Cooler nights are on their way, and as the evenings draw in, many parents start to wonder: what should my baby wear to bed?
It’s completely normal to feel unsure – especially when winter brings chilly nights, fluctuating temperatures, and the constant question of how to keep your little one warm enough (but not too warm). Dressing your baby comfortably and safely for the season doesn’t have to be complicated.
As a baby and infant sleep consultant @minidreamerssleep, I’ve put together my key tips and advice.
Start with the Room Temperature
Before choosing what your baby should wear, check the temperature of their sleep space using a reliable room thermometer. The recommended room temperature for a baby’s sleep space is between 16–20°C – the sweet spot for safe and comfortable sleep.
This can be harder to maintain when it’s cold outside, especially with rising energy costs and worries about heating our homes. It’s understandable to be concerned about keeping your baby warm, but it’s reassuring to know that babies are actually safer when they’re a little cooler rather than too hot. Overheating increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so a slightly cooler room and breathable layers are best.
If you don’t already have one, a room thermometer can help you keep track of the temperature, they’re affordable, easy to use, and take away the guesswork.
Dress for the Temperature
Once you know how warm (or cool) the room is, you can dress your baby accordingly.
For cooler nights, that might mean:
- A long-sleeve cotton sleepsuit and/or bodysuit as a base layer
- A baby sleeping bag or wearable blanket with the right TOG rating for the room temperature
Always check the tag on your baby’s sleeping bag – it will guide you on the ideal room temperature for that TOG level. If your baby still seems cool, add a lightweight extra layer of clothing, not extra blankets on top of a sleeping bag.
If you’re using blankets instead of a sleeping bag, remember to:
- Place your baby on their back to sleep, with feet to the foot of the cot, so they can’t wriggle down under the bedding.
- Tuck in sheets and blankets securely at chest height or below the shoulders.
- Use lightweight sheets or blankets rather than thick, fleecy or padded materials.
Avoid Overheating
It can be tempting to wrap your baby up, but from a safety perspective, it’s always better for them to be slightly cooler than too warm.
Signs your baby might be too hot include:
- Sweaty or damp hair
- Flushed cheeks
- Rapid breathing
- Feeling clammy on their chest or back
Their hands and feet often feel cooler, so don’t use those as a guide. If your baby feels sweaty or hot to touch, simply remove a layer of clothing or bedding.
Hats, Hoods and Hot Water Bottles
When indoors, remove hats, hoods, or outdoor clothing for sleep. Babies lose excess heat through their heads, so covering them can cause overheating.
Avoid:
- Hot water bottles – these are often used to warm the crib or cot but avoid! They can make your baby too hot and increase the risk of burns, especially for little ones who are unable to move away from hot spots in their sleep space.
- Weighted blankets or sleeping bags – these aren’t recommended for babies under 1 year.
- Cot bumpers or thick bedding – while they might look cosy, they pose risks of overheating, entanglement, or suffocation.
- Placing the cot near a radiator or heater – always keep your baby’s sleep space away from direct heat sources.
Bedsharing and Safer Sleep
The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate space, such as a cot or Moses basket. But many parents prefer bedsharing or co-sleeping.
If you do, here are some safety tips:
- Keep adult bedding well away from your baby’s face.
- Keep covers at waist height and add extra layers of clothing for yourself if you’re cold.
- Never put your baby under adult bedding, even if it feels cosy.
- A baby sleeping bag can be a safer option for warmth, as there’s no loose fabric to cover their face.
- Remember, your body heat will make the bed warmer, so adjust their clothing accordingly.
- Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair as this increases the risk of SIDS by up to 50 times.
And, as always, place your baby on their back for every sleep, in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress, and keep the space free from toys or loose items.
Avoid bedsharing completely if:
- You or your partner smoke, or your baby was exposed to smoking in pregnancy
- You’ve had alcohol or taken drugs/medication that makes you drowsy
- Your baby was premature (born before 37 weeks)
- Your baby was low birth weight (under 2.5kg or 5.5lbs)
Every Baby is Different
Just like grown-ups, babies have their own comfort preferences. Some run warmer, others cooler and no one knows your little one better than you do.
By checking the room temperature, dressing your baby in the right layers, and following safer sleep advice, you’ll be helping them stay snug, comfortable, and safe through the coldest nights of winter.
I am Emily, from Mini Dreamers Sleep Consultant; a devoted mom, experienced teacher, and a baby and infant sleep consultant. I understand first hand the challenges and joys of parenthood, and I’m here to help you and your little one achieve the peaceful, restorative sleep you and your family need. Follow me @minidreamerssleep and check out my website www.minidreamerssleepconsultant.co.uk.