Sleeping bag TOG chart for every room temperature
TOG is the number on a sleeping bag label that tells you how warm it is. Once you know the bedroom temperature, choosing is simple.
What is TOG?
TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) is a British unit of thermal insulation, originally used for duvets. The higher the number, the warmer the bag. The most common values are 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 3.5.
TOG is only half the answer, though. The other half is what your baby wears underneath.
What temperature should the room be?
The usual recommendation for a baby’s room is 16-20°C. A cooler room with the right sleeping bag is safer than a warm room with a thick blanket, because overheating is one of the risk factors for sudden infant death.
Place a simple room thermometer at cot height, away from the radiator and the window. Parento can also read the temperature from a Bluetooth thermometer.
TOG chart
| Room temperature | Sleeping bag | Underneath |
|---|---|---|
| 24-27°C | 0.5 TOG | short-sleeve bodysuit or just a nappy |
| 20-24°C | 1.0 TOG | short or long-sleeve bodysuit |
| 16-20°C | 2.5 TOG | long-sleeve bodysuit, maybe a sleepsuit |
| 14-16°C | 3.5 TOG | long-sleeve bodysuit and a sleepsuit |
Brands quote slightly different ranges, so always check the label on your own sleeping bag.
Safe sleep basics
- Baby sleeps on their back, in their own cot.
- No pillows, duvets, bumpers or soft toys in the cot.
- The sleeping bag fits well at the neck and armholes so baby cannot slip inside.
- No hat at night. Babies release extra heat through their heads.
- Do not add covers when your baby has a fever.
How to check baby is comfortable
Just like on a walk: touch the back of the neck or the tummy. They should feel warm, not sweaty. Cool hands and feet are normal. If the neck is damp, switch to a lighter bag or remove a layer underneath.
In short
- Ideally 16-20°C in the bedroom.
- Higher TOG means warmer. Choose by temperature, not by season.
- No hat, duvet or pillow.
- Check the neck or tummy.
This article is for information only and does not replace advice from a doctor or midwife. In an emergency call 112.
Writes for Parento and answers parents’ questions in the app. Every piece is also reviewed by a paediatrician.