The Ultimate Guide to Dressing Your Baby for Sleep in Any Weather
Figuring out how to dress your baby for sleep can feel like solving a riddle every night. Will they be too hot? Too cold? What even is a tog?! Don’t worry—I’ve got you. Here’s your ultimate guide to keeping your baby comfy and safe through every season.
Why Dressing Your Baby Right for Sleep Matters
Overheating is a known risk factor for SIDS, and being too cold can lead to frequent wake-ups (hello, 2 a.m. cries). Dressing your baby appropriately helps them sleep better and keeps them safe.
Newborns can’t regulate their temperature well, so what seems like a small change to us can feel like a big one for them. Dressing them just right means fewer wake-ups—and hopefully a bit more sleep for you too.
The Basics: Layers and TOG Ratings
Layers are your best friend: Add or remove layers based on the room temperature. Think of layers like baby sleep armour—easy to adjust depending on the weather.
TOG rating = thermal overall grade: It measures how warm a sleeping bag or swaddle is.
TOG ratings can feel like jargon at first, but once you get the hang of them, they make life much easier. Higher numbers mean cosier, lower numbers mean cooler—it’s like picking your duvet weight, but cuter.
Summer Nights (Room Temp Above 24°C)
What to dress your baby in:
A short-sleeve bodysuit or just a nappy under a 0.5 TOG sleeping bag.
If it’s really warm, just a vest or nappy is fine too.
If you’re sweating just sitting still, your baby doesn’t need much either. And remember, a fan circulating air in the room can help keep them cool, but never point it directly at them.
Warm Weather (20-23°C)
What to dress your baby in:
A short-sleeve bodysuit with a 1.0 TOG sleeping bag, or
A long-sleeve sleepsuit with no additional layers.
If you’re comfortable in pjs, your baby probably is too. And those all-weather bamboo sleeping bags? They’re lifesavers—they adjust to the temperature, so you’re not constantly second-guessing.
Mild Nights (16-20°C)
What to dress your baby in:
A long-sleeve bodysuit and sleepsuit with a 2.5 TOG sleeping bag, or
A short-sleeve vest, sleepsuit, and 2.5 TOG sleeping bag.
This is the “Goldilocks” temperature—just right. Your baby will be cosy but not too warm. And those fold-over hand covers on sleep suits? A total game-changer—no lost mittens at 3 a.m.
Chilly Nights (Below 16°C)
What to dress your baby in:
A long-sleeve bodysuit, sleepsuit, and 2.5 or 3.5 TOG sleeping bag.
Sleep suits with fold-over hands are a safer alternative to mittens to keep little hands warm without loose fabrics.
Socks can help keep tiny toes warm, but avoid hats indoors—babies release heat through their heads, and hats can increase the risk of overheating.
(Swaddles are a great option for younger babies, but once your baby shows signs of rolling, it’s time to switch to a sleeping bag for safety.)
Top Tips for Dressing Your Baby for Sleep:
Check the room temp: A baby monitor with a thermometer makes this easy. (Because who has time to guess at 1 a.m.?)
Feel their chest or back: Hands and feet can feel cooler, but their chest gives you the best read on their actual temperature.
No loose blankets: Use sleeping bags or swaddles for safe sleep.
Invest in all-weather sleeping bags: Bamboo ones are breathable, soft, and adapt to different temperatures, saving you from swapping bags every season.
If you’re worried about whether they’re too hot or cold, trust your instincts—you know your baby best. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll end up checking them 14 times anyway.
TOG Rating Cheat Sheet:
0.5 TOG: Hot weather (above 24°C) – Thin and breathable.
1.0 TOG: Warm weather (20-23°C) – Lightweight but cosy.
2.5 TOG: Mild weather (16-20°C) – Your go-to most of the year.
3.5 TOG: Cold weather (below 16°C) – Like a baby sleeping bag duvet.
Basically, if you’re layering up or stripping down, your baby probably needs to do the same. And don’t worry—after a few nights, you’ll be a TOG pro.
Final Thoughts
Dressing your baby for sleep doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple, trust your instincts, and don’t stress if you get it “wrong” sometimes (we all do). And remember, every baby is different—what works for one might not work for another, and that’s okay.
Need more personalised sleep advice? I’m just a message away! Book a consultation at www.thegoodsleepclub.co.uk or DM me on Instagram @the_goodsleepclub.
