Gina Johnson
Newborns are unable to regulate their body temperature, which means they can lose heat and overheat very quickly. This is why it is important to know how to dress your newborn for sleep when it is cold. The ideal room temperature for a baby is between 64.4°F to 71.6°F. If the room temperature is below 68°F, the recommended TOG rating for your baby’s sleeping bag or swaddle would be between 2.5 and 3.5. You can use lightweight layers to dress your baby so that you can add or remove layers to keep them comfortable. A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer of clothing than you would typically wear in the same temperature.
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What You'll Learn
Dress your newborn for the temperature indoors, not outdoors
When it comes to putting your newborn down for sleep, it is important to dress them for the temperature indoors, not outdoors. Newborns cannot regulate their body temperatures as effectively as older children and adults. They lose body heat about four times faster than adults and are unable to shiver to increase their body temperature. Overheating has been linked to sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure your newborn is comfortably warm and not hot or sweaty.
A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one extra layer of clothing than you would typically wear in the same indoor temperature. For example, if you're 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 also add a sleep bag or a swaddle to keep them warm. On very cold nights, you might want to add an extra sweater under there.
If your baby looks flushed or is sweating, they are likely wearing too many layers and you should remove some clothing. You can also lower the thermal grade of their sleeping bag or swaddle until they are at a comfortable temperature. Generally, when it's hot, a single layer is enough – lightweight cotton is best as it's breathable. When it's cold, layering lightweight, breathable clothing is key, as this allows you to add and remove clothing as needed.
Keep your newborn's head uncovered while they sleep, as they cool themselves down by releasing heat from their heads and faces. Hats and beanies can cause them to overheat and may pose a strangulation or suffocation hazard if they slip and cover their faces. Instead, focus on keeping their core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) warm but not sweaty.
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Avoid hats and extra clothing when inside
It is important to keep your newborn's head uncovered while they are sleeping. Babies cool themselves by releasing heat from their heads and faces. If they fall asleep wearing hats, they can quickly overheat. Hats and other loose items, such as scarves, mittens, hair bows, and pacifier clips, can also pose a strangulation or suffocation hazard.
When inside, it is best to avoid extra clothing and instead opt for a sleepsuit and either a sleeping bag or a sheet and/or blanket. If you are using a sleeping bag and feel like your baby is cold, add an extra layer of clothing—but not extra blankets. If you are using sheets and/or blankets, use lightweight cellular blankets. Avoid thick, fleecy, or padded blankets.
If you are swaddling your baby, you can consider how many layers the swaddle adds. For example, on very cold nights, you might add a sweater under the swaddle. It is important to keep in mind that babies tend to run warmer than adults as their metabolisms are constantly working hard. Therefore, they will likely be comfortable in one less layer than you.
To check if your baby is too cold, you can test your child's temperature using a skin test. If your baby's back of the neck feels cold, it is a sign that they are too cold.
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Use lightweight layers to add or remove
It is important to keep your newborn comfortable while they sleep—not too hot and not too cold. Overheating has been linked to sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. Therefore, it is recommended to use lightweight layers that can be adjusted to the temperature.
When it comes to newborn sleepwear, it is better to layer up with lightweight, breathable clothing rather than dressing your baby in extra clothing. This allows you to add or remove layers as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. Start with one or two layers, such as a vest or a nappy, and add an extra layer of clothing if your baby is too cold. For instance, you can add a bodysuit under a romper or a long-sleeve bodysuit with leggings and breathable socks. If you are using a sleeping bag or swaddle, you can adjust the TOG rating to suit the room temperature, which should ideally be between 64.4°F and 71.6°F.
If your baby looks flushed or is sweating, they are likely too warm and you should remove some clothing or lower the thermal grade of their sleeping bag or swaddle. You can also use your own body heat to warm up your baby by holding them close to you. However, if you are co-sleeping, keep your baby's space clear of all bedding, including blankets and other coverings.
It is important to note that any loose items or clothing, such as hats, mittens, hair bows, and pacifier clips, are not considered safe for sleep. Babies cool themselves by releasing heat from their heads and faces, so it is crucial to keep their heads uncovered while they sleep. Additionally, hats and beanies can slip and cover babies' faces, posing a strangulation or suffocation hazard. Instead, focus on layering their body with lightweight, breathable clothing to maintain a comfortable temperature.
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Check for signs of overheating
Keeping your newborn comfortable while sleeping is a challenging task, especially when it's cold. Overheating is a serious concern for newborns and can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other concerns, like heat rash. Here are some ways to check for signs of overheating:
Touch their Skin
Use your sense of touch to evaluate whether your baby is overheating. Feel their ears, neck, back, or hairline. If these body parts feel warm, it could be a sign that your baby is too hot. Ideally, your baby's core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) should feel warm but not sweaty.
Observe their Face
Look for redness or flushed skin on your baby's face. Flushed cheeks are a common sign that your baby is too warm. Additionally, pay attention to any signs of discomfort, distress, or irritability. If your baby becomes restless or fussy, it could be a sign of overheating.
Check for Sweating
Unlike adults, babies have a limited capacity to sweat due to their smaller sweat glands. However, if your baby is sweating excessively, especially on their neck, hair, or core, it's a tell-tale sign that they are too hot.
Monitor their Behaviour
Your baby's behaviour can give you warning signs. If your baby is lethargic or sleeping too soundly, it could indicate overheating. On the other hand, if your baby is irritable or fussy, it may be a sign that they are uncomfortable due to the temperature.
Measure the Room Temperature
Maintain the room temperature between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22.2 degrees Celsius). This range is generally comfortable for adults as well. If the room feels too warm or too cool for you, it likely is for your baby too. Consider using a baby monitor that measures room temperature accurately.
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Keep the room temperature between 64.4°F to 71.6°F
Keeping your newborn comfortable while they sleep is crucial for their health and safety. Newborns are vulnerable to temperature-related issues as they cannot regulate their body temperatures effectively. They can lose body heat very quickly and are also at risk of overheating.
To keep your newborn comfortable, it is recommended to maintain their room temperature between 64.4°F to 71.6°F. This range provides a comfortable sleeping environment, reducing the need for excessive layering or overheating.
If the room temperature drops below 64.4°F, you should pay closer attention to the thermal grade of your newborn's sleepwear and adjust the number of layers accordingly. Consider using a swaddle or sleeping bag with a suitable TOG rating for the colder room temperature.
Additionally, remember that your newborn's sleepwear should be comfortable and not restrict their movement. Avoid loose items or clothing, such as hats, beanies, mittens, hair accessories, or pacifier clips, as they are not considered safe for sleep. These items can pose a strangulation or suffocation risk.
By maintaining the ideal room temperature and dressing your newborn appropriately, you can ensure a peaceful and safe sleep environment for your little one.
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Frequently asked questions
You can test your newborn's temperature using a skin test. Check the back of their neck, their nose, hands, hairline, tummy or back. If the room is cold, your newborn's nose may be cold, but this is not a good indication of their body temperature. Their neck should feel warm but not hot or sweaty.
If your newborn is cold, you can use your own body heat by holding them close to you. You can also try adding an extra layer of clothing, such as a bodysuit under a romper or a long-sleeve bodysuit with leggings and socks.
Avoid overdoing the layers. Newborns cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, so they can lose heat and overheat very quickly. Overheating has been linked to sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Keep your newborn's head uncovered – no hats or beanies – as they cool themselves down by releasing heat from their heads and faces.
The ideal room temperature for a newborn is between 64.4°F to 71.6°F (some sources recommend 68℉ to 72℉). If the room temperature is below 68°F, the recommended TOG rating for your newborn's sleeping bag or swaddle is between 2.5 and 3.5.
Your newborn should wear one more layer than you would wear in the same temperature. For very cold nights, you can add an extra sweater or cardigan. You can also use a temperature-appropriate sleeping bag or swaddle, which provides consistent thermal performance.
