What should a baby wear to sleep

Dressing a baby raises questions for almost every parent now and then. We can feel unsure when choosing clothes because babies are sensitive to temperature changes. We worry about overheating, sweating or getting chilly.

We may also rely on our own temperature sense. If we tend to feel the cold, we can end up overdressing our baby.

What should I put on them for sleep. How different is a baby’s sleep outfit from an adult’s. How many layers in winter. What should a baby sleep in during hot summer nights.

There are plenty of questions, and over time every parent answers them with growing confidence. This article shares information to help you choose the right sleep outfit for your baby in any time of day, season or situation, in a way that suits their age.

What do we mean by body temperature regulation 

Thermoregulation is one of our most important physiological functions. The body produces heat through cellular metabolism and loses heat through evaporation and radiation. We also react to outside conditions, from freezing cold to a heatwave, and internal factors like fever when ill.

A baby’s temperature can sometimes read higher in the armpit or ear than an adult’s. Babies retain more heat, sweat less, and are harder to cool when feverish. Their metabolism is more active and their surface area is larger relative to body mass, so they generate more heat.

What is the normal temperature range up to 2 years of age

It depends where you measure:

• Mouth 35.5–37.5 °C

• Rectum 36.6–38 °C

• Armpit 34.7–37.3 °C

• Ear 36.4–38 °C

How do newborns and premature babies regulate temperature 

A newborn’s body cannot yet fully compensate for environmental effects on body temperature. They cannot regulate their own temperature as well, so extra care really does matter, because they can cool down or run hot more easily, even without illness. Low body temperature is hypothermia, high is hyperthermia. Dressing a baby thoughtfully helps prevent both.

For premature babies, a low temperature at birth carries higher health risks. This is why they need an optimal environment in an incubator after birth where their body temperature can be controlled.

Body and room temperature change during the night

A room temperature around 20–22 °C is ideal for a baby’s sleep.

Body temperature follows a rhythm during sleep. Until around 3 months, this rhythm is not regular, then it becomes more settled, similar to adults. In practice this means the body cools towards evening as a baby falls asleep, then warms again towards the early morning.

In summer, indoor temperature shifts with the weather, not only day by day but also over a single night, with cooler hours before dawn. Just as we do for ourselves, choose sleepwear for your baby that can cope with these shifts, so there are no hours of being too cold or sweaty.

Your baby may tend to feel cold or run warm 

The optimal outfit may mean one more layer for a baby who feels the cold, or one less layer for one who warms up quickly. Alongside general dressing guidance, your baby’s needs always call for individual observation.

Signs your baby is too warm during sleep 

Like us, babies find it harder to fall asleep and may be more alert or unsettled. The upper back and nape can feel hot and sweaty, which you might notice if the hair is damp. High temperatures or overdressing can also lead to heat rash.

Signs your baby is cold during sleep 

Check by slipping a hand down the back of the neck under the clothes to feel the core temperature. Hands alone are not reliable. It is better to feel the feet. If feet are cold, it is more likely they need an extra layer.

Why is a sleep bag a good idea 

Until a baby can deliberately kick a blanket off, it can easily slip away while wriggling. A sleep bag stays on all night and keeps them warm.

Sleep bags are very comfortable and let little ones move freely. When choosing, look for good fabric quality and a neckline that follows the baby’s neck comfortably. It should be neither tight nor too open.

Fabric and cut matter 

When buying baby clothes, check the fibre content. The best pieces are made from natural fibres that breathe well but also hold warmth when needed.

Comfort is crucial. Fashion trends come second to freedom of movement and easy nappy changes without wrestling little arms. Clothing should not be tight or restrictive. That can limit movement and lead to frustration, discomfort and tears.

What are the benefits of LiaaBébé bamboo fibre babywear 

When designing our babywear, we focused on the points that most often cause problems for little ones and their parents, and we worked to remove those pain points to support the calmest possible nights.

• LiaaBébé babywear made from natural bamboo fibre absorbs moisture even better than cotton and offers thermoregulating comfort, meaning it feels warming in winter and cooling in summer.
• This helps smooth out sleep issues. By balancing overnight temperature changes, it reduces the chance of sweating or getting cold. With our sleep bags, your child can sleep cosy and warm all night.
• Dressing can become a pleasant part of the day when a child is happy to take part. Our pieces are extra stretchy, so undressing and dressing can be a cheerful moment. They allow free movement and are snug, flattering fits.
• Babies outgrow clothing quickly. If you choose bodysuits, all in ones, footed trousers and sleepsuits that are stretchy and durable, almost “growing with” your child, you will need to buy new sizes far less often.
• We care about sustainability too. Bamboo supports this direction.

Which sleep bag thickness should you choose 

TOG is a unit that indicates the warmth of the fabric used in a product. The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleep bag or bedding.

Do not choose by season. Always go by the room’s average temperature:

• 0.5 TOG 22–25 °C (summer)

• 1.5 TOG 20–23 °C (spring, autumn)

• 2.5 TOG 18–21 °C (winter)

If you start with the room temperature and choose appropriately, you can be confident you are doing the most for your baby’s undisturbed rest.

If you are unsure, use simple checks to see whether they are too warm or too cold. This can be helpful now and then, as we cannot always know how their body responds to changes such as humidity.

Sources:

The Lullaby Trust — Your baby’s room temperature.

NHS — How to dress a newborn baby.