When choosing a sleep bag for a baby, it is important to consider the TOG rating, which is a standard of measurement in the textile industry to indicate how warm a garment is. The TOG rating for a baby sleeping bag is much lower than adult duvets because the sleeping bag surrounds the baby, providing insulation from both below and above, and also a warm pocket of air around the baby. Here are some general guidelines for choosing the appropriate TOG rating for a baby sleep bag:
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0.5 to 1.0 TOG: Suitable for temperatures of 75°F (24°C) or higher. This provides a light layer of insulation to keep your baby comfortable.
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1.0 TOG: Normally made of cotton, this weight rating is best for use in homes that are able to control the temperature, with either heat or air conditioning, to keep the nursery in between 68-72°F (20-22°C), the ideal temperature for slumber. For a wearable blanket with this rating, you would be dressing your baby in a short sleeve onesie or for warmer rooms, perhaps just a diaper.
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2.5 TOG: This is the thickest rating and is most appropriate for winter months. A 2.5 TOG rating is for sleep sacks that have double layers and will retain a high amount of body heat and lock it in to keep baby warm. With this weight wearable blanket, your baby will typically be comfortable wearing a one-piece sleeper with feet and/or long pajama sleeves and bottoms. This is the ideal rating if you can keep your baby’s nursery between 68-72°F (20-22°C) all year round.
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3.5 TOG: This is the maximum rating for baby sleep bags and is not recommended for general use. It is only suitable for very cold temperatures and should be used with caution.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines and the appropriate TOG rating may vary depending on the individual babys needs and the temperature of the room. It is recommended to monitor the babys temperature and adjust the clothing or sleep bag as needed to keep them comfortable.
