Colin Snow
As a parent, you'll likely worry about every aspect of your baby's sleep, including what they wear to bed. It's important to dress your baby in clothing that helps them maintain the proper temperature throughout the night. Overheating can be dangerous for babies and has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In the summer, dress your baby in lightweight, breathable sleepwear. A cotton bodysuit or long cotton pyjamas with a low TOG sleep sack are good options. You can adjust what your baby wears depending on whether they seem too warm or cold.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 68-72 °F |
| Clothing | One-piece bodysuit, baby onesies, or rompers |
| Clothing fabric | Lightweight, breathable |
| Additional layers | One more layer than an adult would wear |
| Blankets | Not recommended for babies under 12 months old; use a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead |
| Sleep sacks | 0.5 TOG for room temperatures above 75 °F; 1.0 TOG for temperatures between 64 °F and 75 °F |
| Swaddling | Recommended for newborns; stop once the baby shows signs of rolling over |
| Headwear | Not recommended |
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What You'll Learn
Choose lightweight, breathable sleepwear
When preparing your 1-year-old for sleep during the summer, it's important to maintain an ideal temperature to prevent overheating, which can be dangerous for babies and has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The National Sleep Foundation recommends a room temperature of 68-72° F for babies and toddlers year-round. If the room is around or above 72° F, your child is at a much greater risk of overheating, so you'll need to choose lightweight clothing.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, avoid putting anything in a baby's crib until they're at least 1 year old, including blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and clothing with hats or hoods. Infants should always sleep on their backs alone on a flat surface. On warm nights, opt for lightweight, breathable sleepwear for your baby. One option is a cotton bodysuit, or you can choose a cotton or muslin swaddle for newborns. Cotton, wool, and other natural fibres are excellent choices as they allow air to pass from the wearer's body to the outside world, making them much cooler in the summer and reducing the risk of overheating.
Sleep sacks are a great option for keeping your baby warm in the summer. They are designed to help your baby maintain a consistent temperature throughout the night. You can dress your baby in just their diaper and a sleep sack, or add one layer underneath. Look for summer sleep sacks with features like no sleeves, open fabric around the legs, and breathable fabric.
On a cooler summer night, you can layer a long-sleeved onesie or footed pyjamas with a swaddle or sleep sack over top. Your baby's sleeping outfit should be loose and stretchy enough to put on easily, but not so loose that it rides up around their face or neck. Favour natural materials that won't irritate your baby's skin, such as soft, breathable, chemical-free fabrics like cotton. Avoid synthetic fabrics like fleece that don't breathe as well.
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Opt for a sleep sack with a low TOG rating
When it comes to putting your one-year-old to sleep in the summer, it's important to maintain an ideal body temperature for your baby. Unlike adults or older children, babies' bodies can't regulate their own temperature. Overheating is especially dangerous for babies as it has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
To avoid this, you can opt for a sleep sack with a low TOG rating. TOG stands for Thermal Overall Guide and is a unit of measurement for insulation and warmth of sleepwear or bedding. The higher the TOG, the warmer the fabric. Sleep sacks with a TOG rating of 0.5 are made with single sheets of cotton, without padding and are suitable for room temperatures above 75°F. They are ideal for hot weather and summer days. A TOG rating of 1.0 is lightly padded and suitable for room temperatures between 64°F and 75°F. This is a good year-round option, perfect for layering, and can be paired with a short-sleeved onesie or lightweight cotton pyjamas.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends a room temperature of 68-72°F for babies and toddlers year-round. However, it is important to gauge the actual temperature in your child's bedroom as houses may not heat or cool evenly. You can use an extra thermometer to measure temperature and humidity, so you know when to adjust the room temperature or dress your baby in warmer or cooler clothing.
Remember, every baby is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to TOG sleep sack ratings. You know your baby best, so trust your judgement and adjust their clothing and sleep environment accordingly.
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Avoid loose clothing
When deciding what to dress your one-year-old in for sleep in the summer, it is important to remember that babies' bodies cannot regulate their own temperature. This means that maintaining an ideal temperature is crucial, as overheating is especially dangerous for babies and has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
To avoid loose clothing:
- Choose lightweight, breathable sleepwear for your baby.
- Opt for a cotton bodysuit or cotton or muslin swaddle for newborns.
- Dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing.
- Avoid clothing that is super loose, as it can increase the risk of SIDS by covering your baby's nose and mouth, impacting their ability to breathe.
- Avoid outfits with hats or hoods for safety reasons.
- Avoid anything with tight waistbands or tight garters, as these may cause discomfort and, in some cases, cause rashes and other skin-related irritations.
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Dress in layers
When preparing your 1-year-old for sleep in the summer, it is important to keep them cool and comfortable. Dressing your child in layers is a good way to do this, as you can add or remove layers depending on the temperature of their bedroom.
Firstly, it is recommended that you keep the room temperature between 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C). You can use a room thermometer to monitor the conditions and adjust the layers as necessary. If the room temperature is on the warmer side, your baby can wear a diaper, comfy long-sleeved pyjamas, and a lightweight wearable blanket or sleep sack. You can also opt for a cotton bodysuit or a cotton or muslin swaddle. If the room is cooler, you can add a layer of a long-sleeved onesie or footed pyjamas with a swaddle or sleep sack over the top.
It is important to remember that babies' bodies cannot regulate their own temperature, so you should avoid anything that covers their face or head, as they release heat from their heads and faces. You should also avoid loose clothing as this can ride up around their face and neck, increasing the risk of suffocation. Instead, favour natural materials that are lightweight, breathable, and well-fitting.
You can also use the TOG rating (thermal overall grade) to help you decide what layers to dress your baby in. The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleep sack. For example, a sleep sack with a 1.0 TOG is lightly padded and suitable for use in warm weather and room temperatures between 64°F-75° F.
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Monitor for overheating
It is important to monitor your 1-year-old for overheating, as it can be dangerous and increase their risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies have trouble regulating their body temperature, so it is important to ensure that they do not overheat, especially in the summer.
To monitor for overheating, you can use a baby monitor that measures room temperature, as your house thermostat may not give an accurate reading for your child's room. The ideal room temperature for a baby is between 68 and 72°F (20 and 22°C), and it should not be higher than 75°F (23.8°C). If the room temperature is higher than this, take steps to cool the room, such as using a fan or air conditioning. You can also try dressing your child in fewer layers or lighter clothing, such as a short-sleeve bodysuit and a lightweight, breathable swaddle with a TOG rating of less than or equal to 1.0.
In addition to monitoring the room temperature, you can also check your child's body temperature by touching their skin. Look for redness in their face, neck, or ears, as well as sweaty skin, which can indicate that they are too warm. If your child is fussy or frequently waking up, they may also be too cold or too warm. If you suspect your child is overheating, offer them fluids and sponge them with lukewarm or cool water. If overheating symptoms do not improve, contact your pediatrician.
It is important to avoid overdressing your child, as this can lead to overheating. Loose clothing can also increase the risk of SIDS, as it can cover your baby's nose and mouth, impacting their ability to breathe. Instead, opt for lightweight, breathable clothing made from cotton or other natural fabrics.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal room temperature for babies and toddlers is between 68-72° F. However, this can vary depending on the home and comfort of the child.
A 1-year-old baby should wear a diaper, comfy long-sleeved pajamas, and a lightweight wearable blanket or sleep sack in the summer. You can also opt for a cotton bodysuit or lightweight, breathable stretch cotton pajamas.
The general rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing. So, if you are wearing a t-shirt and a sheet, your baby might wear a onesie and a lightweight swaddle or sleep sack.
Check their core (chest, neck, back, and tummy). If their core feels warm but not sweaty, and not cold, then the temperature is okay. Signs of being too hot include a sweaty neck, flushed cheeks, and a clammy core.
