If you’re in the market for a new sleeping bag for your baby, you may have noticed that labels throughout Australia and Europe show a TOG rating. This number is so helpful in choosing the perfect sleeper for your baby to ensure that they stay warm, dry, and comfortable – and we’re going to tell you how to use it in this article.

The TOG rating helps explain the thermal resistance of fabrics and insulation materials used in sleeping bags. In simplified terms, the TOG number shows just how much of your baby’s body heat gets locked in to their sleeper. As you can imagine, having an understanding of this number can help parents choose the right materials and sleeping bags for their children based on season and warmth needs.

For kids with eczema, the TOG rating is actually even more important since heat can play a big role in how well the skin avoids or heals eczema flare ups.

TOG And Eczema

Children with eczema need two things when they sleep: coolness and dryness. Damp, hot skin often gets irritated just enough to cause an eczema flare up, so the right temperature and wicking can be the difference between a breakout and another day of no scratching.

A lower TOG number means that the materials in the sleeping bag will hold in less heat. If you already have your home set to be warm and comfortable for the season, a lower TOG rating may help prevent your baby from getting too hot and sweaty while they sleep. A low TOG rated sleeper will also allow more air flow and circulation which can be helpful for babies who experience chapping or sweating when bundled up.

For kids who seem to be on the cold, clammy side, a higher TOG rating will help keep more body heat inside the sleeping bag. While it’s usually advisable to stay on the cool side, some kids will need to be warmer in order to relax, sleep, and heal fully.

TOG Ratings

Here are the average TOG ratings you’ll see most frequently as you shop, and an explanation of how they can help.

• 0.5
  This is the smallest TOG rating. It’s a very light and breathable sleeper that is best suited for nurseries and homes where the air is already conditioned by a heater or fan.
• 1.0
  If your home tends to stay moderate and comfortable, a 1.0 TOG rating may be the best choice. This is a middle of the road number that holds in some body heat but also breathes.
  
  (Bamboo Bubby Bags have a TOG rating of between 1-1.5 TOG due to the breathability and thermal regulating nature of the bamboo fabric they are made from. We found this to be ideal for eczema babies in most climates, most of the year around).
• 2.5
  The highest TOG rating is a 2.5, and it’s suited for cold homes, chilly weather, or kids who have a hard time getting warm enough. A 2.5 rated sleeping bag will retain a high amount of body heat and lock it in to keep baby warm.

What Works For You?

As mentioned above, a 1.0 rating is often a good balanced material to start with. If you pay attention to these ratings and have a child with eczema, use the comments below and let us know which rating seems to work best for you!