Ashwin Lewis
Figuring out what to dress your newborn in for sleep can be challenging, especially for new parents. The key is to keep your baby at a comfortable temperature—not too hot and not too cold. The ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby is between 16 and 20°C, and a good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear to be comfortable. For example, if you're wearing a t-shirt and jumper, dress your baby in a vest, sleepsuit, and cardigan or jumper. It's important to avoid loose items or clothing, such as hats, bows, or blankets, as these can be unsafe for sleeping babies. Instead, opt for safer alternatives such as sleep sacks or wearable blankets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of layers | One more layer than an adult would need to stay warm in the same environment |
| Temperature | 68–72 °F or 16–20 °C |
| Clothing | Onesies, sleep sacks, wearable blankets, gowns, footed pyjamas, swaddle blankets, short-sleeved bodysuits, footless suits, socks, mittens, hats |
| Considerations | Avoid loose items or clothing, such as hats, bows, hair accessories, and pacifier clips; monitor baby's temperature and adjust layers accordingly; discontinue swaddling once the baby starts rolling over or attempting to roll over |
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What You'll Learn
Swaddling
When swaddling, it is important to ensure that the baby's hips are not restricted to allow for healthy development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that swaddling be discontinued once a baby starts showing signs of rolling onto their side or stomach, as this can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Some babies may not enjoy being swaddled, and that is perfectly fine. It is also important to consider the temperature of the room when deciding whether to swaddle, as it is an additional layer of warmth for the baby.
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Sleep sacks
Some sleep sacks have special features such as a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes, and a zipper shield on the neckline to protect the baby's skin. They can be made from a variety of materials, including premium rayon-blend fabric, natural fibres like bamboo or soft cotton, and wool.
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Room temperature
The ideal room temperature for a newborn baby to sleep in is between 68-72°Fahrenheit or 20-22.2°Celsius. A room temperature of 16 to 20°C is also considered safe and comfortable for sleeping babies. If the room is too warm, it may increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
The general rule of thumb for dressing a baby for sleep is to give them one more layer of clothing than what you're wearing. For example, if you're wearing a t-shirt and a sheet, your baby might wear a onesie and a lightweight swaddle or sleep sack. If you're wearing a t-shirt and jumper, dress them in a vest, sleepsuit, and cardigan or jumper. However, this is not always exact, and you should trust your instincts as a parent. If you are too cold in what you're wearing, your baby will likely be too cold in a similar outfit.
It is important to remember that babies are not very good at regulating their body temperature and can overheat quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum. On very warm nights, a vest or nappy may be sufficient. In cooler environments, your baby may be more comfortable in mittens and socks under footed sleeper pajamas.
You can adjust the layers of clothing according to the room temperature. If your baby feels too warm, remove a layer of clothing. Signs that your baby may be too warm include a sweaty neck or hair, flushed cheeks, and a clammy or sweaty core. If your baby is too cold, add a layer and ensure the room temperature is ideal.
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Clothing layers
When deciding what clothing layers your newborn should wear to sleep, it is important to keep them comfortable—not too hot and not too cold. Overheating a baby increases the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The ideal room temperature for sleeping babies is between 16 and 20°C, or 68 to 72°F.
In their first few hours, babies are learning to regulate their body temperature, so they might wear a hat in the hospital. However, by the time they come home, hats are no longer helpful for temperature regulation indoors. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants should never be dressed in more than one additional layer than adults in the same environment. As a rule of thumb, give your baby one extra layer of clothing than what you are wearing. For example, if you're in a t-shirt and jumper, dress your baby in a vest, sleepsuit, and cardigan or jumper.
In warmer seasons, opt for short-sleeved bodysuits and footless suits for warmer nights. Lightweight sleeping sacks and breathable fabrics like cotton are ideal choices to ensure your baby doesn't overheat. Cotton is a great all-season option for sleepwear and sleep sacks as it is breathable and gentle on delicate skin. Onesies can also be an effective primary layer of sleepwear.
In cooler seasons, you can provide extra warmth with socks, mittens, and gowns. Socks can provide added warmth for your baby's feet, especially if they are not wearing footed sleepwear, but be cautious as small infants may kick them off, which could become a choking hazard. Mittens can also be a suitable option for newborns during sleep, but they should only be worn for a short period as babies tend to pull them off. Choose mittens without choking hazards such as ribbons or buttons, and opt for natural fibres like bamboo or soft cotton for breathability and comfort.
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Clothing material
The clothing material for a newborn to wear to sleep depends on the temperature of the room. The ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (or 16 to 20 degrees Celsius). In this temperature range, a newborn needs only light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag. If the room temperature is within this range, a single layer of lightweight clothing, such as a onesie, is sufficient. Lightweight cotton is best as it's breathable.
In warmer temperatures, short-sleeved bodysuits and footless suits are ideal. In cooler temperatures, you can add layers such as a sleep sack, wearable blanket, or footed pyjamas. For cooler nights, velboa or micro-fleece can provide extra warmth. Cotton is a great all-season option for sleepwear and sleep sacks as it's breathable and gentle on delicate baby skin.
It's important to avoid loose items or clothing, such as hats, hair bows, or blankets, as these are not considered safe for sleep. Socks can provide added warmth, but they may pose a choking hazard if the baby kicks them off. Mittens can also be an option for newborns, but only for a short period as they tend to pull them off.
The key is to keep the baby comfortable, not too hot, and not too cold. It's recommended to dress a baby with only one more layer than an adult would need to stay warm in the same bedroom. This helps to avoid over-bundling, which can lead to safety risks from overheating and increase the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
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Frequently asked questions
A good rule of thumb is to give your newborn one extra layer of clothing than what you're wearing. For example, if you're in a t-shirt and jumper, dress them in a vest, sleepsuit and cardigan or jumper. If you feel chilly, your baby probably does too.
A room temperature of 16 to 20°C is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies. Keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum. A vest or just a nappy can be fine on the warmest nights.
It is recommended to use a firm mattress and fitted sheets in your newborn's crib. Avoid using loose blankets, hats, hair bows, or anything loose in the crib. Swaddling can be done but should be discontinued once the baby starts attempting to roll over.
