What is a TOG rating? How to choose the right sleep sack?
Babies love to kick the quilt. Parents usually need to worry about their babies every night to kick down the quilt to catch a cold easily. There is also a potential risk that your baby may roll up the quilt to cover his face. So parents often need to get up repeatedly to check on their babies. Both adults and babies do not sleep well.
At this time, we have to mention a baby care tool is - sleep sacks. But how to choose the right sleep sack? Below is a buying guide and some recommendations for sleep sacks for your reference. You should pay attention to two main aspects:
- Material
- TOG
1. Material
Compared to adults, the baby’s skin is much more delicate and sensitive. Adults can resist bacteria and viruses. But for babies, it quickly leads to skin allergies. It is imperative when you choose the sleep sack for your baby. The quality of sleep sacks will cause harm to the baby's skin. The improper laundry will also irritate the skin of infants and toddlers.
Our top pick is organic cotton.
1.1 What is the difference between regular cotton, organic cotton, and synthetic fibers?
In simple terms, the main differences between regular cotton and organic cotton are the methods of cultivation. For example, growers of organic cotton follow sustainable farming methods. In contrast, growers of regular cotton use pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to plant.
For more information about organic cotton, you can check the below link:
Why is organic cotton better than regular cotton?
On the other hand, synthetic fibers are used to replace natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk. These synthetic fibers are made of chemicals. Common synthetic fibers include polyester, nylon, vinylon, etc. People will feel uncomfortable wearing these artificial fiber clothing, and so do babies.
1.2 advantages of organic cotton
- anti-allergic
- suitable for babies’ sensitive skin
- Buttery soft
- will not cause itching
- more absorbent
- good for sustainable agricultural technologies
- promote the health of the planet
2. TOG
2.1 what is tog? - tog definition
TOG ratings, short for "Thermal Overall Grade," are a standardized measurement used to determine the thermal insulation or warmth of a fabric. In the context of baby sleep sacks, TOG ratings provide valuable information about how effectively a sleep sack can retain body heat and regulate temperature. This metric is especially crucial for newborns and infants, as their ability to regulate body temperature is still developing.
TOG ratings are typically provided as a numerical value on a scale. The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the sleep sack. For instance, a sleep sack with a higher TOG rating is ideal for colder environments, while a lower TOG rating is better suited for warmer settings.
Please kindly check the below sleep sack tog chart.
2.2 Why is TOG important?
When it comes to ensuring your baby's comfort and safety during sleep, the concept of TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) takes center stage. TOG ratings play a pivotal role in selecting the right sleep sack to create an optimal sleep environment for your little one.
Regulating Body Temperature: Babies are especially sensitive to temperature changes, and maintaining the right body temperature is crucial for their well-being. TOG ratings provide a clear indication of a sleep sack's insulation level, helping you match it with the ambient room temperature. This regulation prevents overheating or excessive cold, ensuring your baby sleeps comfortably.
Avoiding Overheating: Overheating is a significant concern for infants, as it is linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). A sleep sack with an inappropriate TOG rating can trap excess heat, putting your baby at risk. By selecting a sleep sack with the correct TOG rating, you can minimize this risk and provide a safe sleep environment.
Ensuring Sound Sleep: Babies who are too hot or too cold often have disrupted sleep patterns. This can lead to frequent awakenings, difficulty falling back asleep, and overall discomfort. The right TOG-rated sleep sack ensures your baby remains cozy throughout the night, promoting longer and more restful sleep.
Simplicity in Dressing: TOG ratings simplify the process of dressing your baby for sleep. Rather than guessing how many layers to use, you can rely on TOG ratings to guide your clothing choices. This not only streamlines your routine but also reduces the risk of over or underdressing your baby.
Peace of Mind for Parents: For parents, choosing the right sleep sack is an important decision that directly affects their baby's well-being. TOG ratings provide a tangible measure of the sleep sack's suitability for different conditions, offering peace of mind that you're making a well-informed choice.
Customized Sleep Environment: Every baby is unique, and their sleep preferences can vary. TOG ratings allow you to customize your baby's sleep environment based on their individual needs. Whether it's a warmer or cooler room, you can select a sleep sack with the right TOG rating to ensure your baby's comfort.
Adapting to Seasons: Babies experience different seasons throughout their first year of life, and TOG ratings help you seamlessly adapt to these changes. From the hottest days of summer to the chilliest nights of winter, you can choose sleep sacks with varying TOG ratings to match the climate.
2.3 Does a heavier sleep sack mean higher tog
While there is a general correlation between the two, it's important to recognize that weight alone doesn't always determine the TOG rating.
Weight as an Indicator: In many cases, the weight of a sleep sack can provide a rough indication of its insulation level, which is closely related to the TOG rating. Heavier sleep sacks tend to have higher TOG ratings, indicating that they offer more warmth and are suitable for colder temperatures. However, this is not a strict rule, and other factors come into play.
Factors Affecting TOG: TOG ratings consider various factors beyond just the weight of the sleep sack. The type of fabric, the construction of the sleep sack, and the thickness of the materials all contribute to its insulating properties. A sleep sack made of a lightweight yet highly insulating material can have a higher TOG rating than a bulkier sleep sack made of a less insulating material.
Room Temperature Consideration: The appropriate TOG rating also depends on the ambient room temperature where your baby sleeps. While a heavier sleep sack may offer more insulation, using a sleep sack with too high of a TOG rating in a warmer room can lead to overheating. It's crucial to strike a balance between the sleep sack's weight, the TOG rating, and the room temperature to ensure your baby's comfort and safety.
Seasonal Variations: As seasons change, you might be inclined to opt for a heavier sleep sack for colder months. While this is generally a good guideline, it's still important to consider the specific TOG rating that aligns with your baby's sleep environment. Some sleep sacks are designed with innovative materials that provide excellent insulation without adding extra weight, allowing you to maintain a comfortable TOG level regardless of the sleep sack's weight.
Manufacturer's Specifications: Manufacturers often provide clear information about a sleep sack's TOG rating, which is a more accurate indicator of its insulating properties than its weight alone. When choosing a sleep sack, refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for the appropriate TOG rating based on your baby's age, room temperature, and the specific sleep sack design.
2.4 How to choose the tog?
TOG ratings encompass a spectrum of values that correspond to varying levels of thermal insulation. Understanding these ratings is essential for selecting the most suitable sleep sack for different environmental conditions.
There are 4 tog ratings in Kaiya Angel.
- 0.5 tog sleep sacks
0.5 tog sleep sacks are single layer. You can pick these sleep sacks when the room temperature is between 24-27℃/75-80℉. If you don't know what tog sleep sack for summer, the 0.5 TOG sleep sack is an ideal choice.
Short Sleeves Baby Sleep Sack With Mesh Cotton
This short sleeves sleep sack has organic cotton mesh on the back that can make babies feel cooler. Besides, it has a wider range of sizes than the above newborn sleep sack. Newborns and toddlers from 0 months to 24 months both can wear it. The two-way zipper on the bottom can help parents to change diapers for their babies more conveniently.
- 1.0 tog sleep sacks
1.0 tog sleep sacks are double-layer with 20g polyester padding. You can pick these sleep sacks when the room temperature is between 20-24℃/68-75℉.
1.0 tog sleep sacks are the best choice for babies to wear all year round. Babies can sleep with 1.0 tog sleep sacks in four seasons.
- 2.5 tog sleep sacks
2.5 tog sleep sacks are double-layer with 60g polyester padding. You can pick these sleep sacks when the room temperature is between 16-20℃/61-68℉.
Sleeveless Thicken Heated Sleeping Bag 2.5 TOG
This 2.5 tog sleeveless sleep sack is not only good for keeping babies warm but also is easy to pair with other rompers in different prints. There are eight available prints on the website now: shell, pine, graffiti, bacca pink, bacca mint, creamy mushroom, starry night, and galaxy supernova.
- 3.5 tog sleep sacks
3.5 tog sleep sacks are double-layer with 100g polyester padding. You can pick these sleep sacks when the room temperature is between 14-16℃/57-61℉.
3.5 tog sleep sacks are thicker than the above 2.5 tog sleep sacks. 3.5 tog is a suitable choice for cold days. I don’t suggest the thickness of the sleep sack be too thick. Because it is easy to cause your baby to be overheated. Overheating may increase the risk of SIDS.
2.5 Common tog questions
- How do I choose the right TOG rating for different seasons? Selecting the appropriate TOG rating depends on both the season and the room temperature where your baby sleeps. For colder months, opt for a higher TOG rating (e.g., 2.5 TOG or 3.5 TOG). In warmer weather, a lower TOG rating (e.g., 0.5 TOG or 1.0 TOG) is more suitable. Keep in mind that layering or using lighter sleep sacks can help you adjust to changing seasons.
- Can my baby overheat with a high TOG rating? Yes, using a sleep sack with a higher TOG rating in a room that's too warm can lead to overheating. It's important to maintain a comfortable sleep environment for your baby. Check the room temperature and dress your baby in appropriate clothing underneath the sleep sack to prevent overheating.
- Are TOG ratings the same for all sleep sack brands? TOG ratings are standardized measurements, but slight variations might exist among different brands due to variations in materials and construction. Always refer to the specific brand's guidelines to ensure you're selecting the right TOG rating for your baby.
- Can I use different TOG ratings for naps and nighttime sleep? Absolutely. Babies' sleep needs can vary throughout the day. Using sleep sacks with different TOG ratings for naps and nighttime sleep allows you to adjust for changes in room temperature and ensure your baby's comfort at all times.
- How can I tell if my baby is comfortable with the chosen TOG rating? Monitor your baby's comfort by feeling their neck or back to check for warmth. Avoid overheating by dressing them in appropriate clothing underneath the sleep sack. Your baby's well-being and comfort are the best indicators of whether you've chosen the right TOG rating.
If you want to find a perfect sleep sack for your baby, it is necessary to learn the definition of tog and how to choose a suitable tog.
In short, sleep sacks are easy-to-wear, soft. It is not only good for newborns but also for toddlers to wear at night. Wearing sleep sacks can help prevent babies from kicking off the quilts and causing colds. Parents also do not have to worry that their babies may get colds. They also can have enough sleep and rest during the night. Four-season sleep sacks can protect the baby from being too cold or too hot. Sleeveless sleep sacks can release the baby's hands and not easily cause a sense of bondage. Babies always feel free and comfortable.
