Ashwin Lewis
Knowing what to dress your newborn in for sleep can be confusing, especially for new parents. The temperature of the room is the biggest indicator of what a baby should wear to bed. The recommended baby sleep temperature is between 16 and 20°C. At this temperature, your baby should wear a vest, sleepsuit, and a lightweight sleeping bag. If your baby is dressed too warmly, you can reduce the layers under their swaddle or opt for a sleep sack with a lower TOG rating. If your baby is too cold at night, their core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) will feel cool to the touch. It's important to remember that a baby's fingers and toes are not a good indicator of warmth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | A room temperature of 16 to 20°C is recommended for a baby's sleep all year round. |
| Clothing | Onesies, sleepsuits, vests, footed pyjamas, gowns, swaddle blankets, sleeping bags, wearable blankets, sleep sacks, and diapers. |
| Headwear | Bows, barrettes, and hats are unsafe for sleep and should be avoided. |
| Number of Layers | The "'one more layer' rule is a myth." Dress the baby in one more layer than an adult would need to stay warm in the same bedroom. |
| Baby's Core Temperature | The baby's core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) should be checked to determine if they are too warm or cold. |
| Baby's Skin | If the baby's skin is sweaty or their cheeks are flushed, they are too warm. |
| Baby's Movement | Sleep sacks or wearable blankets that restrict a baby's movement should not be used once they start trying to roll over. |
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What You'll Learn
Swaddling: a thin blanket to wrap your newborn
Swaddling is a great way to help your newborn feel secure and comfortable, mimicking the environment of the womb. It can be an effective way to calm your baby and help them sleep for longer.
If you choose to swaddle your baby, it is important to do so safely. You should always use a thin, lightweight blanket, and avoid weighted blankets or swaddles. The blanket should be taut and compact but not too tight—you should be able to fit two to three fingers between your baby's chest and the blanket. Make sure the blanket doesn't touch your baby's cheek, as this may confuse them and make them think it's time to feed. Only their head and neck should be exposed, and their lower body should still be able to move freely.
It is also important to monitor your baby's temperature when swaddling. While swaddling can help keep your baby warm, it may also cause them to overheat. If your baby is sweating, flushed, or breathing rapidly, remove the swaddle or consider a product with more airflow.
Swaddling is generally safe during a baby's first couple of months, but it's important to know when to stop. You should stop swaddling once your baby starts showing signs of rolling over, such as pushing up on their hands and arching their back.
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Room temperature: 16-20°C is recommended
A room temperature of 16°C to 20°C is recommended for newborn sleep. This range is considered safe and comfortable for babies. It is important to maintain a safe room temperature as overheating has been linked to SIDS. Newborns are unable to properly regulate their body temperature, so they rely on their caregivers to keep them comfortable and safe.
To ensure your baby is dressed appropriately for sleep at 16°C to 20°C, it is recommended that they wear a vest and a sleepsuit. A lightweight sleeping bag can also be used, with a tog rating suited to the season. It is important to remember that babies should not be overdressed or have too much bedding, as this can increase the risk of overheating.
If you notice that your baby's core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) feels cool to the touch, you can add a layer. However, do not add a blanket to the crib. Instead, consider using thicker sleepwear, such as a onesie under pyjamas, or a sleep sack with a higher TOG rating.
Swaddling, which involves wrapping a baby in a thin blanket, is another option to keep your baby warm. However, it is important to consider the potential benefits and risks of swaddling. While it can calm some babies and aid their sleep, it may become a hazard once they start rolling over. Therefore, swaddling is generally recommended for newborns up to around three months of age.
To accurately monitor the room temperature, it is best to use a baby room thermometer. This will help you determine what your baby should wear at night, ensuring they sleep comfortably and safely.
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Sleeping bags: a safe, wearable blanket
When putting your newborn to sleep, it is important to ensure that they are dressed appropriately for the temperature and that they are comfortable and safe. Sleeping bags, or wearable blankets, are a great option to keep your baby warm without the risk of loose blankets or sheets accidentally covering their head.
A baby sleeping bag should fit snugly around their shoulders to prevent their head from slipping down. They come in a variety of togs, which is a European warmth rating, allowing you to select the perfect one for your baby depending on the temperature. For instance, a cotton sleeping bag typically has a lower TOG rating and is more suitable for warmer temperatures, while a micro-fleece sleeping bag has a higher TOG rating, making it a better option for colder temperatures.
It is important to note that babies are at a higher risk of overheating, so it is crucial to ensure their clothing is appropriate for the temperature. In addition to using a sleeping bag, you can adjust your baby's layers based on the temperature. For example, during warmer nights, your baby may only need to wear a light onesie or a nappy with a lightweight, securely fitted sheet. In contrast, during colder months, you can dress your baby in an extra layer or opt for a higher TOG sleeping bag.
When assessing your baby's temperature, it is important to feel their core, including their chest, neck, back, and tummy, as their hands and feet are not a good indicator of warmth. If your baby's core feels warm but not sweaty, and their cheeks are not flushed, then they are likely comfortable. However, if you notice that your baby is sweating, has flushed cheeks, or their hair is sweaty, these could be signs that they are too warm, and you may need to remove some layers or adjust the room temperature.
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Onesies: a good primary layer
Onesies are a great first layer for newborns to sleep in. They are a good option because they are lightweight and can be worn under a swaddle or sleep sack. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants should never be dressed in more than one additional layer than adults in the same environment. This is supported by Dr Nilong Viyas, a paediatrician, who says that "less is more" and that a onesie and a sleep sack can help the baby feel secure and cosy without over-bundling.
Onesies are a good option for a primary layer because they are easy to put on and take off, and they provide coverage for the baby's body. They are also typically made from soft, breathable materials like cotton, which is a great all-season option. Cotton is gentle on delicate baby skin and is breathable, making it a good option for warmer nights.
Onesies are also versatile and can be worn in different seasons by adjusting the layers. For example, in warmer months, a baby can wear a onesie with a diaper and a lightweight sheet. In cooler months, a long-sleeve onesie can be worn under footed pyjamas and a sleep sack.
It is important to note that babies are at a higher risk of overheating, so it is crucial to ensure their clothing is appropriate for the temperature. The recommended baby sleep temperature is between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. If the baby's cheeks are flushed or they have sweaty hair, these are signs that they may be too warm.
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Hats: unsafe for sleep
Hats are considered unsafe for newborns to wear during sleep. While hats may seem like a good way to keep a baby warm, newborns are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively, and hats can lead to overheating. Overheating is dangerous for newborns as it increases their risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Additionally, a hat could fall off during sleep and cover the baby's face, increasing the risk of suffocation.
It is recommended that newborns sleep in a safe and comfortable environment, maintaining a room temperature between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. Newborns should be dressed in light layers, such as a onesie, with a warm, one-piece sleeper or swaddle on top. This will help regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating.
It is important to closely observe newborns for signs of overheating or being too cold and adjust their outfit accordingly. Newborns may exhibit flushed cheeks, sweaty hair, or a sweaty neck as indicators of overheating. If a newborn appears too warm, layers can be removed, or the room temperature can be adjusted.
During the day or when outdoors, hats can be beneficial for newborns, especially in cold weather or when protecting them from the sun's rays. However, it is recommended to avoid hats indoors or during sleep to prevent any potential health risks associated with overheating.
It is always important to follow safe sleep practices and guidelines to ensure the well-being of newborns. This includes using appropriate sleepwear, such as sleeping bags or wearable blankets, and creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for the baby.
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Frequently asked questions
In colder months, you could dress your baby in an extra layer or a higher TOG sleeping bag. A footed sleeper and swaddle/sleep sack combination can also be a good option.
In hotter months, your baby can sleep in just a nappy or a lower TOG sleeping bag. A light onesie or a nappy with a lightweight, secured sheet can also suffice.
The recommended baby sleep temperature is between 16 to 20 degrees Celsius.
If your baby's cheeks are flushed or they have sweaty hair, they are probably too warm. If their core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) feels cool to the touch, they are likely too cold.
