babycity's guide to understanding sleep bags and TOG Ratings

Sleep bags have become an essential item for many new parents who are expecting or transitioning from traditional swaddle wraps. Sleep bags offer a convenient and safe way to improve infants' quality of sleep. However, when delving into the world of sleep bags, there are some terminologies used which can be confusing. In this blog, we’ll answer some common FAQs we hear from customers when purchasing their sleep items, and how to choose the best option for your stage of the journey.

What is a sleep bag?

A sleep bag, also known as a swaddle bag (this is more used for newborn) OR sleep sack, is designed to keep your baby snug and secure while they sleep. It's helpful as an alternative to traditional swaddling (easier to use!), or the next stage option once your child shows signs of rolling.  

Sleep bags offer similar benefits to traditional swaddling - a safe and familiar sleep environment which helps reduce the newborn Moro Reflex; an involuntary motor response in which infants suddenly move their arms and legs, startling them awake. 

These smart designs also feature an easy access zip-up design for convenience and ease of use. 

Why would I use a sleep bag? 

Sleep bags are typically made from breathable fabrics like cotton, merino wool or bamboo, which helps regulate your child's body temperature as they sleep. These fabrics are gentle on the skin and provide the right amount of warmth without overheating, ensuring your child remains at a comfortable temperature all night. 

Safe sleep: Using a sleep bag eliminates the need for loose blankets, reducing the risk of suffocation which loose blankets present for infants who cannot move blankets or toys obstructing their face; thus creating a safer sleep environment.  

Temperature regulation: Using a sleep bag helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the night. This is especially helpful for wriggly infants who may kick off their covers, causing disrupted sleep due to waking up cold. 

Creating a familiar sleep environment: Sleep bags serve as a sleep cue, signaling to your baby that it's time for bed, thus aiding in establishing a bedtime routine.  

Convenience: When it comes to nighttime diaper changes, simply unzip the bottom of the bag to release your child's legs and quickly change the diaper quietly without having to remove additional clothing items which may wake them – parents often say that diaper changes with a bag can actually be done while the baby still sleeps soundly! 

Are sleep bags safe for newborns? 

Yes! As long as you’re buying the correct size, TOG and stage for your infant; you can choose to use a sleep bag from birth.  

My baby is starting to roll, can I still use a sleep bag? 

Yes! And Love to Dream Transition suits/bags are perfect for babies who can roll and have more motor control. These specifically designed items are clever and allow for your little one arms free sleep, so they can adjust their sleeping position, by rolling onto their backs.  

How long can my baby wear a sleep bag? 

Your child can wear a sleep bag for several years, as long as they are comfortable and wearing the correct size. As children grow, they may start to feel restricted in a sleep bag and may prefer to transition to blankets after 12 months or older. Always ensure that your child is comfortable and safe, adjusting their sleepwear as they develop new preferences and abilities. 

Can I use sleep bags with a Safe-T-Sleep wrap? 

Yes, you can use sleep bags in combination with a Safe T Sleep! 

What is a TOG Rating? 

A TOG rating stands for Thermal Overall Grade, and is a unit of measurement that indicates the warmth of the fabric. It helps parents understand which sleep bag is best to dress their child in, ensuring the right sleeping temperature based on the climate and their sleep environment. 

The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the product. 

Which TOG rating should I use for each season? 

Here’s a breakdown of common TOG ratings and their ideal usage: 

• 0.2 TOG: These are very lightweight, designed for hot weather or summer months. They are perfect for room temperatures above 24°C. 
• 1.0 TOG: A versatile option suitable for mild temperatures such as Spring and Autumn. Ideal for room temperatures between 21-24°C. 
• 2.5 TOG: This rating is ideal for cooler temperatures and is perfect for Winter use. Suitable for room temperatures between 16-20°C. 
• 3.5 TOG: These are the warmest of the bags and are typically used in very cold climates or in rooms that are poorly insulated. Suitable for room temperatures below 16°C. 

Layering with a sleep bag 

It’s recommended your baby should dress in some form of sleep clothing underneath their sleep bag. The number of layers you require will be determined by the sleep bags TOG rating and the temperature of your child's sleep environment. 

Each brand may have it's own terminology used for age and stage. Highlighting Love to Dream, their models allow an easy navigation for you of what your child's developmental stage is and what product is best suited! 

Love to Dream - swaddle up, transition suit/bag?! What does it mean? 

Swaddle up and transition suit / bags are the different Love to Dream bags to accommodate your child during the different stages of their sleep journey. By choosing the appropriate sleepwear for each stage, you can support your child's natural sleep patterns while ensuring their safety and comfort throughout. 

Swaddle up: newborn and swaddling stage: Love to Dream’s patented Swaddle Up sleep bags are designed to support babie’s natural sleeping position; allowing them to sleep with their arms up while providing the same snug, secure fit of a traditional swaddle. This helps calm their natural startle reflex. During the newborn phase, babies often use their hands to soothe themselves to sleep by sucking their fingers or rubbing their cheeks. Medical research shows that these self-soothing behaviors can lead to better sleep, so let's encourage it with the Swaddle Up!

Transition suit/bag: ready-to-roll stage: As your baby starts showing signs of being ready-to-roll, it’s important to transition to the transition sleep bag. Transition suits/bags offer a secure yet flexible solution with its clever zip-off wing design, that allows you to gradually transition to arms-free sleep, one arm at a time. This gentle transition helps maintain the comforting feeling of being swaddled while providing the freedom to move, ensuring a safe and restful sleep as they begin to roll.

The babycity® guide to layering with Love to Dream™ sleepwear 

The babycity® guide to layering with Mokopuna™ sleepwear 

Final tips for safe swaddling/sleep bag use 

1. Check the room temperature: Always monitor the room temperature and adjust your baby’s sleepwear accordingly. 

1. Dress appropriately: In addition to the sleep bag, dress your baby in light layers that can be easily added or removed. 
2. Regularly check your baby: Our layering guide is only a suggestion. We recommend feeling your baby’s chest or back to ensure they are not too hot or too cold. If they display signs of overheating such as sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks; then adjust the number of layers immediately. 

 Shop by TOG

0.2 TOG Lite	1.0 TOG Moderate	2.5 TOG Warm	3.5 TOG Extra Warm

Shop by Stage

Newborn Swaddle bags	Ready to Roll	On the Move