What should my baby wear to sleep?

Why temperature matters

The Lullaby Trust, the UK's safer sleep charity, explains that babies who get too hot have a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). That is why so much of the advice on dressing for sleep is about avoiding overheating. Babies do better being slightly cool than too warm.

Get the room right first

A room temperature of 16 to 20°C is comfortable and safe for a sleeping baby. Guessing is unreliable, so use a simple room thermometer. Once the room is in that range, choosing clothes becomes much easier.

What to dress your baby in

• Most nights: a sleepsuit, plus either a lightweight baby sleeping bag or a sheet and lightweight blankets.
• Very warm nights: keep nightwear and bedding to a minimum. A vest, or just a nappy, can be enough.
• Cold nights: if your baby feels cold, add a layer of clothing rather than another blanket.

Sleeping bags

• Choose one that fits well, so your baby can't wriggle down inside it. Sleeping bags are usually sized by weight, so check the manufacturer's guide.
• Check the tog rating against your room temperature.
• Don't put blankets on top of a sleeping bag. If it isn't warm enough, choose a higher tog bag.

Blankets

• Use lightweight cellular blankets, not thick, fleecy or padded ones, and never a duvet or quilt.
• Put your baby in the feet-to-foot position, with their feet at the bottom of the cot.
• Tuck blankets in firmly, no higher than their shoulders.
• A folded blanket counts as two blankets.

Things to avoid

• Hats or outdoor clothing when your baby sleeps indoors.
• Hot water bottles or electric blankets in any sleep space.
• A cot next to a radiator, heater or fire, or in direct sunshine.
• Weighted sleeping bags, swaddles or blankets for babies under one.

If your baby sleeps in your bed, remember that an adult makes the bed warmer, so adjust their clothing or bedding. Keep adult bedding at your waist and away from your baby.

Questions parents ask

Can my baby wear a hat to sleep?

Not indoors. Babies lose heat through their heads, and a hat can make them overheat.

What tog sleeping bag should I use?

It depends on your room temperature. Use a room thermometer and the tog guide on the sleeping bag. If your baby feels cold, add a layer of clothing or move to a higher tog bag, rather than adding blankets on top.

How do I know if my baby is too hot at night?

Feel their chest or the back of their neck. If they are sweaty or clammy, remove a layer. Cool hands and feet are normal.

Is it safe to use a duvet?

No. Duvets and quilts increase the risk of overheating. Use a baby sleeping bag or lightweight blankets instead.