It’s 91°F in Utah now, and we can feel the first wave of summer heat very well. Here comes another parenting puzzle: How to keep our babies comfy during temperature changes like that, especially in a sleep sack? How can we keep them comfy in different seasons, from scorching days to freezing winters?
Choose a suitable sleep sack for different seasons; that’s it! You can’t use one bag year-round because one that doesn’t match with the current temperature is both uncomfortable and unsafe.
Feeling confused about temperature regulation? We’ve got you covered with this parenting cheat sheet on picking sleep sacks for summers, winters, and something in between.
The Golden Rule - Always Start with Room Temperature
It’s Not the Season, It’s the Thermometer
Forget all about summers, winters, or the fickle weather outside! When you walk into your little one’s room, it’s the room temperature that matters the most. An air-conditioned room in summer might be even colder than a heated room in winter.
Here in Utah, the winter can be freezing, while the summer temperature can exceed 100°F. Most of the time, we maintain the room temperature at around 68 - 72°F all year round, so the season has nothing to do here.
Always check the room temperature using a thermometer!
Your Science-backed Tool: The TOG Rating
TOG, Thermal Overall Grade, is a science-backed tool that parents can rely on. It gives you the exact measurement of a sleep sack’s warmth, eliminating the guesswork from your parenting decisions.
If you’re new to this concept, you’re not alone! Let’s start with our detailed guide on TOG Rating!
Sleep Sacks for Summer and Hot Weather
Characteristics of the Hot Season
The summer weather is anything but pleasant. It’s even more so in southern states where the temperature averages at 75-85°F (according to Current Results).
Room temperatures hover around 75°F, lower than outside but still on the hot side. That’s why we’ve seen many babies get overheated and heat rash during these blazing days.
Choosing the Right TOG
No AC? No worries! We recommend going for a low TOG rating at 0.2 to 0.5. Sleep sacks with these ratings are incredibly lightweight and breathable without trapping heat. These products also work wonders for summer nights with muggy weather.
If the weather is milder or an air-conditioned room’s temperature is around 72 to 75°F, a 1.0 TOG rating should suffice.
You can easily find these TOG rating sleep sacks at SwaddleAn. The best part? You can personalize the sack to make it a cherished keepsake!
Prioritizing Breathable Materials
Choosing the right sleep bag material is essential to keep your little one comfortable all night long. And regarding this, breathable materials shine. Think of those with excellent moisture-wicking and cooling properties like muslin, organic cotton, and especially bamboo rayon.
Our products are crafted from 95% ultra-soft bamboo rayon, which is breathable, moisture-wicking, and gentle on sensitive skin. Each sleep sack just feels like a gentle touch, sweat-free for babies and worry-free for parents.
SwaddleAn Bamboo Sleep Sack Collections
Dressing Suggestions
Less is more. We’ve seen many moms tuck their babies a few layers under the sleep bag, worrying the temperature might drop at midnight. Just don’t follow in their footsteps! A diaper or a T-shirt is good to go.
Sleep Sacks for Winter and Cold Weather
Characteristics of the Cold Season
In winter, room temperatures can drop below 68°F, and the chilly bite can keep your little one restless for the whole night. With a vulnerable immune system, they are prone to hypothermia (when the baby’s body temperature is below 97.7°F).
According to the Journal of Pediatric Research, up to 70% of newborns experience hypothermia, and one of the main reasons is cold room temperature. That’s why keeping your cuties warm during winter is important.
Choosing the Right TOG
A 2.5 TOG rating sleep sack is the safest choice for most US states. Sleep bags with this rating retain heat well, ensuring your baby is cozy all night when the room temperature ranges from 61 to 68°F.
If you’re living in northern states like Alaska or Wyoming, the temperature can dip below 61°F at night. In this case, we suggest a 3.5 TOG for more padding and maximum warmth.
Warm Yet Breathable Materials
Some parents prioritize warm materials and neglect breathability. Trust us, the best sleep sack material for winter must strike a balance between warmth and breathability.
Been there, done that. We’ve seen some babies get rashes even in winter because they’re overdressed and their body hasn’t mastered temperature regulation yet.
Organic cotton sleep sacks with batting are excellent choices. Merino wool also excels at maintaining warmth.
Dressing Suggestions
A rule of thumb is a long-sleeved bodysuit, followed by a pyjama, and finally a 2.5 TOG sleep sack.
The Solution for Transitional Seasons (Spring & Autumn)
The Challenge of Transitional Seasons
The fickle weather is a nightmare for parents. It can be chilly at night and warm in the morning. Sudden temperature changes are the easiest way to make your little ones sick.
The Versatile "Hero": 1.0 - 1.5 TOG
Sleep sacks with 1.0 to 1.5 TOG rating take the crown for transitional seasons. This flexible TOG range is the sweet spot: the thin batting provides enough warmth at night, while the breathable fabric dissipates heat well during daytime. It’s the key to mastering the art of layering.
The Art of Layering
You can easily adjust the layering for your little one with a 1.0 TOG sleep sack. Cold nights? Easy peasy! A long-sleeved pajama is good to go. Warmer nights? A short-sleeved bodysuit is all you (and your baby) need.
Such amazing flexibility leaves you worry-free without buying too many sleep sacks for your cuties. This is a tried-and-true tip when choosing a sleep sack for your baby.
Stay Comfy Year-round with SwaddleAn!
The key to finding a suitable sleep sack for different seasons is understanding the relationship between room temperature and the TOG rating. Just with some strategic sleep bags, preferably one 0.5 TOG, one 1.0 TOG, and one 2.5 TOG, you can deal with any weather confidently.
And you know the best part? All of these TOG ratings are available at SwaddleAn; no need to go further. Come rain or shine, our scientifically designed sleep bags ensure a restful night for your babies. Say goodbye to worries, and welcome you to our baby sleeping bag collections!
Related Blog Post
A Guide to Choose the Perfect Sleep Sack Size for Your Baby
7 Smart Features to Look For When Buying a Baby Sleep Sack
References
- Summer Temperature Averages for Every State: https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/average-state-temperatures-in-summer.php
- Newborns are Prone to More Hypothermia in the Low Temperature of Operating Rooms: https://jpedres.org/articles/newborns-are-prone-to-more-hypothermia-in-the-low-temperature-of-operating-rooms/jpr.galenos.2024.03710