Ensuring a peaceful, warm, and safe sleep is one of the biggest concerns for anyone caring for a baby.
Among the various recommendations from child sleep experts, choosing the right bedding stands out as an essential factor for maintaining a constant body temperature and preventing both chilling and overheating during the night.
This is where the TOG comes in, a technical measurement that simplifies parents' lives when preparing the crib. In this guide, we explain what this indicator means and share our practical solution for those looking for the best alternative for baby's rest.
❓ What is the TOG scale?
The acronym TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) is an international unit of measurement that indicates the thermal insulation capacity of a textile. In the infant world, it is used in sleeping bags and swaddle blankets to classify the amount of heat the item retains.
Simple rule: The higher the TOG value, the warmer and more padded the item. The lower the value, the lighter and more breathable the fabric.
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TOG 0.5 to 1.0: For warm summer nights or hot mid-season days.
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TOG 2.0 to 3.0: The perfect balance for most homes in Portugal during autumn and winter (ideal for room temperatures between 16°C and 21°C).
📊 TOG Chart: What's the right option for room temperature?
The ideal TOG choice depends on the actual temperature inside the baby's room, not just the season.
Use the table below as a practical reference:
| Room Temperature | Recommended TOG | What to Wear Underneath |
| More than 24°C | TOG 0.5 | Short-sleeved bodysuit only |
| 20°C to 24°C | TOG 1.0 | Long-sleeved bodysuit |
| 16°C to 20°C | TOG 2.0 / 2.5 | Long-sleeved bodysuit with footed pants + Cotton sleepsuit |
| Less than 16°C | TOG 3.5 | Bodysuit with pants + Very warm pyjamas/sleepsuit |
💡 Safety Tip: To check if the baby is comfortable, touch their nape or chest. If the skin is warm and dry, the temperature is ideal. Cool hands and feet are normal in newborns and do not mean they are cold.
🍼 Swaddle Blanket vs. Sleeping Bag: The Pim Pam Pum Experience
From our experience in daily support of so many families, we know there's a big difference between the needs of a newborn and an older baby. In addition, we realize that many parents don't like the idea of "dressing" a traditional sleeping bag (with armholes).
With this in mind, we've structured our collection by phases and developed solutions for every preference:
1. From 0 to 6 Months: The Swaddle Blanket (45x80 cm)
In the first few months, a newborn needs the same comfort and containment they had in the womb. The Newborn Swaddle Blanket (0/6M) is a structured, soft, and extremely practical piece. It keeps the baby protected in the crib, bassinet, or stroller, allowing you to pick them up without "unravelling" them or exposing them to drafts.
2. From 6 to 24 Months: The Baby Swaddle Blanket (50x100 cm) — Our Exclusive Solution!
For parents who prefer the practicality of the "nest" shape and don't want to put the baby's arms through armholes in the middle of the night, we launched the Baby Swaddle Blanket (6/24M) with TOG 2.5:
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More space and freedom: Allows the baby to move their legs freely as they grow.
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Ideal Insulation (TOG 2.5): Maintains the perfect temperature during autumn and winter without the risk of overheating.
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Practical for parents: Very easy to open and close to change a nappy or lay down a baby who has fallen asleep in your arms.
3. From 6 to 24 Months: Classic Sleeping Bag (70, 90 and 110 cm)
You can always opt for the traditional sleeping bag (with armholes), which similarly ensures a peaceful, safe, and protected sleep.
🧥 Sleeping Bag: With or without sleeves? From TOG 1.0 to 3
Another very common question when choosing a sleeping bag to wear is the presence of sleeves:
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Sleeveless Sleeping Bags (Recommended by most pediatricians):
The vast majority of sleeping bags on the market do not have sleeves. This allows air to circulate around the baby's armpits, facilitating temperature regulation and preventing overheating. In addition, it gives complete freedom of movement to the arms. The arms are warmed by the inner clothing (bodysuit and sleepsuit).
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Sleeping Bags WITH Fixed Sleeves:
These are true allies for the coldest winter days (or for cooler homes). Since the sleeves are integrated and cannot be removed, they ensure continuous thermal insulation throughout the body, without cold air ingress. It's the perfect solution to ensure the baby sleeps warmly all night long without needing extra blankets.
💡 Golden Rule: The inside of the sleeping bag should be warm, but air needs to circulate. When in doubt, always choose a sleeveless sleeping bag and adjust the warmth with the layers of clothing worn underneath!
👕 What to dress the baby in under the swaddle blanket or sleeping bag?
The bag acts as the "outer layer." Inner clothing should be adjusted according to the ambient temperature.
At Pim Pam Pum, we have re-adjusted the interpretation of TOG to be in perfect harmony with the reality of homes in Portugal:
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On cold nights (TOG 3.0): A long-sleeved bodysuit with footed trousers, combined with a warm cotton or velour sleepsuit.
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On mild nights (TOG 2.0): A short-sleeved or long-sleeved bodysuit, a knitted sleepsuit, and the bag.
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On warm nights (TOG 1.0): Only a short-sleeved bodysuit under the light bag.
📌 Our vision in Portugal: We do not commercialize TOG 0.5 as we believe that, if it is very hot, the healthiest and most comfortable option is for the baby to sleep without a bag. As for TOG 3.5, we consider it an exaggeration in fabric thickness — the ideal is to keep the room heated between 20°C and 22°C.
💤 Advantages of using a Swaddle Blanket or Sleeping Bag in the Layette
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Safer Sleep: Eliminates the need for loose blankets or covers in the crib.
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Constant Temperature: Prevents the baby from uncovering themselves when moving during the night.
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Sleep Ritual: Helps the baby associate the moment of putting on the bag with bedtime.
🤍 The Perfect Choice for Your Baby's Sleep at Pim Pam Pum
Whether you prefer the exclusive practicality of our Swaddle Blanket (sizes 0/6M and 6/24M in TOG 2.0) or the line of traditional Sleeping Bags, all our pieces are made from soft and breathable fabrics to ensure calm and safe nights of sleep.
👉 Discover our collection of Sleeping Bags and Swaddle Blankets
👉 Discover our collection of Underwear
👉 Discover our collection of Babygrows
💬 Still have questions about the ideal model or TOG for your home? Talk to us here