Baby & Toddler / 8 December, 2022 / Ellie Thompson

How To Dress Your Baby For Sleep In The Winter

As the mercury drops and the long nights draw in during the run-up to Christmas, it’s important to ensure your baby stays the same, comfortable temperature at nighttime. Too cold and baby won’t sleep properly while becoming too hot is potentially dangerous for the baby. It is a fine balancing act of child care and parental responsibility!

It’s important not to let your baby get too warm. Overheating a baby is linked to an increased risk of sudden infant death so it’s important to make sure both your baby and the room temperature are kept between 16-20c.

What temperature should my baby’s room be?

The recommended room temperature is 16-20 degrees, although this may be difficult to maintain in the colder months. If you’re wondering what to dress your baby in for nighttime and daytime naps as the weather gets colder, it’s a good idea to invest in a bedroom thermometer so you can measure how warm your baby’s sleeping environment is.

Best baby room thermometers

What should I dress my baby in at night during winter?

Once you know the ambient temperature, then you can dress them according to Love To Dream’s handy clothing guide below. Thankfully, there is a range of really great sleep products on the market designed to help keep your baby cosy without overheating.

The Lullaby Trust says

“If you are using a baby sleeping bag, don’t add extra blankets on top, add an extra layer of clothing or choose a higher tog sleeping bag if you feel the sleeping bag is not enough. You can choose different togs for different seasons to help keep your baby at the right temperature. Baby sleeping bags should be well-fitted, so the baby can’t wriggle down inside. Most sleeping bags are fitted according to a baby’s weight, rather than age. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the baby sleeping bag that you choose. Babies heads are an important way for them to lose heat if they need to so remove hats when inside.”

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The benefits of organic sleepwear for babies

It’s important to think about what your baby’s sleepwear is made of. Organic and natural fabrics are more breathable than synthetic alternatives, so it’s easier for body heat to be maintained at a comfortable temperature for long periods of time. Natural, organic sleepwear will help your baby sleep better, for longer.

Organic cotton is hypoallergenic, so it’s softer and kinder to even the most delicate skin. Organic fabrics are also far more durable, giving you longer-lasting clothes.

Merino sleepwear for babies

In addition to being highly breathable, Merino wool also draws moisture away from the skin, so you child will never feel clammy. It’s brilliant at controlling your baby’s temperature in both hot and cold weather, so there’s no need for a tog rating.

Bamboo sleepwear for babies

Bamboo is another fabric that offers thermoregulation, to keep your baby at the right temperature – whatever the season.

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