What weight or TOG-rated sleeping bag do I need?

A TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) essentially measures how much a particular fabric insulates and is roughly equivalent to a layer of clothing or a light blanket. Many sleeping bags use the European TOG rating system to indicate how warm the sleeping bag or suit is and what season they are suitable for. The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleeping bag.

Summer sleeping bags are usually 1.0 or under, depending on where you are and the temperature range in your child's bedroom. Generally speaking a 0.6 tog or lower is ideal for high summer with room temperatures of 25 degrees or above.  The Woolbabe Summer Sleeping Bag and Suits are a lightweight merino/organic cotton blend, equivalent to about a 0.5 tog cotton bag, with the 3 seasons equivalent to a 1.0 tog bag. 

Why are some sleeping bags tog rated and others are not?

Natural fibres, such as Merino are not rated TOG because they adjust according to temperature, and this is why they are so popular.  The Woolbabe Summer Sleeping Bag is equivalent to approximately 0.5 tog.

Sleeping bags with cotton or polyester or that consistently perform to a testing standard or set temperature range tend to be tog rated. Merino is also amazing at wicking moisture away from the skin, meaning sweaty babies won't wake up due to cold, clammy fabric. Woolbabe bags have one of the widest temperature ranges - the 3-seasons bag can be used for rooms 18-28 degrees Celsius (65-82 Fahrenheit), and the duvet weight bag can be used from 14 to 22 degrees (57-71 degrees Fahrenheit).

Why use Merino in summer - won't it be too hot?

Merino is a highly breathable natural fibre that regulates your baby's temperature. This means your baby will always be at the right temperature – never too cold, never too hot. It can also absorb up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling damp, so baby remains warm despite nappy leaks, spills or sweating on hot summer nights. Cotton tends to become cold and clammy.

At Woolbabe we believe in using merino wool, not only due to its temperature-regulating properties but also because research suggests that babies sleep better in wool. Wool fibres form a natural air pocket which acts as  an insulator, keeping babies warm without sacrificing breathability. Merino is also resistant to mould, mildew and bacteria, maintaining a healthy sleeping environment and preventing odours from developing.  And because of these properties, you won't need to wash your woolbabe as often as other fabrics.     

Which weight can be used in spring and autumn as well as summer?

The Woolbabe 3-Seasons is the best option for use year-round.  It's suitable for room temperatures of 18-28 degrees Celsius (65-82 Fahrenheit) by varying the layers of clothing underneath.  In the height of summer, you can simply dress baby in a nappy and the sleeping bag and when it's cooler, a long sleeve bodysuit, full-length zip suit and possibly socks.  Each Woolbabe sleeping bag and sleeping suit comes with a temperature guide to give you an idea of how to dress your baby depending on the room temperature and type of bag.  If however, the room temperature is consistently high, such as summer day naps, then we recommend investing in a dedicated summer weight sleeping bag.

Each Woolbabe comes with a room thermometer

Every Woolbabe sleeping bag or sleeping suit comes with a handy room thermometer that indicates the ambient temperature. On the back of the thermometer is a clothing guide, which guides you as to how many layers your baby may need for that temperature and type of bag.

It's good to note that every baby and child is different and it's important not to overheat your baby. The guides below are just that, guides.  Use them as a starting point and adjust accordingly, making sure to check that they are not too hot or too cold.  You can do this by placing your hand on their chest or the back of their neck.  If your baby is red and sweaty, she is too hot, so remove a layer of clothing.

As with bedding we recommend using natural fibre clothing or sleepwear with your Woolbabe, such as merino, which is excellent at wicking away moisture when it's hot and retaining warmth when it's cold, or 100% cotton.

Room Temperature
30-32 C	Nappy
28-30 C	Singlet
26-28 C	Short sleeve bodysuit
24-26 C	Short sleeve bodysuit