Dressing your baby for bed: How to get it right whatever the weather

Dressing your baby for bed: How to get it right whatever the weather

 

Let’s face it - figuring out what your newborn should wear to bed can feel like one big guessing game. Too many layers and they might overheat. Too few and they’ll be wriggling and waking all night. So how do you get it right?

Whether you’re in those early newborn days or starting to find your rhythm, this easy guide will help you dress your baby for safe, cosy sleep -  no matter the temperature.

Start with the basics: Think layers

Newborns can’t regulate their body temperature like adults, so dressing them in light, breathable layers is key. A soft organic cotton sleepsuit is a great base -  gentle on skin and perfect for layering up or down depending on the room temperature.

Room temperature matters

Experts say the ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby is between 16°C and 20°C. A room thermometer can be really helpful if you’re not sure.

Here’s a rough guide to how to dress your baby, depending on the room temperature:

  • 24°C or warmer: Just a short-sleeved vest or nappy only

  • 20–23°C: Vest + lightweight sleepsuit or 1 tog baby sleep bag 

  • 16–20°C: Vest + sleepsuit + warmer sleep bag (2.5 tog).

  • Below 16°C: Layer up with a sleepsuit, vest, and a cellular blanket  - always tucked in securely and no higher than their shoulders.

What should by baby wear to bed? 

We all want a good night’s sleep - for both baby and ourselves. One of the simplest ways to help your little one settle comfortably is by dressing them appropriately for the temperature of their room.

The key is to keep things simple and safe. What your baby wears to bed will depend on the season and how warm or cool their room gets overnight.

Here we've listed a few of the best options.

Sleeping bags

Sleep bags (also called wearable blankets) are brilliant because they help regulate temperature and stop your baby from kicking off covers in the night. Our Bloomsbury Mill baby sleep bag is designed to be roomy enough for natural movement but snug enough to feel secure. They also help reduce the risk of loose bedding in the cot - a big plus for safe sleep.

Make sure you choose the right tog rating based on the season (lighter for summer, cosier for winter) and check the size is suitable for your baby’s weight and age.

Blankets

Blankets are a lovely traditional choice — and great for layering.

If you do decide to use a blanket, make sure it's a lightweight cellular blanket as recommended by the NHS. Make sure any blankets are firmly tucked in below baby's shoulders to avoid it coming up over their face.

Swaddling

When it comes to swaddling your baby for bedtime, it really does depend on what your baby finds most comfortable. According to our resident baby sleep expert, Hannah Love, "Some newborns really like being swaddled; others do not, so be led by your baby. It is important to stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of rolling and not to swaddle if you are sharing a bed with your baby."

Signs your baby is too hot or too cold

Your baby won’t always cry to let you know they’re uncomfortable - so it’s good to know the signs to look out for:

Too hot?

  • Feels sweaty or clammy, especially on their chest or neck

  • Flushed cheeks

  • Fast breathing

  • Heat rash

  • Irritability or difficulty settling

Too cold?

  • Cold chest or back (not just hands or feet - those are often cooler naturally)

  • Pale or blotchy skin

  • Unsettled or waking more than usual

How to check your baby’s temperature

The best way to check if your baby is too warm or too cool is by feeling their chest or back. This gives a more accurate reading than hands or feet, which can feel cool even when your baby is comfortably warm.

Avoid using a room thermometer as the only guide - it’s helpful, but your baby is the best indicator. If in doubt, remove a layer rather than add one - it’s safer for babies to be slightly cool than too warm.

 

Getting your baby’s bedtime outfit right is all about balancing comfort and safety - and tuning into the seasons. Whether you go for a soft sleep bag or a breathable organic blanket, the key is to layer up with care, keep things secure, and make sure baby feels calm and cosy.

At Bloomsbury Mill, we’re here to make life a little easier for parents - with beautifully designed, organic baby essentials you can count on. From bedtime to naptime (and every sleepy snuggle in between), we’ve got comfort covered.

Shop our organic babu essentials here.

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