Understanding TOG Values: What Sleepwear Does My Baby Really Need?
By Sina, Pediatric Nurse
How warm should it really be in the bedroom and what TOG value is suitable? In this post, Sina explains in an understandable and practical way how to safely coordinate sleeping bag, clothing, and room temperature.
As a healthcare and pediatric nurse, I am frequently asked what the right TOG value is, how warm the bedroom really should be, and what a baby can wear in a sleeping bag at night. Many parents are insecure when it comes to baby sleep – especially concerning temperature and safety.
In this article, I will therefore answer the most important questions about TOG values, sleeping bags, and a safe sleeping environment, so you can feel more confident.
What does the TOG value mean for baby sleep?
The TOG value indicates how warm a sleeping bag is. The higher the TOG value, the warmer it keeps. It helps you choose the right sleeping bag for the room temperature, so your baby is neither cold nor overheated.
It helped me greatly not to make this decision based on gut feeling ("I'm cold, so my baby needs more"), but to orient myself to the actual temperature in the bedroom.
Important: The temperature should be measured directly at the sleeping spot – not just anywhere in the room.
Ideal sleeping temperature for babies: Why 18 degrees is recommended
The pediatric recommendation for preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is approximately 18 degrees Celsius in the sleeping room.
This often sounds cool to us adults. But babies regulate heat differently than we do. A slightly cooler room temperature is considered safer than a too-warm room.
Which TOG value for which room temperature?
The following values serve as a rough guide:
0.5 TOG at approx. 24–27 °C
1.0 TOG at approx. 21–24 °C
2.0 TOG at approx. 18–22 °C (often usable year-round)
2.5 TOG at approx. 16–20 °C
3.5 TOG below 16 °C (rarely needed in normal living spaces)
A 2.0 TOG sleeping bag like KUNU's is a good all-rounder for many families, as it fits year-round in most bedrooms.
What should babies wear under their sleeping bag?
The clothing under the sleeping bag should always be guided by the room temperature and the TOG value – not by the outside temperature or your own feeling of cold.
On warmer nights, a short-sleeved bodysuit is often sufficient. In mild temperatures, a long-sleeved bodysuit may be appropriate. In cooler rooms, a long-sleeved bodysuit with thin pajamas underneath is suitable.
Less is often more. Too many layers increase the risk of overheating.
How do I know if my baby is too warm or too cold?
Many parents feel their baby's hands or feet - however, these are not reliable indicators.
It is best to check the temperature at the back of the neck. A sweaty neck, damp hair, red cheeks, or rapid breathing can indicate overheating. A cool neck or mottled skin can be a sign that your baby is cold.
What is allowed in the baby crib – and what is not?
Especially in connection with temperature, the question often arises as to what belongs in the baby crib.
A safe, empty sleeping area is recommended: no loose blankets, pillows, cuddly toys, or bumpers or additional padding.
Sleeping bags are considered safer than blankets because they cannot slip. The baby cannot pull the sleeping bag over their face, and kicking remains safe.
An OEKO-TEX certified, pollutant-free sleeping bag provides a constant sleeping environment and is considered an important protective factor in the baby crib regarding SIDS prevention.
KUNU Baby Sleeping Bag for Safe Baby Sleep
The KUNU® Baby Sleeping Bag made of OEKO-TEX® certified organic cotton, with a TOG value of 2.0, is ideally suited for room temperatures between 18 and 22 °C and can therefore be used all year round.
It replaces loose blankets in the baby crib, ensures constant warmth without overheating, and offers additional everyday comfort thanks to its well-thought-out fit and bottom-opening zipper. Available in two sizes, it safely and reliably accompanies babies through many peaceful nights.