Skip To Main Content
Gift message added

TOG Chart & Rating: What is a TOG value, exactly?

TOG Chart & Rating: What is a TOG value, exactly?

Maintaining a comfortable sleep environment is important year-round.  Choosing the right sleepwear for your nursery's room temperature can help keep your baby comfortable throughout the night. 

When deciding what your baby should sleep in, TOG ratings can help guide your choice. Whether you're swaddling a newborn or dressing an older baby in a wearable blanket, understanding TOG can help you select the right level of warmth for your baby's sleep environment. 

When you put your baby down to sleep, choose a HALO® SleepSack® Swaddle or Wearable Blanket designed to provide safe, comfortable sleep across a variety of room temperatures. 

Shop SleepSack Collection 

What Is a TOG Rating?

“TOG” (Thermal Overall Grade) describes the amount of thermal insulation of a garment. For baby sleepwear, a higher the TOG provides more warmth, while a lower TOG provides less warmth.  

TOG ratings are determined through standardized testing and help parents choose appropriate sleepwear based on room temperature and clothing layers. Parents can use TOG as guide to help create a comfortable sleep environment.  

 

TOG Value and Room Temperature

The higher the TOG value, the more insulation the sleepwear provides. However, there is significant overlap between TOG options, and many can be used successfully across a range of temperatures with appropriate layering. 

As a general guide: 

  • 0.5-1.0 TOG works well in rooms between 68°F and 77°F. 

  • 1.5 TOG is a versatile option designed for rooms between 64°F and 75°F. 

  • 2.0-3.0 TOG provides additional warmth for rooms between 60°F and 72°F. 

Remember that TOG recommendations are guidelines. Your nursery's temperature, your baby's clothing layers, and your baby's individual comfort should all be considered when selecting their swaddle, wearable blanket or SleepSack.  

A woman with long dark hair smiles while holding a baby wrapped in a HALO Disney™ Winnie the Pooh 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket TOG 0.5. They stand by a crib, with framed art featuring Disney’s Winnie the Pooh on the wall behind them.

Featuring HALO Sleep 100% Cotton SleepSack Wearable Blanket in Winnie Rainbows

 

Room Temperature Matters More Than the Season 

While lighter TOGs are often popular during warmer months and higher TOGs may be preferred during colder months, the best choice is based on your nursery's actual room temperature. Air conditioning, heating, geographic location, and your baby’s individual comfort will can all influence which TOG is right for your family. 

 

TOG Chart & Rating


Dressing Baby for Sleep

 

Layering Sleepwear Based on TOG Value and Room Temperature

Layering can help you comfortably adapt your baby's sleepwear to changing temperatures. For example, in cooler rooms, you may choose a higher TOG product or add a lightweight layer underneath. In warmer rooms, fewer layers and a lower TOG option may be more appropriate. Always avoid overdressing, as overheating is a risk factor associated with unsafe sleep environments. 

Choosing Appropriate Materials for Baby's Sleepwear

Choosing soft, breathable materials helps support comfortable sleep. Cotton, bamboo, micro-fleece, and other thoughtfully selected fabrics each provide unique benefits depending on room temperature and family preference. 

When choosing sleepwear, focus on both fabric and TOG value to achieve the right balance of comfort and warmth. 

Avoiding Over Heating

Overheating is a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and can cause discomfort for your baby during sleep. To avoid overheating, it's important to dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature and use sleepwear with an appropriate TOG rating. It's also important to ensure proper ventilation in your baby's sleeping environment by keeping the room temperature comfortable and not too warm, using a fan or air conditioning if necessary, and ensuring that your baby's sleeping area is not covered by blankets or other items that can restrict airflow. Regularly checking your baby's temperature during sleep can also help you monitor for signs of overheating.

To learn more, check out our full guide on how to dress your baby for sleep.


Choosing a TOG Based on Room Temperature 

0.5-1.0 TOG 

Ideal for sleep environments between 68°F and 77°F. 

These lighter TOGs can be used throughout the year and may be especially popular during warmer months or climates, depending on the temperature of your baby’s sleep environment.  

A smiling baby in a HALO Wearable Blanket 100% Organic Cotton TOG 0.5 and a white long-sleeve shirt sits on a textured white blanket, ready for safe sleep.

Featuring HALO Sleep 100% Organic Cotton Wearable Blanket in Pink

1.5 TOG 

A versatile option for year-round comfort. 

Designed for rooms between 64°F and 75°F, 1.5 TOG offers a balanced combination of comfort and warmth across a broad range of temperatures. Many families find that 1.5 TOG works well throughout most of the year with simple adjustments to layering. 

For this reason, many families consider1.5 TOG a versatile everyday choice.  

A baby lies on a white sheet, gently gazing up while wrapped in a Disney Lion King 100% Cotton Swaddle TOG 1.5 by HALO, featuring cartoon animals.

Featuring HALO Sleep Disney Cotton Swaddle in Lion King

 

2.0-3.0 TOG 

Provides additional warmth for sleep environments between 60°F and 72°F, or for babies who prefer a cozier sleep environment. 

A baby wrapped in a light blue HALO Swaddle SuperSoft Bamboo TOG 2.0 lies on a white bed, looking up as an adult’s hands gently support their sides.

Featuring HALO Sleep Supersoft Bamboo SleepSack Swaddle in Calm Sage

 

Recommendations for Adjusting TOG Based on Room Temperature 

It's important to monitor your baby's comfort and adjust sleepwear as needed. 

Cooler Room Temperature 

If the room temperature drops, consider adding a lightweight clothing layer beneath your baby's sleepwear or choosing a higher TOG product within the recommended temperature range. 

Warmer Room Temperature 

If the room temperature rises, reduce layers or select a lighter TOG option to help prevent overheating. 

Temperature Changes Throughout the Night 

If room temperatures fluctuate, layering can provide flexibility. The overlap between HALO TOG categories allows parents to choose a lighter or warmer option based on their baby's needs and sleep environment. 

Follow Your Baby's Cues 

Every baby is different. Some babies naturally sleep warmer, while others prefer additional warmth. Monitor your baby's comfort and adjust clothing or TOG selection as needed. 

Signs your baby may be too warm include sweating, flushed skin, or damp hair. Signs your baby may be too cool include cool chest or tummy temperature and increased fussiness. 

 

A baby rests peacefully on a white bed, wrapped in a grey HALO SleepSack Swaddle from the HALO Mini Crib Essentials Bundle, holding a pacifier and gazing to the side near their Mini Crib.

Featuring HALO Sleep SwaddleStretch Newborn Swaddle in Grey

 

 

Common TOG Questions

thanks for visiting!

Take 10% off your next purchase with code BLOG10.

This content is written by HALO moms, for moms—based on personal experience and shared wisdom. We are not medical professionals; always consult your physician for any medical questions or concerns. The content does not create any doctor-patient or any other professional relationship. For the avoidance of doubt, HALO cannot and does not provide medical advice to anyone. This advice/guide is for educational and informational purposes only. HALO cannot and does not guarantee any certain outcome.