How to dress a baby in winter for sleep
Start with your baby’s room temperature
Keeping an eye on your baby’s room temperature will help you manage their comfort level during winter. Ideally, your baby’s room temperature should sit at some point between 18-22°C. If you can keep the room temperature within this range safely, it may mean you do not need to have too many additional layers on your baby when they sleep. Nevertheless, during the colder months, if your little one's room dips below 18°C, you will need to pay more attention to the TOG (Thermal overall grade) of your baby's sleepwear and adjust layers accordingly.
Ensure your baby’s sleepwear has the right TOG rating in colder months
Although might be an unusual three-letter word, TOG ratings are quite simple to learn and helpful for your layering.
A TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) rating is a unit of measurement that refers to the amount of insulation in sleepwear. This rating can be found on a range of baby sleepwear across brands and is very helpful when navigating the changing temperatures and keeping your baby comfortable during sleep. The lower the rating, the lighter the fabric.
What TOG is best for winter?
If the room temperature is below 20°C, the recommended TOG rating for your baby’s sleeping bag or swaddle would be between 2.5 - 3.5 depending on how cold the room is. For example:
- 2.5Tog Warm - Room temperatures between 16-20°C - TOG 2.5
- 3.5Tog Extra Warm - Room temperatures below 16°C - TOG 3.5
Check out our TOG rating guide to give you a visual representation of how TOG ratings relate to a range of temperatures and provide suggested layering combinations for cold weather. The TOG amounts and layering suggestions are also on all of our sleepwear packaging.
How should I dress my baby for sleep in winter?
Layering lightweight, breathable clothing in winter is key, as this allows you to add and remove clothing to match the changing temperatures. However, we do suggest choosing a swaddle or sleeping bag with a TOG rating suitable to the room temperature. To reduce the need for a lot of extra layers of clothing which makes it easier on yourself and your little one.
Rompers are ideal for babies to sleep in as they provide a lightweight, comfortable layer and fit under a sleep sack or swaddle. Alternatively, you could put on a long-sleeved top or bodysuit with leggings under their swaddle or sleep sack for your little ones' winter layering. For extra cold nights, you could also consider adding a bodysuit under your baby’s romper or pair of lightweight, breathable socks.
Layer up
An ideal way to respond to temperature changes for your little one is layering.
Using lightweight layers on your little one means you can add or remove layers to keep them as comfortable as possible. Even if you might be tempted to layer up extra if you are feeling cold. Keep in mind, that your little one is likely sleeping in a temperature-appropriate sleeping bag or swaddle, which will help keep a stable thermal performance to keep them warm enough.
If you are pondering how many layers your little one should wear in winter, start with 1-2 and if you feel your baby is too cold, add an extra layer. This could be a bodysuit underneath a romper or long sleeve bodysuit with some leggings and a pair of breathable socks.
If your baby looks flushed or is sweating they are likely wearing too many layers and you should remove some clothing or lower the thermal grade of their sleeping bag or swaddle until they are at a comfortable temperature.
Check out the layering guide on our Temperature and TOG Guide for a helpful guide depending on the temperature of your home.
Take advantage of swaddles
Swaddles or Swaddle Ups™ not only provide a range of benefits for babies in terms of providing comfort and security, but they can also help keep your baby at a steady comfortable overnight temperature. They are designed to be fitted close to the baby's body, especially around the stomach. Not only are swaddles highly recommended for safe sleeping practices, but it also means there is less chance it could fall off during the night causing your baby to be cold.
Be cautious with material selection
Choosing breathable fabrics is important even in cold weather. Natural fibres are a great choice for any season. Newborn babies are unable to regulate their own temperature effectively, so ensuring you choose breathable fabrics can help prevent your baby from getting too warm or overheating. Thick, heavy or synthetic garments can lack the ability for ventilation.
Consider other bedtime accessories
Along with a baby romper or onesie, you could consider using a pair of lightweight, breathable socks for your baby’s added warmth at night. Some rompers have a built-in sock option you can take advantage of in winter.
Sleeping bags
Sleeping bags or sleep sacks are ideal for winter. When a sleeping bag is fitted correctly they are not only far safer than using blankets, but they also help keep your baby at a steady temperature during the night. There is a range of thermal grades (TOGs) so you can choose the temperature rating that best suits your sleep location. As well as keeping your baby warm at night, so also have the peace of mind that it will not fall off or come loose during the night. Many are designed with added safety features like fitted armholes, sleeves and zipper houses to prevent scratching.
How do I know if my baby is too hot or too cold in winter?
If you are unsure, you can check your baby during the night to make sure they are sleeping at a comfortable temperature. The back of their neck, chest or tummy are the best places to check to get a sense of how comfortable they are. Feet and hands are not a good indicator of comfort temperature.
Signs your baby is too hot
Signs your baby is too cold
Safe sleep practices for babies in colder months
Your baby mustn’t be overdressed for sleep in winter. Safe sleeping guidelines explain that there should be no risk that your baby might overheat during the night. Check in with your baby by feeling the back of their neck and stomach to gauge how comfortable they are. If they are feeling sweaty or clammy, it may indicate that they are overdressed and you need to remove a layer or more. Although the outside conditions may have you feeling like your little one needs to be rugged up, be weary not to overdress your baby and instead dress them to their room temperature.
To ensure your baby is sleeping safely in the winter months:
- Check-in with your baby - Check your baby’s body temperature during the night to ensure they are comfortable. If your baby is showing signs they are too hot or too cold, adjust their layers and sleeping apparel accordingly.
- No loose blankets in cot - Loose blankets in the cot are not recommended for babies as they may potentially obstruct airways and cause danger.
- No head coverings for sleep - Hats, bonnets or beanies are not recommended for babies during sleep. Babies are not yet able to regulate their temperature and do this with limited ability through their face and head.
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