15 TOG for us 2.5 TOG for Baby!!
Darragh has a bit of gastro which isn’t too much fun in a campervan. He vomited on our bed and we had to change the duvet and while doing so we noticed the duvet is 15 tog, Nathan said “wow that’s amazing the two of us are sleeping and keeping each other warm under a 15 tog duvet and according to some bedding guides babies who are colder than us need to sleep in a 2.5 tog sleeping bag and no bedding. No wonder they don’t sleep.” This got me thinking about what Cillian sleeps in he is in a bodysuit, a babygro, a 2.5 tog Bubarroo sleeping bag, a doublewrap a sheet folded in two and 12 cotton and bamboo blankets and the campervan is 20 degrees. If a cellular cotton blanket is roughly 1 tog then he has roughly 14.5 tog on him including the sleeping bag so that’s not that different to what we are in and there are two of us warming the bed up.
PS. HAPPY EASTER ALL!!!
Chula says:
I am so glad i purchased the 2.5 tog bubaroo sleeping bag for my baby…coming from a hotter climate to a colder climate I was none the wiser about how different it would be. I was also none the wiser about temperatures and how to accommodate my baby in terms of blankets, wraps etc. I was so relieved that you provided a guide on what blankets and how many baby would need in these differing temperatures. My son just loves his sleeping bag. He grabs it off the edge on my bed and crawls over to me and hands it to me – (he’s 7 mths old) it’s also an indicator to him that when mummy puts it on, it’s time for sleep. No protest whatsoever. Thanks Tizzie. Love the work you do to keep our babies safe and us as parents, well rested…
April 5th, 2010 at 7:38 am
Olivia Crowley says:
Oh poor Darragh….hope he feels better soon.
Great comparision Tizzie….well done. Hope all going well besides the gastro!
April 5th, 2010 at 9:48 am
elicia crook says:
Nice work!!! well said and nicly put! hope Darragh gets better soon!!
April 5th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Carla says:
I live in Sydney and my 5.5 month old has been wearing to bed for the past 2 nights a short sleeve singlet, long sleeve singlet, Bonds Terry Towelling one piece, 2.5 tog Bubbaroo Sleeping Bag and then has a sheet and 6 cotton & bamboo blankets on and I think that he still may be cold as he wakes anywhere between 4 and 5ish every morning! Mind you the temperature gets to around 18 degrees in my house with the wooden floorboards!
Hope Darragh feels better. xx
April 6th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Tizzie says:
Thank you all, glad you liked my blog post and comparison!
Darragh is doing much better thanks and we are having a wonderful time.
Carla, just a quick note – 18 degrees is too cold and no matter how much bedding you use it will not be enough as the air your little one is breathing in will be too cold. I would suggest the first thing to try would be heating the room to 20 degrees with an oil filled column heater that you could set to come on when the temperature drops below 20 degrees.
Le gach dea-ghui, Tizzie
April 6th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Kerryn says:
It sort of puts it all in perspective doesn’t it when you look at it from that point of view! How interesting to find out what sort of TOG a duvet is, I wouldn’t have had a clue… thanks for sharing the info with us Tizzie, hope your tour is all going well and little Darragh is 100% in no time! Keep blogging, we love to hear from you.
Best wishes
Kerryn
April 6th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Laura Addabbo says:
Oh Tizzie you must be loving this special family time! I hope good health follows you all for the rest of your time away. Everytime I read one of your explanations I have an “aha!” moment. The importance of keeping baby warm – living in Melbourne means very cold nights and mornings!! I’ve been scared to overdress my 10month old bub but how do I dress her when she wont stay under her blankets during the night?
PS as I type this I have a new baby toy tucked into my bra – getting it ready to use as a comforter as per the suggestion in your book – my 4yo thinks its hilarious!
April 7th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Carla says:
Thanks so much Tizzie. I will definitely need to invest in a heater before winter really kicks in! My house is fibro so it’ll drop even further in the middle of winter and the poor kid won’t be able to have a decent night’s sleep (and nor will I).
Best wishes,
Carla
April 7th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Tizzie says:
Hi Laura:
LOL on the comforter, glad your 4 year old is finding it amusing.
In regards to the blankets I have found that if you are using the correct amount of blankets then your baby is less likely to move all over the cot. The reason a baby moves all over the cot is because they are cold and it is the only way they can warm up. Therfore if you make your baby warmer you should notice they still and in the safe back sleeping position.
Carla – You’re Welcome
Le gach dea-ghui, Tizzie
April 8th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Maysaa says:
Hi Tizzie,
Was wondering where you guys were at. I always struggle with this bedding issue, but you make it look wayyyy easy. if i was to explain that to another mum, i would sound silly!!
Have you put up any pics?
Take care
x
April 15th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Tizzie says:
LOL thanks Maysaa. Sorry havn’t had a chance to post many pics – my internet can be very intermittent. Will do my best.
Le gach dea-ghui, Tizzie
April 15th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Lisa Kirkbride says:
Hi Tizzie,
I am expecting our bub end of May and have the reading and re-reading your book. It is such a fantastic source and your website is also great to help consolidate the info.
I am now wondering if I do not have enough blankets.
My plan was to have bub in a vest, one piece outfit, swaddled, bamboo sheet and bamboo blankets – I have bought 2 blankets for the bassinet (cot will not arrive on time) and will buy 3 blankets for the cot. I imagine I could double over the blanket in the cot (as he is foot to bottom of cot) and use two blankets – so 4 layers.
Is this enough?
Thanks in advance.
Regards
Lisa
April 16th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Tizzie says:
Hi Lisa:
Congratulations on expecting your first little precious baby. Do you have my bedding guide? If not I would suggest you purchase it from the online store. I was not able to include it within the book so this is extra information. It is a guide that tells you exactly what to dress your baby in and how many blankets to use at different room temperatures and in different climates. http://shop.saveoursleep.com.au/product/1802/26811/
Yes, you will be able to fold the blankets over – you can use your cot blankets in the bassinet as well so I certainly think you will be fine to begin with. Once your baby moves to the cot you may need another blanket. With your 3 cot blankets that will give your 6 layers but you may possibly need more. Some babies need more bedding and others less. I am sure you will find the guide answers most of your bedding questions.
All the best
Le gach dea-ghui, Tizzie
April 16th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Lisa Kirkbride says:
Thanks so much Tizzie for your reply. I will definitely buy your bedding guide.
Yes – hubby and I are sooooo excited to finally add to our family – we have 2 Beagles who are our fur-babies:). It has been a “challenging journey” of 5 years trying for a baby with 4 miscarriages and a loss a twin at 20 weeks. Given all this we have learnt so much about ourselves and so grateful for the blessed life we have.
We cannot wait to share our lives with bub!
Regards
Lisa
April 16th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Tizzie says:
Congratulations, I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well. I am so sorry to hear of all the loss you have had and at 20 weeks my heart goes out to you. I have some understanding of what you have gone through I have two little boys and took 16 pregnancies to get them. Please let me know when your baby arrives!!
Le gach dea-ghui, Tizzie
April 18th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Laura Addabbo says:
Hi Tizzie,
thanks so much for your reply, especially as you are taking time out of your holiday to read and reply to these comments. Your advice is invaluable. Hope your trip is going well,
Warm regards
Laura
April 24th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Tizzie says:
You are welcome Laura and yes the trip is going well!
April 26th, 2010 at 1:56 am
Esther says:
Hi
I’m just so confused. I was always working on the advice that babies should not be kept too warm as this is a cot death risk. So when I put my son in his 2.5 tog and it says it’s not to be used with other bedding for 18+ degrees I’ve been careful not to put anything else on him. But now I’m wondering if he’s waking because he’s cold.
Why would the manufacturers put the advice on their products if it is wrong? I do find it stressful deciding whether he has too many layers or not. Please help…
Esther
April 29th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Tizzie says:
Hi Esther:
I believe you will find comment number 4 on this blog will answer your question on cot death and overheating: http://blog.saveoursleep.com/2010/02/04/how-to-put-your-baby-to-bed/#comments
With the manufacturers I ask the same question all the time and how can they give the same guide for the UK as Australia because the humidity is so different 20 degrees in the two places is not the same. Even from one end of the UK to the other the humidity changes and from winter to summer so their guides make no sense to me, my guide is adjusted accordingly.
Best wishes Tizzie
May 2nd, 2010 at 12:32 am
Lou says:
Hi Tizzie
I’ve just discovered your blog.
I’ve had my daughter on your routines since 2 weeks of age. She is now just over 4 months and is still waking up to three times during the night, around every two – three hours. I’ve started her on farex and apple puree in the past couple of days but this hasn’t chenged her waking times.
I was wondering how I can tell if my baby is warm enough, seeing as it has been SO cold as of late? I don’t really understand TOG ratings?
Thanks
June 29th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Tizzie says:
Hi Lou:
I am sorry to hear you have a little one waking up so often that must be very hard. Its great you have started solids but unless she was a good sleeper and it has only gone wrong in the past few weeks the solids will not make much of a change. You really need to look for another problem. With the solids if you are following my weaning guide you will see I get you to build up to three means a day and two courses at each meal very quickly this is important.
Coldness is a big problem for babies so yes she might be too cold. My safe bedding guide talks about this in detail. http://shop.saveoursleep.com.au/ecms/product.asp?cid=1174&pid=26811
Le gach dea-ghui, Tizzie
June 30th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
karen says:
Hi Tizzie,
I saw your iterview on tv3 in ireland this year. I have a 7 month old boy who is still waking up about 15 times a night, i give him his dummy and his put him on his back as he rolls over onto his tummy during the night a while later he wakes again. I have him sleeping in a sleepsuit and a 2.5tog sleepbag,im reading your blogs and thinking maybe he’s cold? Temp in our room is anything from 20-24 cel. I would really love to hear your advise please as we have not had one night sleep in 7 months.Please help xxxxx
August 1st, 2010 at 8:45 am
Kirstie says:
Hi Karen:
It does sound like your little one could be too cold in bed to settle and sleep well. I would recommend that you have a look at Tizzie’s safe bedding guide. This guide details exactly what to dress your little one in and what to cover them with at different temperatures and in different climates. One of the first signs of a baby that is too cold in bed is rolling the tummy and tucking their arms in underneath them. Here is a link to Tizzie’s bedding guide – http://www.saveoursleep.ie/product/2619/29185/ Secondly I notice you mention your baby has a dummy. Tizzie does not recommend dummy use as this is a ‘parent dependant’ sleeping aid. Essentially your baby is using the dummy to settle themselves to sleep and not ‘self settling’ so then when your baby wakes between sleep cycles overnight and the dummy has fallen out your baby will call for you to come and put the dummy back in so we would recommend you stop using the dummy. You can read about Tizzie’s dummy advice in the following articles or it is detailed in her book – http://www.saveoursleep.ie/product/2664/29098/ and http://www.saveoursleep.ie/product/2664/29182/ I hope you enjoyed watching the TV series on Ireland AM earlier this year.
Regards
Kirstie
Save Our Sleep
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Li-Ann says:
Hi Tizzie and Team
I have 7 month old twins and they have been sleeping well (in very cold room temp of about 14-17deg) at night just in a Bonds wondersuit and a 1.5tog sleeping bag- crazy i know! They have pretty bad eczema and the doctor told us not to use blankets and don’t overheat them with singlets, etc. Recently they have been starting to wake up again at nights and I’m not sure what it is! They dont use dummies (as you have guided) and have been able to put themselves back to sleep for months! I think they are cold but then again how were they able to sleep in such a cold room through the night before this? Thanks Tizzie
October 6th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Maria says:
Hi Tizzie,
I noticed that Cillian is sleeping under 12 blankets in 20 degrees. I have your bedding guide but this seems to be twice as many as it suggests? Why is this? Perhaps I am not using enough blankets?
Thanks,
Maria
October 15th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Tizzie says:
Hi Maria:
Thank you for your comment. When Cillian was in the 12 blankets we were in Italy I think and the humidity was very low. The bedding guide is just a guide and you need to adjust the bedding by watching your baby and seeing what signs they are showing cold or warm signs. Cillian was trying to roll to his tummy so I put another blanket on and kept adding them until he stoped trying to roll. 12 was his magic number, if a babies face and head is uncovered and your baby is sleeping on their back it is fine to add cotton or bamboo blankets.
Fact sheet 6 September 2007 http://www.sidsandkids.org/pdf/InformationStatement-RoomTemperatureSept2007.pdf please go to the 3rd page second paragraph in the conclusion box and read what it states. “However there is no evidence to show that extra thermal insulation increases the risk of SIDS in infants who sleep on the back with the head and face uncovered.”
Le gach dea-ghui, Tizzie
October 15th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Maria says:
Thanks!
October 18th, 2010 at 10:12 am
Tizzie says:
You are welcome Maria!
October 18th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Mel says:
Hi Tizzie,
It’s starting to get hot here in Sydney and I’m looking at all reasons as to why my four month old is waking at 1 then hourly from 3 or 4. Could he be hot? Last night his room was 26 degrees and we had him in a legless bodysuit and a wrap. Is that enough? Thanks – I always find the bedding so hard to work out, especially with a hot summer approaching and no AC in our house.
Thanks!!
November 10th, 2010 at 7:31 am
Tizzie says:
Hi Mel:
Here is a link to my safe bedding guide – http://shop.saveoursleep.com.au/product/1802/25302/ It sounds to me if you are just dressing your baby in a legless bodysuit and a wrap that your baby is waking cold. Waking anywhere from 4am is most often from cold as it is the coldest part of the night. My bedding guide will explain for you exactly how I recommend you dress your baby and what to cover them with for sleeping in different room temperatures. Also at 4 months your baby could be hungry. I recommend introducing solids at 16 weeks and no later than 18 weeks. Without further information it is very difficult to guide you so if you are looking for me detailed support I would encourage you to visit my website and consider the support options available. http://shop.saveoursleep.com.au/ecms/category.asp?cid=475
La gach dea-ghui, Tizzie
November 10th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Nat says:
Hi Tizzie and Team, Sorry again if this has been answered elsewhere – in your safe bedding guide when you say 26C in NSW is 1 Day Blanket and 2 Night Blankets do you mean a total of 3 blankets at night or only 2?
I’ve understood it as a total of 2 blankets for nights but just saw this post about Cillian having 12 blankets on so suspect I have it wrong – if I am wrong this would explain why my 9 week old is waking at 4.30am-5.30am every morning!!
Nat x
November 13th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Tizzie says:
Hi Nat:
Thank you for your comment, where it say one day blanket it means one in the day and a total of two at night but this is the average and you need to watch for signs of your baby being to hot or cold. If your little one is waking at 4/5ish then I would advise to try another couple of cotton or bamboo blankets but make sure your baby’s head and face are uncovered while sleeping.
Yes when I was in Europe Cillian needed that many blankets to sleep well, he still has that many at the moment in Victoria but it was trial and error to work out how many he needed.
Le gach dea-ghui, Tizzie
November 15th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Nat says:
Thanks Tizzie! I’ll try the extra blankets.
Nat x
November 16th, 2010 at 12:47 pm