Herbie Murray
Keeping a newborn comfortable while sleeping in winter is a common concern for new parents. The ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby is between 64.4°F and 72°F (16°C and 22°C). If the room temperature is within this range, your baby won't need too many layers. However, if the temperature drops below 64.4°F, you will need to pay more attention to the thermal grade of their sleepwear. It's important to remember that newborns are unable to regulate their temperature effectively, so they can easily overheat. As a result, it's recommended to dress them in one or two lightweight layers, such as a bodysuit or romper, and adjust by adding or removing layers as needed.
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What You'll Learn
Opt for breathable fabrics and natural fibres
When preparing your newborn for sleep in winter, it is important to opt for breathable fabrics and natural fibres. Newborns are unable to regulate their own temperature effectively, so choosing breathable fabrics can help prevent them from getting too warm or overheating. Thick, heavy or synthetic garments can lack the ability for ventilation.
Breathable fabrics and natural fibres are also important for your baby's comfort and safety. They are gentler on a baby's delicate skin, preventing irritation, rashes, and discomfort. Synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon are less breathable and can cause skin irritation, making them less suitable for baby clothing.
Cotton is renowned for its breathability and hypoallergenic properties, making it an excellent choice for baby clothing. It is gentle on the skin and provides the necessary warmth without causing overheating. Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals and pesticides, offering an eco-friendlier option. Muslin is a natural cotton fabric that is quite dense and meets all hygiene requirements. It is durable, machine washable, and retains its colour and shape.
Bamboo fabric stands out for its softness and eco-friendliness. It is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for babies with sensitive skin, and has excellent moisture-wicking properties to keep your baby dry and comfortable.
Merino wool is famed for its temperature-regulating properties, keeping babies warm without causing them to overheat. It is an ideal fabric for colder climates.
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Avoid overheating and regulate temperature
Newborns are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively, so it's important to ensure they don't overheat. Overheating can cause lethargy in babies, making them less likely to wake up, and increasing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
To avoid overheating, it's recommended to keep your baby's room temperature between 64.4°F to 71.6°F (16°C to 20°C). If the room temperature is below 68°F, the recommended TOG rating for your baby's sleeping bag or swaddle is between 2.5 and 3.5. If the room is very warm, your baby may not need any bedclothes other than a sheet.
When dressing your baby for sleep, a good rule of thumb is to give them one extra layer of clothing than what you're wearing. For example, if you're wearing a t-shirt and jumper, dress them in a vest, sleepsuit, and cardigan or jumper. If you feel chilly, your baby probably does too. Always remove hats and extra clothing as soon as you're indoors or get into a warm car, bus, or train.
Layering lightweight, breathable clothing is key, as this allows you to easily add or remove layers to adjust to changing temperatures. Avoid thick, heavy, or synthetic garments, as these can lack ventilation. Choose natural fibres, such as cotton, and opt for lightweight layers that can be removed if your baby gets too warm. 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.
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Use sleeping bags or swaddles
When preparing your newborn for sleep in winter, it is important to keep them warm and comfortable. Sleeping bags and swaddles are great options to achieve this.
A swaddle is a blanket designed to wrap securely around your baby so that they are unable to wriggle out. Swaddling is a good option for newborns because they feel safe and snug, and it helps to prevent the Moro reflex, which causes their arms and legs to jerk and flail. This reflex can disrupt their sleep. Swaddling is typically safe until your baby starts to roll over, which usually happens around 4 months. If your baby enjoys being swaddled, you can continue to do so even after they turn 4 months old, but you must keep an eye out for signs of rolling. Once they start to roll, you will need to transition to a sleeping bag.
Sleeping bags or sleep sacks are ideal for winter as they keep babies warm and lower the risk of SIDS. They are safer than using loose blankets, which are not recommended for children under one year old. Sleeping bags are available in a range of thermal grades or TOG ratings, so you can choose one that suits the temperature of your baby's room. If the room temperature is below 68°F, the recommended TOG rating for your baby's sleeping bag is between 2.5 and 3.5.
When deciding between a swaddle and a sleeping bag, consider your baby's developmental stage. If they are starting to roll over or show signs of doing so, a sleeping bag is a safer choice. If they prefer being swaddled and are not yet rolling, you can continue to swaddle them.
To use a sleeping bag, place it flat, and put your baby inside, doing up any domes and zippers. Most newborn-sized sleeping bags have domes under the arms for a snug fit. You can also use a swaddle over a sleeping bag for added warmth. Place your wrap open flat, then place the sleeping bag on top. Put your baby into the sleeping bag and secure their arms into the wrap arm flaps. Wrap the first side of the swaddle over your baby, keeping the arm wrapped straight down by their side so that it stays in place all night.
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Layering clothes
Keeping your newborn warm in winter is a common concern for new parents. However, it is important to remember that newborns are unable to regulate their own temperature effectively, and they can easily overheat, which is dangerous for them. Therefore, it is recommended to layer lightweight, breathable clothing in winter, which allows you to add and remove clothing in line with the changing temperatures.
A good rule of thumb is to give your baby one extra layer of clothing than what you are wearing. For example, if you are wearing a t-shirt and jumper, dress your baby in a vest, sleepsuit, and cardigan or jumper. If you feel chilly, your baby probably does too. You can always add an extra layer if you feel your baby is too cold, such as a bodysuit under a romper or a long-sleeve bodysuit with leggings and a pair of breathable socks.
If the room temperature is below 68°F (20°C), the recommended TOG rating for your baby's sleeping bag or swaddle is between 2.5 and 3.5, depending on how cold the room is. TOG stands for "thermal overall grade" and refers to the warmth of the fabric; the higher the TOG, the warmer the fabric. You can also use a sleep sack or wearable blanket to keep your baby warm, but avoid loose blankets in the crib as they can raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
It is important to monitor your baby's temperature and adjust their clothing or bedding accordingly. If your baby is sweating or their cheeks are flushed, they are probably too warm, and you should remove some clothing or lower the thermal grade of their sleeping bag or swaddle. On the other hand, if your baby's core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) feels cool to the touch, they may be too cold, and you can add an extra layer or opt for a warmer sleep sack.
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Safe sleep guidelines
It is important to keep your newborn comfortable and safe while they sleep. Overheating is a significant concern, as it increases the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Therefore, it is crucial to monitor your baby's temperature and adjust their clothing and bedding accordingly.
When preparing your newborn for sleep, avoid hats, hoods, or any loose items, as these are not considered safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that an infant should never be dressed in more than one additional layer than adults in the same environment. As a general rule, you can dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear. For example, if you're wearing a t-shirt and a jumper, dress your baby in a vest, sleepsuit, and a cardigan or jumper.
It is important to choose breathable fabrics, especially in the winter, to prevent your baby from overheating. Lightweight, natural fibres are often the best choice. You can add or remove layers as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. If your baby's cheeks are flushed or they are sweating, they are likely too warm, and you should remove some clothing or bedding.
Additionally, the room temperature should be considered. A comfortable and safe sleeping environment for a baby is typically between 16°C and 20°C. If the room temperature is below 18°C, you may need to add extra layers or use a thicker sleeping bag. However, if the room temperature is within the recommended range, your baby may not need extra layers, even in winter.
Remember to assess your baby's temperature and adjust their clothing and bedding accordingly. Safe sleep practices can help ensure your newborn maintains a proper temperature and sleeps comfortably.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal room temperature for a newborn to sleep in winter is between 64.4°F to 71.6°F or 16°C to 20°C. If the room temperature is below 68°F or 20°C, you should consider getting a sleeping bag or swaddle with a TOG rating of 2.5-3.5.
Newborns should wear one extra layer of clothing than adults in the same environment. For example, if you're wearing a t-shirt and a jumper, dress your newborn in a vest, sleepsuit, and a cardigan or jumper. If the room temperature is below 64.4°F or 18°C, you should consider adding an extra layer, such as a bodysuit under a romper or a long-sleeved bodysuit with leggings.
It is important to choose breathable fabrics for your newborn's sleeping apparel, such as natural fibres. Avoid thick, heavy, or synthetic garments as they can restrict ventilation. Lightweight layers are recommended as they allow you to easily add or remove clothing as needed.
Avoid outfits with hats, hoods, or any loose items as they are not considered safe for sleep. Instead, opt for a sleeping bag or swaddle, which provides a consistent thermal performance and is safer than using blankets. If your baby looks flushed or is sweating, remove some clothing or lower the thermal grade of their sleeping bag.
