How to dress your baby at night
What we know
We know that babies can’t control their body temperatures and that we need to make sure they are wearing the right amount of layers for the weather conditions. It is important your baby doesn’t get too hot as this can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
The optimum temperature for a bedroom is 16-20°C and many parents invest in a room thermometer which helps you keep an eye on this. Remember not to put the thermometer above a radiator or in direct sunlight though.
You should also keep bedding light and have a well-fitting swaddle or sleeping bag.
How do I know if my baby is too hot or cold?
It is recommended that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months when the risk of SIDS is highest. This should mean it will also be easy for you to check if they are too warm or too cold.
Hands and feet are often the coldest body parts so to get a true picture check your baby’s chest or the back of their neck. If they are sweaty, have flushed cheeks and damp hair remove one layer, or more. Check them again in 10 minutes to see if they have cooled down.
Hats should not be worn indoors as babies maintain their body temperature through their heads - and duvets are also not safe for babies.
Swaddles and sleeping bags
In the early weeks and months you may choose to swaddle your baby at night to help them feel safe and warm.
Swaddles will come in a range of thicknesses and if it is very cold, a cellular blanket can also be placed over your baby and tucked into the cot mattress tightly.
Sleeping bags are great for babies and again keep your baby warm and snug. They are wearable blankets which come in a range of togs meaning there is one for every type of temperature, from summer months to winter. They can be used once your baby is 8lbs (4kg). If your baby’s head passes through the neck-hole when the poppers are fastened at the shoulders, the sleeping bag should not be used.
Babycentre.co.uk has these recommendations for dressing in different temperatures:
15°C or cooler experts recommend you dress your baby in a vest, sleepsuit and 3.5tog sleeping bag.
15-17°C your baby should wear a vest, sleepsuit and 2.5tog sleeping bag.
18-21°C they should wear a vest, sleepsuit and 1tog sleeping bag.
22-23°C if the room is 22-23°C put your baby in a vest and 1tog sleeping bag.
24-25°C at 24-25°C a baby should be in a vest and 0.5tog sleeping bag.
26°C or over it is recommended that your baby just wears a vest.
Other tips for keeping cool or warm:
If it is very hot you can open a window or door to help circulate the air and use a fan, as long as it’s not pointing directly at your baby.
Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day.
Never use a hot water bottle or electric blanket in your baby’s cot. You can put your heating on to help warm your baby’s room but try not to let it go over 20°C.
If your baby has a fever don’t be tempted to layer them up. They are likely to be hotter than usual so will in fact need fewer layers so their body temperature can lower. Every baby is different but a fever is usually considered to be 38°C or higher.
Final thoughts
It may be a case of trial and error to work out what sleeping arrangement works best for your baby. Like adults, some babies get hot more easily, and others will feel the cold. The key is to check your baby regularly and like everything else with parenting, listen to your intuition.
Lullabytrust.org.uk has more guidance on keeping babies cool or warm.
