
Sweating
Heat rash
Red cheeks
Damp hair
Deep/Heavy breathing
Once baby is no longer swaddled, if you’re worried baby is too cold consider using a wearable blanket like this Kyte one with TOG 1.0 or 2.5.
Signs of being too cold:
Might be more challenging to wake
Appear lethargic
Show a reduced appetite or even refuse to eat altogether
(For purposes of safe sleep – please remember children under 12 months of age should have nothing in the crib with them, including a blanket, toy, or a hat).
Here’s a helpful guide for dressing your baby for sleep with this.
Comments