Summer can be a fantastic time of year, filled with sunshine, swimming, and all the cutest baby outfits you've ever seen in your life! Summer also means warmer weather, humid nights, and air conditioning.
As temperatures rise, a crucial point to keep in mind when dressing your little love for sleep time is making sure that they're safe and comfortable. It's easy to assume that air conditioning is the perfect solution, but it can have unintended consequences for your baby's health, especially when combined with the wrong clothing.
How do you dress your baby during summer?
Great question...When it comes to dressing your baby for summer, we often find that babies are being dressed based on the outside temperature rather than the temperature inside the house.
This is where TOG rating becomes essential.
What is TOG?
TOG stands for 'Thermal Overall Grade' and is the rating given to sleep-ware and bedding that tells you what temperature they're suitable for. 'TOG' is a unit of measurement applied to clothes, sheets, blankets, etc. based on how insulated they are, and how warm or cool it will keep your baby while they sleep. TOG ranges from 0.5 (the coolest) all the way up to 3.5 (the warmest!).
By choosing the right TOG-rated clothing and bedding, you can keep your baby comfortable and safe during the summer months. When it comes to using air conditioning, it's essential to monitor the temperature and use it sparingly. Overcooling can increase the risk of SIDS, and air conditioning that runs all night long can quickly become a hazard for your baby's health.
As a parent, your child's safety and comfort are your top priorities. They're ours too! It can be challenging to balance the need for coolness with the risk of overcooling. That's why we recommend using TOG rating as a guideline and keeping a thermometer in your baby's room to monitor the room temperature.
Remember, the key is to dress your baby appropriately for the temperature inside the house, not just outside. Stay cool and safe this summer season!
TOG Rating:
- For room temperature between 24-28°C, a sleeping bag with a TOG rating of .05 is appropriate.
- For room temperature between 21-24°C, a sleeping bag with a TOG rating of 1 is appropriate.
- For room temperature between 18-21°C, a sleeping bag with a TOG rating of 1.5 is recommended.
- For room temperature between 15-18°C, a sleeping bag with a TOG rating of 2.5 is suitable.
- For room temperature below <15°C, a sleeping bag with a TOG rating of 3.5
Heating:
- The ideal room temperature for a baby's room is between 18-22°C.
- It's important to monitor the temperature using a thermometer and adjust the heating accordingly.
- Using a heater sparingly is recommended, as overheating can increase the risk of SIDS.
- Remember, these numbers are guidelines and may vary based on individual circumstances. It's essential to use your best judgment and monitor your baby's comfort and safety regularly.
