What Should Babies Wear Under a Sleep Sack?

As a seasoned pediatric sleep consultant, one of the most common questions I get asked is, "What should babies wear under a sleep sack?" It's a valid concern, and the answer largely depends on the temperature in your baby's room and the TOG rating of the sleep sack. Let's delve into this topic in more detail.

Let's Unravel the Mystery of TOG Ratings 🌡️

TOG stands for 'Thermal Overall Grade', which is a unit of measurement for insulation and warmth. It is used to guide parents on how to dress their babies based on room temperature. The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleep sack. For instance, a Kyte baby sleep sack with a TOG of 1.0 is ideal for a room temperature of 21-23°C (70-74°F), while a TOG of 2.5 is suitable for cooler temperatures of 16-20°C (61-68°F).

Outfitting Your Little One: What to Wear Under a Sleep Sack 👶

Now that we understand TOG ratings, what should a baby wear under a sleep sack? Here's a general guide:

What to Dress Your Baby in Under a Sleep Sack Based on Room Temperature

• For a room temperature of 24-27°C (75-81°F), dress your baby in a short-sleeved onesie under a lightweight sleep sack (0.5 TOG). This is usually sufficient to keep your little one comfortable throughout the night.
• When the room temperature is 20-23°C (68-74°F), you can dress your baby in a long-sleeved onesie under a medium weight sleep sack (1.0 TOG). This combination helps to maintain the right body temperature for your baby.
• For cooler rooms with a temperature of 16-19°C (61-66°F), a long-sleeved onesie with footies or a heavier bodysuit under a warmer sleep sack (2.5 TOG) is recommended. This will ensure your baby stays warm and cozy, even in cooler environments.

Please note that these are general guidelines, and every baby is different. Some babies run hot, and others run cold. It's important to check your baby's neck or chest to ensure they're not too hot or too cold. The skin should feel comfortable and not sweaty or cold to the touch.

Safety First: The Importance of Sleep Sacks 🛡️

While we're on the topic of dressing your baby for sleep, it's worth mentioning that sleep sacks are a safer alternative to blankets, which can pose a suffocation risk for babies. You can read more about this in my article on When Is It Safe For Baby To Sleep With A Blanket: The Ultimate Guide.

Beyond Dressing: More Tips for Your Baby's Sleep 💤

Dressing your baby appropriately for sleep is just one aspect of creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment. For more tips on putting baby to sleep, dealing with baby sleep issues, and transitioning your baby from co-sleeping to sleeping in a crib, check out my other FAQs and articles on this site.

Wrapping Up: Your Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleep Sack Dressing 🎁

To wrap up, what your baby should wear under a sleep sack depends on the room temperature and the TOG rating of the sleep sack. Always ensure your baby is comfortable and not too hot or too cold. Remember, sleep sacks are a safe and cozy option for your little one's sleep time.

Learn more about 🤔 Sleep Sack Dressing Guide Quiz or discover other Find PM quizzes.