TOG Ratings Explained
The TOG ratings can be a helpful guide, but they shouldn't be the sole selection criteria for your baby's bedding and blankets. It is important to also consider the temperature of your baby's room.
Babies are unable to identify when they are too hot or cold, which is why it's best to monitor them regularly for signs of overheating such as dry hair, red ears and cheeks.
Sleeping Bags
If you're shopping for a sleeping bag the TOG rating is one of the first things you'll notice. This is because it's one of the primary factors used to determine the degree of warmth the sleeping bag will be. The greater the TOG rating, the warmer the bag will be. However, it's important be aware that TOG ratings are just one element to consider when choosing a sleeper for your child. There are other factors to consider, such as the temperature of your room and your child's comfort level.
In general, it's recommended to select a sleeping bag that has a TOG lower than the average temperature of your room. This will help keep your baby warm and avoid overheating. If you are expecting to live in a cold climate it is possible to think about a baby's TOG that is higher than the room temperature.
When you are choosing the right sleeping bag for your child the most important thing to remember is that they control their own body heat. For this reason, it's important to sleep your baby on their back with their head and face uncovered. This will allow your baby to regulate his body temperature through their head and face rather than their chest and arms.
Sleeping bags work well for this, as they provide warmth from above and below and create a warm air pocket around the infant. The TOG rating for sleeping bags is lower than adult duvets because they aren't as heavy or thick.
The TOG rating is based on ISO/EN test results. Since the ratings can differ from one brand to the next, it's important to check the label to get an idea of the temperature a sleeping bag can provide. The label will have a comfort rating, a transition rating and an extreme rating. The comfort rating is a level that a sleeper who is cold will feel comfortable. The transition rating is a level that a person who is normally warm may begin to feel uncomfortable. The extreme rating refers to a temperature that puts the person on the brink of hypothermia.
Duvets
Duvets are an integral component of any home bedding collection and it is crucial to select the appropriate one for the season. The tog rating is not an indication of weight but rather the insulating properties of the fabric and the filling. Duvets with a higher tog rating are warmer and more insulating in contrast, those that have lower ratings are lighter.
The tog rating of a duvet will depend on a variety of factors which include the material used for the filling and the structure of the fabric. For example, natural fibres like feathers or wool tend to have an intrinsically higher tog rating than synthetic materials, such as hollowfibre. This is because they are more thermally insulative, so you do not need as much of them to achieve the same duvet tog rating as synthetic alternatives.
Apart from the duvet's lining and casing, it can affect its tog rating. Duvets with a cotton case are typically less likely to have a tog rating, as cotton is ventilated and allows body heat and moisture to escape. Duvets with cases made of polyester however, are less breathable and are therefore thicker and more well-insulated.
It is also essential to think about your personal temperature when selecting the right duvet as each regulates their body heat differently. Some prefer a lighter, less hefty duvet in summer, and a heavier, warmer one in winter. Others like to sleep with a medium-warm rating tog all through the year.
It is possible to buy duvets with different ratings of tog, such as a 4.5 tog summer duvet, and one that is 13.5 tog winter duvet, so you can choose between them according to the season and your own personal preference. Gingerlily's "half and half" silk duvet is a great choice for couples with different sleeping preferences. The duvet is split in the middle, with a light 4.5 tog summer weight and a mid-range 10.5 tog winter weight, so that both can be clipped together if needed.
Sleeping Sacks
When buying sleep sacks there are a lot of things to consider. From size to fabric it's a lot to pick from. But what you might not know is how TOG ratings affect your choice. The type of material used determines the TOG rating for the sleep sack or swaddle. The TOG rating of summer sleeping bags is lower than that of heavier, thicker fabrics, like fleece, which is commonly used for winter sleeping bags and duvets.
When choosing a sleeping bag for your baby, make sure to verify the TOG rating. Babies are extremely sensitive to heat, and may be dangerous if they are overheated. You need to make sure they are comfortable for a peaceful night's rest or nap. They aren't very proficient at regulating their own body temperature.
Sleep sacks come in a range of TOG ratings so you can select the appropriate one for your child. For instance, a 0.2 TOG sleep sack is ideal for warm temperatures and a 1.0 TOG sleep sack is best for rooms that are cooler.
It is also important to take your baby's bedding into consideration. If what does tog mean duvet is wearing footed pajamas, or any other clothing that will keep his feet warm, a sleep bag with 1.0 TOG may be enough. It is possible to upgrade your sleep sack to a 2.5+ tog.
The zzzZipMeSack's top-quality cotton musl gets softer with each wash, making it the ideal option for a warmer sleeping environment. The 2-way zipper makes it easy to get your baby inside and out of the sack and the open weave design allows for a lot of airflow and ideal for warmer temperatures.
The Hapiu bamboo muslin sleeping bag is another great option for a warmer environment to sleep in. It has an open weave design that's soft, breathable and gets even more supple after each wash. It's a great alternative to sleep sacks for babies who are ready to move from the swaddle as it lets their arms move freely and won't prevent them from rolling over onto their stomachs. Wearable blankets can reduce the chance of SIDS by allowing your baby to lay on their stomachs.
Wearable Blankets
You'll see the 'TOG rating' on the label of a duvet or a sleeping bag for babies. This rating is used to measure the temperature of a duvet by measuring its thermal resistance. But what does this really mean?
TOG ratings were first used in the UK to explain duvet's warmth levels and are now a common feature on a variety of textiles like duvets, blankets, pillows and much more. The more high the TOG, the warmer the product and the reverse is also true.
When choosing a sleeping bag for your baby, you should consider the TOG rating and the recommended room temperature. This will ensure that your baby is warm enough for them to rest comfortably but not too hot. This is important because infant overheating may lead to SIDS.
As parents it can be a challenge to gauge whether your baby is too cold or too warm while sleeping in a sleep bag. It is recommended to choose a sleep sack that has 1.0 TOG that is lightweight and made of breathable fabrics like cotton muslin.
This wearable blanket features a hood, which helps keep your baby's head cozy and can also serve as an eye mask for when they're ready for a nap. It comes with a cuffed sleeve as well as a large front pocket to stash snacks, books and toys.
This sleep sack that looks like a hoodie is another of our top choices, is perfect for babies that have outgrown their newborn sleep bag. It's made with a huge front pocket as well as wrist cuffs to help prevent it from slipping down when you are cradling your little one. Additionally, it's made from ultra-soft microfleece that softens with every wash.
This hoodie-style sleep bag has a more slim design than most of our other alternatives and comes with an extra-large front pocket and an adjustable drawstring hood. It's also made of ultra-soft sherpa fleece that gets softer with each wash. It also has braided detailing that mirrors UGG's popular Tasman slippers. It also comes with a kangaroo bag to store diapers and other essentials.