What the TOG? Dressing Your Baby for Sleep Without Losing the Plot

You know that moment at bedtime where you’re standing over the cot like a sleep-deprived meteorologist, trying to decide how many layers your baby needs? Yep, that’s TOG confusion. Let’s break it down so you can get some peace of mind (and hopefully, some sleep).

What even is a TOG?

TOG = Thermal Overall Grade. Fancy words for “how warm a sleeping bag is.” The higher the TOG, the warmer it is.

The quick guide:

• 2.5 TOG → for cooler rooms (16–20°C)

• 1.0 TOG → for warmer rooms (21–23°C)

• 0.5 TOG → for hot rooms (24+°C)

What to wear underneath:

• 16-20°C - 2.5 TOG with a sleepsuit and a short/long-sleeved vest.

• 21–23°C - 1.0 TOG with and short-sleeved vest with out without a sleepsuit depending on the room temp.

• 24+°C - 0.5 TOG with a short-sleeved vest or just a nappy in the hottest rooms (keep it light!).

Pro tips:

• Always go by room temperature, not the weather outside.

• Check baby’s chest/back, not their hands/feet, to know if they’re comfy.

• Don’t layer up “just in case.” Overheating is riskier than being a little cool.

• Layer Smart: If it’s 20°C and feels brisk, opt for shorter sleeves and sleepsuit combo rather than bundling up too much.

At the end of the day, you don’t need a maths degree or a crystal ball to dress your baby for sleep. Think: room temp first, layers second, common sense always.