Everything you need to know about the TOG values
Everything you need to know about the TOG value: wonderful and safe sleep for your baby
As a parent, you want to ensure that your baby sleeps safely and comfortably. So tasty. The broken nights don't make you happy, but an overtired child is not really an ingredient for a great day either.
But what do you wear to your child and when?? Which sleeping bag do you need? How thick should the blanket be?? And should your child wear a romper while sleeping< qm>
One of the most important aspects to take into account is the TOG value of your baby's bedding and sleeping clothes. But what exactly is TOG value, and how can you ensure that you make the right choices? In this blog we explain everything you need to know about TOG value.
What is the TOG value and what does it stand for?
TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade, a measure that indicates the thermal insulation of a product. Simply put, it's a way to measure how warm a blanket, sleeping bag or piece of clothing keeps your baby. The higher the TOG value, the more warmth the product provides.
Why is TOG value Important?
The TOG value is important because babies cannot yet regulate their body temperature very well. Using products with the correct TOG value helps prevent overheating or hypothermia, which is important for the safety and (sleeping) comfort of your baby.
TOG values and temperature
Below our advice for choosing the right TOG value based on the room temperature:
- TOG 0.5: For very warm rooms (24°C and higher). Suitable for very warm summer nights.
- TOG 1.0: For warm rooms (21-23°C). Suitable for warm summer nights or well-insulated houses in spring and autumn.
- TOG 2.5: For normal rooms (16-20°C). Suitable for cooler nights, ideal for most Dutch homes during most of the year.
- TOG 3.5: For cold rooms (16°C and lower). Suitable for winter months in less well insulated houses or very cold climates.
How to use the TOG value?
When choosing sleepwear and bedding for your baby, it is important to look at the total TOG value of everything your baby wears and sleeps in. So to onesies, pajamas, sleeping bags and blankets. Here are a few tips to get this right:
- Add layers: Add the TOG values of the different layers of clothing and bedding to get the total TOG value. Make sure this value matches the room temperature.
- Check the room temperature: Use a room thermometer to check the temperature of the baby's room and adjust sleepwear and bedding accordingly.
- Adapt to the season: Make sure you have different types of sleepwear and sleeping bags for different seasons to prevent your baby from getting too hot or too cold.
- Look for signs of overheating: Feel your baby's neck and chest to make sure they are not too warm. If your baby feels sweaty or is red, remove a layer.
Example of TOG combinations
Here are some examples of how to achieve the correct TOG value with different combinations of clothing and bedding:
-
Very warm night (24°C and above):
Short sleeve romper (0.2 TOG) + Thin sleeping bag (0.3 TOG) = 0.5 TOG
-
Warm night (21-23°C):
Long sleeve romper (0.5 TOG) + Thin sleeping bag (0.5 TOG) = 1.0 TOG -
Average nights (16-20°C):
Long sleeve pajamas (1.0 TOG) + Medium thick sleeping bag (1.5 TOG) = 2.5 TOG -
Cold nights (16°C and lower):
Warm pajamas (1.5 TOG) + Thick sleeping bag (2.0 TOG) = 3.5 TOG
Conclusion
Choosing the right TOG value for your baby's sleepwear and bedding is essential for their safety and comfort. By taking into account the room temperature and the total TOG value of all layers, you can ensure that your baby sleeps well without the risk of overheating or hypothermia. When in doubt, opt for breathable fabrics and avoid too many layers.