When the evenings start getting cooler, it can be tricky to know what your baby should wear to bed. One night their room still feels warm, the next you’re wondering whether it’s time to reach for a thicker sleeping bag.
The important thing to remember is that TOG isn’t about the season – it’s about room temperature. Checking the temperature where your baby sleeps will help you choose the right baby sleeping bag and decide what they should wear underneath.
Which TOG Is Best for Cooler Nights?
TOG is a measure of thermal insulation. Simply put, a higher TOG provides more warmth.
Our general guide is:
-
0.5 TOG: above 24°C
-
1.0 TOG: 18–24°C
-
2.5 TOG: 15–21°C
-
3.5 TOG: below 18°C
These are guidelines, as every baby is different. A room thermometer can help you keep an eye on the temperature, particularly when autumn weather is changeable.
To check whether your baby feels comfortably warm, feel their neck or back. Hands and feet can naturally feel cooler, so they aren't the best indication of your baby's overall temperature.
When Should I Change to a 2.5 TOG Sleeping Bag?
There’s no set date when you need to put the lighter sleeping bags away.
If your baby’s bedroom is still between 18–24°C, a 1.0 TOG sleeping bag may continue to be suitable. Once the room is regularly around 15–21°C, you might find a 2.5 TOG baby sleeping bag is a better choice.
This is why checking the room temperature is more useful than simply switching TOGs because autumn has arrived.
Why Choose a 2.5 TOG Baby Sleeping Bag?
Our 2.5 TOG sleeping bags provide additional warmth for rooms between approximately 15–21°C.
You can then adjust what your baby wears underneath according to the temperature. When the room is towards the warmer end of the range, fewer layers may be needed. As it gets cooler, you can add an appropriate layer underneath.
This gives you flexibility as temperatures change without automatically needing to move to a different sleeping bag.
Not sure where to start? Take a look at our TOG Guide for help choosing the right TOG and clothing for different room temperatures.
What About Sleeping Bags with Sleeves?
Some Slumbersac sleeping bags come with detachable sleeves, which can be particularly handy when temperatures fluctuate.
The sleeves can be easily added or removed and have lighter padding than the main body of the sleeping bag for comfortable movement.
Rather than automatically adding sleeves because it’s a cold evening, check the bedroom temperature and how your little one feels and adjust their sleepwear accordingly.
Why Use a Baby Sleeping Bag?
A correctly fitted baby sleeping bag provides a wearable alternative to loose blankets and bedding. It stays in place throughout the night, so there’s no bedding to kick off or pull up over the face.
Fit is important. Choose the correct size for your baby rather than buying a larger sleeping bag for them to grow into. The neck and armholes should fit securely so your baby cannot slip down inside.
Slumbersac baby sleeping bags are made using soft, breathable materials, including cotton and organic cotton, and are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Warm Enough?
Rather than checking their hands or feet, feel your baby’s neck or back.
They should feel comfortably warm rather than hot or sweaty. If they feel too warm, remove a layer or consider a lower TOG. If their neck or back feels cool, you may need to add an appropriate layer or choose a warmer TOG.
Remember that these recommendations are guidelines and babies can respond differently to temperature.
Ready for Cooler Nights?
Autumn temperatures can be unpredictable, so you don’t need to change your baby’s entire sleep wardrobe as soon as September arrives.
Keep an eye on their bedroom temperature and choose their sleeping bag accordingly. For rooms between 15–21°C, explore our 2.5 TOG baby sleeping bags, available in a choice of sizes and designs, including options with detachable sleeves.
That way, when the cooler nights do arrive, you’ll be ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What TOG should my baby wear in autumn?
Choose your baby's TOG according to their room temperature rather than the time of year. As a general guide, 1.0 TOG is suitable for 18–24°C, 2.5 TOG for 15–21°C and 3.5 TOG for temperatures below 18°C.
Is 2.5 TOG too warm for autumn?
It depends on the room temperature. A 2.5 TOG sleeping bag is designed for approximately 15–21°C. If your baby's room is warmer than this, a lighter TOG may be more appropriate.
When should I switch from 1.0 TOG to 2.5 TOG?
Consider changing when your baby's room is consistently below around 21°C. Because the temperature ranges overlap, what your baby wears underneath can also be adjusted depending on the room temperature.
What should a baby wear under a 2.5 TOG sleeping bag?
This depends on the temperature of the room. Babies may need fewer layers at the warmer end of the 15–21°C range and additional clothing as the temperature falls. Check your baby's neck or back to make sure they feel comfortably warm.
Are baby sleeping bags suitable for cold nights?
Yes, provided you choose an appropriate TOG for the room temperature and the sleeping bag fits correctly. Slumbersac offers sleeping bags from 0.5 TOG through to 3.5 TOG, giving you options for different temperatures throughout the year.
