TOG Ratings Explained: Choosing the Right Sleep Sack for Every Season

If you are a new parent, you have probably come across the term “TOG rating” while shopping for baby sleep sacks or blankets. And let’s be honest, it sounds more like a technical term from an engineering textbook than something to do with your little one’s sleep! Here are all the tips you’ll need to pick the right sleep sack for every season confidently.

What is a TOG Rating?

TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade. In simple terms, it’s a measurement of how warm (or insulating) a fabric is. Think of it as the "blanket thickness scale". The higher the TOG number, the warmer the sleeping sacks will keep your baby. For example:

• A 0.2 TOG sleep sack is very light and breathable, like wearing a thin cotton sheet.

• A 3.5 TOG sleep sack is thick and cosy, almost like a winter quilt.

So, when you see TOG ratings while shopping, it’s just the brand’s way of telling you how much warmth the product will provide.

Why Do TOG Ratings Matter?

Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults. They also can’t kick off blankets if they feel hot, which is why loose blankets are generally discouraged for safe sleep. That’s where sleep sacks come in. They keep your baby covered, cosy, and safe, without the risk of suffocation.

But here’s the catch: not every sleep sack suits every season. Imagine putting your baby in a 3.5 TOG winter sack in the middle of May in Delhi. Your little one will be sweating buckets! On the other hand, a 0.2 TOG sack in December in Shimla won’t provide enough warmth.

The TOG rating helps you strike the right balance, so your baby sleeps peacefully without overheating or getting too chilly.

The Common TOG Ratings and When to Use Them

Most sleep sack brands in India and abroad usually stick to these common TOG ratings. Let’s go through them one by one.

0.2 – 0.5 TOG (Super Light & Breathable)

• Best for: Hot summers, or rooms with temperatures above 24°C

• Feels like: A thin muslin or cotton sheet

• When to use in India: Peak summer months, especially in warmer states like Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, or Telangana, where nights are still very warm.

• If you’re running the AC at night, this TOG is also a good choice, as long as the room doesn’t get too chilly.

Check Out | Nintara Baby’s Best Selling Sleep Sacks (Set of 3) with 0.5 TOG.  Available in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes, our 100% organic cotton wearable blankets are best for warmer Indian regions.

1.0 to 1.5 TOG (Lightweight, All-Rounder)

• Best for: Mild weather, or rooms with temperatures between 20°C–24°C

• Feels like: A lightweight blanket

• When to use in India: Spring and post-monsoon weather in most parts of the country. Think March-April in Bangalore or October in Pune.

• This TOG is super versatile and is often called the "all-season" sack. If you’re planning to buy just one, 1.5 TOG is usually the safest bet.

Check Out | Nintara Baby’s Best Selling Baby Sleep Sack 1.5 TOG - Moonlit Magic.  Available in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes, our 100% organic cotton wearable blankets are best for Indian parents, especially if you want to snuggle up with your baby with the AC switched on.

2.5 TOG (Cosy & Warm)

• Best for: Cooler months, or rooms with temperatures between 16°C–20°C

• Feels like: A medium-thickness quilt

• When to use in India: Winters in North India (Delhi, Punjab, UP), or hill stations like Ooty or Shimla during the colder months.

• Pair this with warm pyjamas underneath, and your little one will sleep like a dream, even when the nights get quite nippy.

3.0 – 3.5 TOG (Extra Warm)

• Best for: Very cold climates or rooms below 16°C

• Feels like: A thick winter comforter

• When to use in India: Rarely needed unless you live in high-altitude areas like Manali, Leh, or Nainital during peak winter.

Nintara Baby has a Sleep Bag 0.5 TOG and a Sleep Sack 1.5 TOG. Both are excellent, and you can use them anywhere, anytime.

Layering The Sleeping Baby

Now, here’s where most parents get a little confused. What should the baby wear under the sleep sack?

The TOG rating already accounts for the warmth of the sleep sack itself, but you’ll need to add or remove layers underneath depending on the room temperature. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Hot nights (above 24°C) → Just a cotton onesie or vest under a 0.2–0.5 TOG sack.

2. Mild nights (20–24°C) → A light sleepsuit or romper under a 1.0 to 1.5 TOG sack.

3. Cool nights (16–20°C) → A full-sleeved pyjama set under a 2.5 TOG sack.

4. Cold nights (below 16°C) → A warm bodysuit, socks, and maybe even a cap under a 3.0+ TOG sack.

Pro tip: The best way to check if your baby is comfortable is to feel the back of their neck. If it’s sweaty, they’re too hot. If it feels cool, add a layer.

TOG vs Room Temperature

The room temperature matters more than the outside weather. Even if it’s scorching hot outside, if your AC keeps the room at 20°C, your baby still needs a warmer sack. Similarly, if you’re in winter but running a heater, you might get away with a lighter sack. So, before choosing the TOG, always check the actual room temperature where your baby sleeps.

How Many Sleep Sacks Do You Really Need?

If you’re wondering, “Do I need to buy four different TOGs for each season?”, the answer is not really. Most can manage with:

• One lightweight sack (0.5–1.5 TOG) for summers and AC rooms.

• One warmer sack (2.5 TOG) for winters or cooler regions.

That usually covers you for the whole year. If you travel often to colder places, you might consider a 3.5 TOG as well, but otherwise, it’ll just gather dust.

Tips for Parents

1. Choose the right size – A sleep sack that’s too big can ride up over your baby’s face. Always pick the correct size, even if you’re tempted to “buy big for growing into it.”

2. Check for breathability – Cotton and muslin fabrics are best for Indian weather. Fleece is fine for winter, but can cause overheating otherwise.

3. Wash often – Babies are messy (spit-ups, diaper leaks, the works). Having at least two sacks of each TOG you use saves you from late-night laundry emergencies.

4. Safety first – Avoid any sleep sack with hoods, thick padding, or loose strings. The simpler, the safer.

TOG ratings may sound confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, they’re actually your best friend in making sure your baby sleeps safely and comfortably. So next time you’re shopping for a sleep sack, check that little TOG number. Nintara Baby sleep sacks and other baby care essential products are of superior quality, as we use premium-quality materials that are both comfortable and breathable to ensure your baby gets the best.