Dressing your baby for sleep in the warmer months
How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep in Summer (TOG Guide + Safer Sleep Tips)
At last, the sun is finally making an appearance! Whilst the blue skies and warmer days are lovely, it can be really tricky to know how to dress your little one for sleep in the warmer weather. Many parents find themselves second guessing - How many layers? Which TOG sleeping bag? What if the room gets too hot overnight? So I thought I’d break it all down…
What’s the ideal room temperature for baby sleep?
According to the Lullaby Trust, the safest room temperature for babies to sleep in is between 16-20°C. This applies all year round (so worth checking the room when the heating kicks in!!). This is because the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is higher when babies overheat. You can get simple room thermometers or more fancy ones with build in night lights.
If you’re struggling to keep the room cool on warmer nights, try keeping curtains closed during the day, opening a window safely, or using a fan - just don’t point it directly at your baby.
Signs your baby is too hot at night
Babies can’t tell us they’re uncomfortable, so knowing what to look for is really important. The most reliable way to check is to feel the back of their neck or their chest. If they feel hot, sweaty or clammy, remove a layer. Cold hands and feet are completely normal and not a reliable indicator of temperature - so don’t be misled by those cold toes! If in doubt, it’s best to take a layer off.
Other signs your baby may be overheating include rapid breathing, flushed skin, or seeming unsettled and difficult to calm.
Baby sleeping bag TOG guide for summer
Sleeping bags are a much safer alternative to loose blankets for babies, and choosing the right TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) for the room temperature is important. You should always dress your baby for the warmest part of the night (and add a layer if the temperature drops). Here’s a simple guide:
16–20°C → 2.5 tog + long-sleeved vest or babygrow
20–24°C → 1.0 tog + short-sleeved vest or babygrow
24–27°C → 0.5 tog + short-sleeved vest
Above 27°C → 0.5 tog + nappy only, or just a nappy
Always check the specific guidance for your sleeping bag brand, as recommendations can vary slightly between manufacturers.
Did you know, sleeping bags have a minimum weight guide on them? Check your labels!
Safer sleep in warm weather
The Lullaby Trust advises that in hot weather, it’s completely fine for your baby to sleep in just a short-sleeved vest, or even just a nappy if it’s particularly warm. No hats indoors, no duvets or quilts, and avoid anything that could cover their face. Their full safer sleep guidance can be found at lullabytrust.org.uk.
So.. what’s the main takeaway here?
Babies can’t regulate their own body temperature the way we can, which means they rely entirely on us to get this right. In the warmer months, less is almost always more. A cooler baby is a safer baby - and when in doubt, do a quick temperature check before you head to bed yourself.
Have questions about your baby’s sleep? I’m Anna, a sleep consultant for babies and little ones based in Yorkshire.
Book a free discovery call to chat about how I can help your family.
