temperatures & togs

The tog you choose depends on a few things, such as the room temperature, what your baby is wearing, and your baby’s individual needs. Just like us adults, every baby is different—some might need more or less bedding than others. You know your little one best, and you’ll quickly get to know their preferences. If your baby is feeling unwell, you may need to adjust their clothing or bedding. It’s always a good idea to check their temperature regularly. The best way to do this is by feeling the back of their neck or chest. If they feel sweaty or clammy, they’re probably too warm. It’s perfectly normal for a baby’s hands to feel a little cooler. For more advice on checking your baby’s temperature, watch our video by The Lullaby Trust. If your baby is unwell, always seek medical advice.

As with most leading baby sleep bag brands, we offer three main tog ratings:

2.5 tog is recommended for room temperatures between 16-20°C and is the most popular choice in the UK, as it suits the majority of the year.
1.0 tog is perfect for room temperatures between 18-24°C, which makes it ideal for much of the year.
0.5 tog is our lightest option for room temperatures over 24°C—great for hot summer nights or holidays.

The ideal room temperature for your baby is around 18°C (65°F). We recommend using a nursery thermometer to help you (or anyone caring for your baby) monitor the temperature in the room. It’s also essential to think about how your baby is dressed and the tog rating of their sleep bag. To make this easier, we provide an easy-to-use ‘What to Wear Guide’ with advice on the best sleep bag and clothing based on room temperature. It’s a good idea to screenshot it and save it on your phone.

Nope! Your Folk & Thread Baby Sleep Bag is all you need—just pair it with a fitted bottom sheet. Duvets, quilts, and pillows shouldn’t be used for babies under 1 year old, and we recommend keeping the cot free from any additional blankets.

As The Lullaby Trust says: “If you are using a baby sleeping bag, don’t add extra blankets on top. Add an extra layer of clothing or choose a higher TOG sleeping bag if you feel the sleeping bag isn’t enough.”

Your baby’s clothing should match the room temperature and the tog rating of the baby sleep bag. We’ve put together a handy what-to-wear guide, which you can access here. We also recommend using a room thermometer to help you monitor the room’s temperature, both during the day and at night.

In cooler months, babies usually wear a sleepsuit and vest with their 2.5 tog sleep bag at a room temperature of 16-20°C. However, even if it’s cold, it’s important to remember that The Lullaby Trust advises against using hats indoors, as this can lead to overheating.

In warmer weather or during a heatwave, it’s perfectly fine for your baby to wear just a nappy under their sleep bag. If your baby wakes up because they’re too cold, simply pick them up and adjust the room temperature or what they’re wearing. A quick cuddle in their Folk & Thread sleep bag will warm them up again before you pop them back, cosy in their cot. If your baby feels too warm, remove a layer of clothing and adjust the room’s temperature before returning them to their cot.

The best way to check is to gently slip your hand under your baby's clothes and feel the skin on their back or tummy. It’s perfectly normal for your baby’s hands to feel a little cool.

If your baby wakes up cold, pick them up, adjust the room temperature or their clothing, and give them a cuddle in their Folk & Thread Baby Sleep Bag to warm them up before putting them back in their cot. If they're too hot, remove a layer of clothing or adjust the room temperature, and settle them back in.

The tog rating describes the warmth or 'Thermal Resistance' of a product and is widely used in the UK to explain warmth levels of duvets. For example, an adult winter duvet is usually between 9.5 and 13 togs, and a Summer duvet, is around 4.5 togs. It is recommended that quilts for young children above 1 year should be no more than 4.0 togs. All Folk & Thread Baby Sleep Bags are tested by an accredited testing laboratory and conform to BS EN 16781:2018, and to The Lullaby Trust’s recommendations.

If  you follow the guidelines in our what-to-wear guide, there should be no danger of your baby overheating. Decrease the level of clothing and bedding if your baby is unwell and has a raised temperature. If you are in any doubt, please consult a health professional.

Young babies are unable to regulate their body temperatures as older children and adults can. Hats worn indoors (and in cars) can therefore increase their risk of overheating. Find out why it's important to avoid hats indoors with young babies by watching this video from The Lullaby Trust:

The best way to check a baby’s temperature is by putting your hand on the back of their neck or on their chest (under their clothing). If the baby is too hot their skin will feel hot and slightly clammy or sweaty, and you will need to remove some clothing layers. It's perfectly normal for a baby's hands and feet to cool and this does not indicate their overall body temperature. Learn the best way to check your baby’s temperature and how to keep them comfortable with guidance from The Lullaby Trust in our video below.

Room temperature is critical for your baby's comfort and safety. Find out why in this Q&A with our friends at The Lullaby Trust: