Sleeping bag for babies: a comprehensive guide to TOG ratings, sizes and safety

The sleeping bag baby is the essential sleep accessory recommended by all paediatricians as a replacement for a blanket in a cot. But which TOG rating should you choose? What size? From what age? This comprehensive guide answers all your questions about the sleeping bag for a safe and comfortable night’s sleep. 😴

🛏️ Why is the sleeping bag recommended instead of blankets?

A blanket in an infant’s cot poses a documented risk of suffocation: it can shift during the night and cover the baby’s face, or the baby may slip underneath it. The sleeping bag — worn like a night-time garment — solves this problem: it stays in place whatever position the baby is in.

The French Paediatric Society and the French National Health Authority recommend the sleeping bag as the standard solution for the sleeping arrangements of infants aged 0 to 3 years.

🌡️ The TOG: the essential thermal rating

The TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) measures the insulating capacity of a sleeping bag. The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleeping bag.

TOG 0.2 – 0.5 : for very hot rooms (> 24°C) — summer, heatwave
TOG 1.0 for warm rooms (21–24°C) — spring, mild autumn
TOG 2.5 : for temperate rooms (16-20°C) — autumn, mild winter
TOG 3.5 : for cold rooms (< 16°C) — cold winter, poorly heated houses

The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is 18–20°C. If you follow this recommendation, a 2.5 TOG sleepsuit will be your main choice for much of the year.

📐 How do you choose the right size for sleeping bag?

0-6 months : sleeping bag «newborn» fit, with narrow shoulders to prevent the baby from slipping inside
6-18 months standard format, often with two-way zip for nappy changes
18-36 months large format, some models with feet for children who are standing
2-4 years : sleeping bag children’s, sometimes with sleeves for cooler rooms

The sleeping bag should be loose enough to allow the baby to move their legs freely (essential for healthy hip development) but not too big, so that they don’t get lost in it.

👕 Sleeping bag and underwear: striking the right balance

The sleeping bag is always worn under other clothing — the TOG rating of the sleeping bag plus the outer layer equals total comfort.

TOG 0.5 + bodysuit short-sleeved for room 24-27°C
TOG 1.0 + bodysuit short-sleeved : for room 22-24°C
TOG 2.5 + bodysuit long-sleeved top or lightweight romper suit for bedroom 18-21°C
TOG 3.5 + warm baby sleepsuit : for bedroom < 16°C

✅ Criteria for choosing a good sleeping bag

Secure closure : zip with chin guard (to prevent the zip from chafing the skin) and bottom stop (for the two-way zip)
Fitted armholes the armholes must not be too wide — baby must not be able to put their head through the armhole
OEKO-TEX certified material organic cotton, bamboo or microfleece depending on the TOG
Machine washable : at 40°C minimum — restless nights demand frequent washes
Indication TOG visible demand that the TOG rating is clearly indicated on the label or packaging

🔄 Sleeping bag vs sleep sack: what’s the difference?

Both terms refer to the same accessory — a sleeping bag and a sleep sack are identical. «Sleep sack» is a registered trademark that has become a generic term, much like «Frigidaire» for a fridge. Legally, both meet the same European safety standards.

For the best possible sleep, combine the right sleeping bag with a well-established bedtime routine and one soft light nightlight what signals to baby that night is arriving.

❓ FAQs — Sleeping bag baby

At what age should you start using a sleeping bag?

From birth. There are special newborn sleeping bags with very narrow armholes to prevent the baby from slipping inside. The sleeping bag is recommended from the very first nights in the maternity ward.

My baby is sweating in their sleeping bag — what should I do?

Reduce the TOG or remove a layer of underclothing. A sweating baby is too warm — this is a sign to be taken seriously as overheating is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome. Aim for the back of the neck to be warm and dry.

Do we need more than one gigoteuse?

Yes — at least two per size: one in use, one clean and ready to hand. Night-time accidents (spit-up, nappy leaks) may require an urgent change. If you wash them frequently, three gigoteuses provide a comfortable rotation.

🛍️ Gigoteuses baby at PetitMaxou

Gigoteuses TOG 1 and TOG 2.5 made from soft, OEKO-TEX-certified cotton, with a two-way zip and secure armholes: PetitMaxou offers styles for every season and every age. Free delivery throughout the EU.

Our selection:

→ See the gigoteuses and PetitMaxou nursery accessories

🔄 How many gigoteuses are needed?

At least two per size used: one in use, one clean and ready. Night-time accidents (spit-up, nappy leaks) may require an emergency change at 2 am — and you’ll be glad to have a clean sleeping bag to hand. If you wash frequently and your tumble dryer is quick, two will suffice. If you rely on air-drying, three will give you a more comfortable rotation.

♻️ Sleeping bag: babies and sustainability

A well-looked-after organic cotton sleeping bag can be used for two or three children. Points to check: the zips (check that they slide smoothly after every wash), the filling (which should remain even, without any lumps), and the fit (check that the armholes remain snug and that your baby cannot slip through them). For families looking to invest in durable items, brands that offer a guarantee on zips and filling are well worth the extra investment.

📋 Summary: The Essentials to Remember

To summarise this guide to Sleeping bag Bebe in a few key points:

Always choose products certified CE and OEKO-TEX for baby's safety and comfort
Match your choice to baby's age and stage of development — what suits a newborn won't necessarily suit a 12-month-old
Quality matters more than quantity: one or two good-quality products beat several low-end items
If in doubt about baby's safety or health, always consult your paediatrician or family doctor

PetitMaxou selects every product according to these rigorous criteria. Our team is on hand to advise you if you're torn between several models. Free delivery across the European Union, returns accepted within 14 days.

🔗 To Go Further

Our blog is packed with practical guides to help you through the first months with baby. Here are a few related articles you might find useful:

💬 What PetitMaxou Parents Say

Parents who've adopted our products regularly share their feedback. What comes up most often: the quality of the materials, how easy they are to use day to day, and how well they last over time. Many parents use our products for their second or third child after a positive first experience. This encourages us to keep our selection standards rigorous. Feel free to check the customer reviews on each product page to benefit from the experience of parents whose baby is the same age as yours. Reviews are verified and published without moderation.