One Layer at a time: How to dress a baby for sleep

Zofishan Umair

Zofishan Umair

Zofishan is a journalist, humour columnist, and a mum who has survived nappy explosions mid-air. She has over a decade of experience writing for print and online publications and is currently working on her first book.
Medically reviewed Medically reviewed by Faith Hobson
Updated on Sep 17, 2024 · 8 mins read
One Layer at a time: How to dress a baby for sleep

While you may pop down for a nap in a tank top and shorts or collapse on the sofa while still in your work clothes, your baby can't. They need to be dressed for the occasion.  


Our littlest ones aren’t able to regulate their temperature like us yet, so what they wear at naptime is more important than you might think.

We know your baby’s sleep can be a big and scary topic. But before you get knee-deep in Reddit forums and lose sight of the simple steps that matter – start with your baby’s clothing.

To cut through the noise for you, we’re covering everything from baby wrapping, a.k.a blanket burrito basics, to teaching you how to get their sleep space just right.

How to dress baby for sleep


The first step is choosing the right fabrics and layers for a comfortable temperature. Dress your baby in layers to ensure a comfortable temperature. Use breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin to prevent overheating. Go for fitted, breathable baby wear—think onesies that scream “comfort”—made from natural fibres, not haute couture.

And feel free to remove or add layers as the temperature changes.

Dressing baby for sleep in different seasons

  • Summer and warmer weather: Keep your baby cool and comfortable by dressing your baby in a singlet, nappy, and light swaddle or sleep sack. Use a muslin or cotton swaddle or sleep sack layered on top for added warmth.
  • Winter and colder weather: In cooler weather, you’ll need to dress your baby in layers, including a full-length cotton onesie and a sleeping bag. Keep your baby warm and comfortable, not too hot or cold. This means dressing them in snuggly fleece pyjamas or a heavier microfleece swaddle or sleep sack for cold winter nights. Avoid loose blankets and opt for snug-fitting sleepwear instead, and step away from the thermostat. Save your time and sanity by investing in a TOG-rated sleeping bag or swaddle to regulate your baby’s body temperature.

Tips for choosing the right baby clothes for sleep considering the age and developmental stage


  • Choose fitted onesies for newborns and young babies.
  • Opt for two-piece pyjama sets for toddlers.
  • Stock up on layering pieces like singlets and bodysuits.
  • Look for sleeping bags with a TOG rating.

Room temperature and sleep environment


The ideal room temperature for a nursery or bedroom is 18Cº – 20Cº degrees, regardless of the season, so make sure you dress your baby appropriately for the temperature of the room.

Babies primarily regulate their body temperature through their head and face, which is why experts recommend keeping your baby’s head and face uncovered to prevent overheating. Here’s how you to create a sleep-conducive environment:

  • Make the room dark, quieter than a library, and just right in temperature.
  • Check the room temp with a thermostat or a thermometer.
  • Skip the electric blankets and hot water bottles.

Blanket burrito basics: Using a sleeping bag safely


Sleeping bags: so cosy but are they safe?

First of all, a secure and correctly sized baby sleep sack is safe to use. But when choosing a sleeping bag, be sure to pick one with a fitted neck and armholes – minus a hood. (Your baby will look like a tiny turtle in these – it’ll be super cute.)

Here’s how to choose the right sleeping bag for your baby:

  • Consider the temperature of the room and your baby’s body temperature when choosing a sleeping bag.
  • Look for sleeping bags with a TOG rating.
  • Choose a sleeping bag that allows for easy nappy changes.

Swaddling and sleep safety


Wrapping young babies in a swaddle can help settle them for sleep. You can use a swaddle or sleeping bag to keep your baby warm and safe, but be sure to switch to a sleeping bag once your baby starts rolling. At this stage, you should also make sure their arms are out of the sleeping bag.

How to swaddle safely

Use a lightweight, breathable blanket, and then lay baby on their back on a firm, flat surface. With your sheet in a diamond shape, fold down the top corner, and place baby’s head above the fold. Tuck one side snugly under baby’s body, then fold over the opposite corner and tuck under the back. Voila! Baby burrito secured.

The swaddling should be snug but allow room for your little caterpillar to move his hips. You know, comfy, but not constricted. Keep your baby’s head, ears, and chin uncovered. Dress your baby in layers underneath to avoid overheating.

Once your burrito learns to roll over, it’s time to say goodbye.

SIDS and the importance of a safe sleep environment


When new parents bring a baby home, they’re repeatedly warned of SIDS. Unfortunately, in 2022, 106 Australian infant deaths were attributed to either SIDS or an unknown cause of death.

Research shows a clear link between overheating and an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Fortunately, a safe sleep environment reduces the risk of SIDS and SUDI, which is why dressing babies appropriately for sleep is crucial for their safety and comfort.

Here’s how to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

    • Dress your baby in layers of fitted clothing, similar to how you would dress yourself for the temperature of their bedroom.
    • Keep your baby’s head uncovered, as they cool themselves down by releasing heat from their heads and faces.
    • Check your baby’s temperature by feeling their skin, aiming for a warm but not hot temperature.
    • A safe sleep environment reduces the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
    • Beyond just their wardrobe, it’s essential that your baby sleeps on their back for safety.

 

Additional sleep essentials


Bedding

  • Babies’ beds only need a fitted sheet and a lightweight blanket or sleeping bag.
  • Avoid using loose bedding like doonas, pillows, and cot bumpers.
  • Make sure your baby can’t wriggle down the bed and get their head covered.

Avoiding hazardous items in the sleep environment

  • Avoid using hats, beanies, and head coverings.
  • Avoid using doonas, pillows, bumpers, lambswool, and cushions.
  • Avoid using electric blankets and hot water bottles.

Prioritising functionality over fashion

When you’ve got pragmatism on your side, who needs runway-ready?

Buttons and long strings or laces are choking hazards, so steer clear of them.

Instead, when putting your little snoozer to bed, choose clothing with thoughtful snaps and zippers for easy access during those long diaper changes. At three in the morning, who has time for a wrestling bout with pyjama buttons?

Check the room’s temperature like a meteorologist, and focus on how comfortable your infant is. And don’t forget the snug fits! Keep that tiny noggin and face protected like a VIP (Very Important Baby), because safety never goes out of style—unlike those mismatched socks you’ll find in the laundry basket.

Frequently asked questions


Got questions? We’ve got you!

1. How should I dress my baby for sleep?

Remember, a good rule is to dress your baby with one more layer than an adult would use to be comfortable in the same environment. This helps ensure that your baby stays warm without overheating, especially on warm nights.

2. What type of fabric is best for baby sleepwear?

When choosing baby’s clothing, opt for lightweight cotton. This natural fabric is soft and gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin, making it an excellent choice for both comfort and safety. If you’re looking for the best option available, organic cotton is ideal as it provides additional assurance against irritants and allergies for newborn babies. As soft and cute as polyester blankets can be, they are not a breathable fabric and therefore aren’t recommended.

3. How can I tell if my baby is too hot or cold at night?

To determine if your baby is too hot, feel the baby’s chest or back rather than the hands or feet, as the baby’s hands and feet often feel cool to the touch. If the skin is sweaty or feels hot, these are signs that your baby might be overheated. A baby that is too cool overnight will often wake.

4. Are blankets safe for my baby during sleep?

For the youngest infants, it’s best to avoid blankets in the cot to maintain a safe sleeping environment. Experts like those from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest waiting until your child is at least 18 months old before introducing soft bedding.

Until then, consider using wearable blankets or sleep sacks to keep your baby warm and safe without the risk factors associated with loose blankets.

5. Can sleepwear affect my baby’s sleep quality?

There’s a reason why we love sleeping in our softest cotton pyjamas and tees! The same is true for babies. The right sleepwear can significantly enhance your baby’s sleep quality. For them, choose sleepwear made from materials like breathable cotton that can help regulate your baby’s temperature and prevent overheating.

Look for safe sleeping garments that are snug yet comfortable, and facilitate better sleep without restricting blood flow or causing discomfort. Always select sleepwear that feels soft against the baby’s skin and promotes safe infant sleep practices, like avoiding overly fluffy stuffed animals in the sleeping area and maintaining a specific room temperature.

And there you have it. The 101 on keeping your baby snug, safe, and on-trend for dreamland.

Sources


SUID and Safe Sleep Overview, American Academy of Pediatrics. Available at: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/safe-sleep/

Safe sleeping recommendations, NSW Health. Available at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/child/Pages/safe-sleep.aspx

Safe sleep for babies, Pregnancy, Birth & Baby. Available at: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/safe-sleep-for-babies

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