Choosing how to dress your baby for sleep can feel overwhelming. Should you add another layer? Is your baby too warm or too cold? If you’ve ever stood there staring at the closet at bedtime, wondering what’s the “just right” amount — mama, you’re not alone! The TOG chart is here to take the guesswork out of bedtime. With the right TOG rating and thoughtful layering, you can help your little one sleep safer, better, and more comfortably — in every season.At SwaddleAn, we believe safe sleep starts with smart choices (and a little peace of mind for you). Here’s how to use the TOG chart to dress your baby with confidence.
Why Dressing Your Baby Right for Sleep Matters
Newborns and young babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as we can. Dressing your baby appropriately for the room temperature helps prevent overheating, which is one of the risk factors for unsafe sleep. On the flip side, being too cold may wake your baby up throughout the night (and nobody wants that at 2 AM!). The TOG chart gives you a simple, stress-free way to match your baby’s sleepwear to your room temperature — so you don’t have to guess. Learn more about TOG ratings and how they work in our TOG Guide.
How the TOG Chart Works
TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade, a measurement of how much warmth a fabric provides. The higher the TOG number, the more insulation the fabric offers.The TOG chart recommends warmth levels based on your baby’s room temperature, not the outside weather (because yes, that can be confusing!). Here's a quick breakdown to make things easy:
| Room Temperature (°F) | Recommended TOG | Suggested Sleepwear Layers |
| 75°F and above | 0.5 TOG | Short-sleeve bodysuit, like our Bamboo Baby Bodysuit or diaper only |
| 69–74°F | 1.0 TOG | Long-sleeve bodysuit or Convertible Footie underneath a 1.0 TOG sleep bag |
| 61–68°F | 2.5 TOG | Pajamas plus bodysuit, such as our Long Sleeve Pajamas layered under a 2.5 TOG sleep bag |
Pro tip, mama: Always feel the back of your baby’s neck or their back — not those chilly little hands or feet — to check if they are too warm or too cool.
Layering Baby Sleepwear by TOG Rating
0.5 TOG: Lightweight for Warm Rooms and Summer Nights
- Best for rooms 75°F and above.
- Dress baby in a short-sleeve bodysuit like our soft, breathable Bamboo Bodysuit.
- No extra blankets needed — trust me, simpler is better on hot nights!
1.0 TOG: Perfect for Mild Weather
- Great for spring, fall, or air-conditioned rooms (69–74°F).
- Layer with a Convertible Footie or long-sleeve bodysuit.
- Add a lightweight Sleep Bag for consistent warmth without overheating.
2.5 TOG: Cozy for Winter and Cooler Nights
- Designed for rooms 61–68°F.
- Layer a Long Sleeve Pajama set under a 2.5 TOG sleep bag.
- No loose blankets needed, but a Luxury Bamboo Blanket can be used for supervised nap time or stroller walks.
Remember, mama — when in doubt, go lighter and feel their neck. Babies can always tell us with a little fuss if they’re chilly, but overheating is much sneakier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use hands or feet to check warmth — always check the back of the neck.
- Avoid overdressing; layering too many clothes can cause overheating (and no one wants a sweaty baby at bedtime!).
- No hats or head coverings during sleep — they trap heat and increase risk.
- No loose blankets inside the crib — instead, keep it safe and simple with a fitted crib sheet like our Bamboo Crib Sheet.
FAQ: Dressing Your Baby for Sleep
Should my baby wear a hat to sleep? No, hats are not recommended for sleep because they can lead to overheating. (Save those cute caps for outside strolls!) How do I know if my baby is too hot? Check the back of their neck — it should feel warm but not sweaty. If it feels hot or damp, remove a layer. Is it better to use lighter layers than one heavy layer? Yes! Layering allows for more flexibility and is often safer than one bulky piece of clothing. Think easy add-on, easy take-off. Learn more about why TOG ratings matter in our TOG Guide. Curious about sleep bags? Check out our Baby Sleep Bag Guide.
Final Thoughts
Mama, we know how much you care about giving your baby the best (and we’re right there with you!). Choosing the right sleepwear and layers for your baby doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Use the TOG chart as your guide, trust your instincts, and remember: safe sleep is always the goal. At SwaddleAn, our bamboo sleepwear — from sleep bags and bodysuits to long sleeve pajamas — is made with ultra-soft, breathable fabric that’s gentle on baby skin and designed to hold up beautifully, wash after wash. Checkout our lovely sleepwear collections to find the perfect pieces for every season — because peace of mind looks good on you, mama.