How to dress your baby for sleep in warmer weather
Susan - Chief of Healthcare at The Baby Academy
As the weather starts to warm up, many parents wonder how to keep their baby comfortable and safe during sleep. Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as easily as adults, so finding the right balance is important to help prevent overheating while still keeping them warm enough.
A helpful place to start is your baby’s sleep environment. The ideal room temperature for sleep is generally around 68–72°F. Using a room thermometer can take the guesswork out and help you make small adjustments as needed.
What to dress your baby in
Once you know the room temperature, you can choose your baby’s sleepwear and sleep sack based on that environment.
Many parents use a TOG rating (Thermal Overall Grade), which indicates how warm a sleep sack or wearable blanket is. Lower TOG ratings are lighter for warmer rooms, while higher TOG ratings are designed for cooler temperatures.
A simple approach is:
Warm room: lightweight clothing and a low TOG sleep sack
Moderate room: a breathable layer such as a cotton onesie with a mid-range TOG sleep sack
Cooler room: slightly warmer layers with a higher TOG sleep sack
Always check your baby’s chest or back of the neck to make sure they feel warm, not sweaty.
Tips to keep your baby cool
Along with choosing the right sleepwear, there are a few simple ways to help keep your baby comfortable in warmer weather:
Give your baby a lukewarm bath before bedtime to help them cool down
Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to reduce heat buildup in the room
Use a fan to circulate air in the room (but avoid pointing it directly at your baby or leaving it running unsupervised during sleep)
Keep the room between 60–68°F if possible for optimal sleep comfort
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