The Sleep Edit

TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and is a measure of warmth. The higher the number, the warmer the product. A 1.0 TOG sleeping bag is suited to warmer months or heated rooms, while a 2.5 TOG is better for cooler nights. Choosing the right TOG helps you avoid over or under-dressing your baby for sleep.

Sleeping bags can be used from birth, as long as you choose the right size. A newborn needs a snug fit so they can't slip down inside. They're a popular alternative to loose blankets because they stay in place throughout the night and are considered safer for unsupervised sleep. Look for one with a fitted neck and no hood.

Check the back of your baby's neck or their chest rather than their hands and feet, which are naturally cooler. You're aiming for warm but not sweaty. Following the TOG guidelines for your room temperature, and dressing baby in an appropriate base layer underneath their sleeping bag, takes a lot of the guesswork out of it.

Most babies are ready to transition out of a swaddle around the time they show signs of rolling, typically between three and six months. A common approach is to start by leaving one arm out, then both, before moving to a sleeping bag fully. Stretchy swaddles and organic muslin wraps are great for this transition period because they're easier to adjust.

For many babies, yes. White noise mimics the constant sound environment of the womb and can help babies settle faster and stay asleep longer by masking sudden household sounds. A portable white noise machine is one of those tools many parents wish they'd bought sooner. Always use it at a safe volume, no louder than about 50 decibels.

Swaddling should stop when your baby begins to show signs of rolling, even if that's earlier than you expect. Rolling while swaddled poses a suffocation risk, so this is a firm safety guideline. Moving to a merino wool newborn cocoon or a zip sleeping bag at that point gives baby freedom of movement while still feeling snug.

Australian safe sleep guidelines recommend placing your baby on their back, on a firm flat surface, in a clear sleep space with no loose bedding, pillows, or toys. A fitted waterproof sheet, an appropriate sleeping bag for the temperature, and a safe cot or bassinet are the essentials. Room-sharing but not bed-sharing for the first six to twelve months is also recommended.