How to dress your baby for sleep

Families often ask what type of clothing their baby should wear to sleep to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This guidance covers how to dress your baby for safer sleep.

A baby sleeping safely on their back in an empty cot. They have one arm by their head, and another on their stomach. They are wearing a blue, polka-dot baby-grow.
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A thermometer, shaped as a flower, sits on a baby's cot.

Room temperature

The recommended room temperature for babies is 16 – 20°C so that they don’t get too hot. It can be difficult to guess temperature so use a room thermometer in the rooms where your baby sleeps. The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is higher in babies who get too hot, so it’s important to make sure your baby is at a comfortable temperature. 

If your room temperature is 16 – 20°C, a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag or light bedding is comfortable. 

Remember, all babies are different, so the most important thing is that no matter what the temperature is, you regularly check that your baby is not too hot. You can find guidance on this as you read on.

What should my baby wear for the room temperature?

An illustration of a baby sleeping in a cot with a baby grow and a blanket tucked in.

When it’s cooler than 16°C

While it can be tempting to wrap your baby up to keep them warm and cosy, it’s important to remember that it’s possible for them to overheat, and this increases the risk of SIDS.

Illustration of a baby sleeping in a baby grow, with a baby sleep bag on top.

When it’s cooler than 16°C

If you’re using a baby sleeping bag, don’t add extra blankets on top. Add an extra layer of clothing or choose a higher tog sleeping bag if your baby feels cold.

Illustration of a baby sleeping in a baby grow, with a baby sleep bag on top.

When the room is between 16-20°C

You may choose to use a baby grow and baby sleep bag. Baby sleep bags are a good option for safer sleep. They help stop your baby from wriggling down under covers and getting their head covered.

Illustration of a baby sleeping in a baby grow, with a blanket on top.

When the room is between 16-20°C

You might choose to dress your baby in a baby grow, and add a firmly tucked in, lightweight blanket.

Illustration of a baby sleeping in short sleeved and short leg baby grow.

When the room is warmer than 20°C or in hot weather

In hot weather, it’s fine to have your baby in a lightweight layer such as a short sleeve bodysuit, or even just a nappy.

Illustration of a baby sleeping in a nappy.

When the room is much warmer 20°C or in really hot weather

In really hot weather, it’s fine to have your baby in a short sleeve vest or even just a nappy.

A woman sits on the sofa at home and helps her cute toddler daughter hold her baby brother for the first time. The big sister appears excited and proud.

Important information

Every baby is different and our advice on the ideal room temperature for babies is intended as a guide only. You will still need to check your baby regularly to see if they are too hot, explained later on this page. Here are some important things to remember for safer sleep:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s guidance – Baby sleeping products often come with manufacturer’s guidance on how to correctly and safely use the product. Most baby sleeping bags, for example, are fitted by weight, not age, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you’re using a baby sleeping bag, make sure it is well fitted around the neck and shoulders, so the baby can’t wriggle down inside. Follow the manufacturer's tog guide to ensure you're using the right tog sleep bag for the room temperature.
  • Check for a British Safety Standard code – We strongly recommend that any product you choose meets the relevant British Standards, especially if you are buying an item online. A British Standard tells us that the product has passed certain safety tests, such as making sure it will not fall apart or easily catch fire. Not every type of baby product has a safety standard code, but many do. The safety standard for baby sleeping bags (sleepbags) is: BS EN 16781:2018.
  • Remember that one blanket doubled over counts as two blankets – This could increase the risk of your baby overheating. If your baby needs an extra blanket, make sure it’s lightweight.
A baby is sleeping in a safer sleep position in a cot. The dad is holding a hand on his chest and head. The baby has a dummy.

Remember that:

  • Air becomes trapped between layers, and increases the warmth – For example, dressing your baby in two 1.0 tog sleep bags does not make the sleep bag 2.0 tog. This can be dangerous, because air becomes trapped between layers and increases the warmth. Avoid doubling up on layers this way, as it could increase the risk of SIDS.
  • We don’t recommend weighted bedding - Weighted swaddles, blankets and sleeping bags are not recommended for babies under one year as there is a risk of overheating and head covering. They can also restrict breathing by pressing on the delicate chest of a baby.
  • Hats should be removed  indoors. Babies lose heat through their heads, so if their heads are covered, the baby can overheat. Take off any hats when your baby is indoors.
An illustration of a woman holding a baby. Her hand is about to feel her baby's chest. There are two 'touch points' marked up on the graphic, showing that you should touch your baby's chest or the back of their neck to check their temperature.

How to check if your baby is too hot or cold

Research shows that babies are safer being cooler than being too hot, as overheating increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Every baby is different and our advice on the ideal room temperature for babies is a guide. You will still need to check your baby regularly to see if they are too hot.   

To do this, feel your baby’s chest or the back of their neck (your baby’s hands and feet will usually be cooler, which is normal). If your baby’s skin is hot or sweaty, it means they are too hot so remove one or more layers of bedclothes or bedding. 

If your baby feels cold, add an extra layer of clothing or choose a higher tog sleeping bag. Your baby may be cold if their chest feels cold (your baby’s hands and feet will usually be cooler, which is normal).

An infant African boy lays on a bed looking up at his mother. The young mother is leaning in close to his face as she looks down at him tenderly. They are both dressed casually.

What is a tog?

Tog is a measure of insulation (warmth) that is used for items like baby sleeping bags and blankets. The higher the number in the tog rating, the warmer the product. In warmer rooms, you should use a lower tog. In cooler rooms, you might use a higher tog. 

A room temperature and tog or clothing guide 

Families understandably often look to us for a chart or a more specific guide on matching room temperature to clothing, clothing layers and tog. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide this specific advice because: 

  • Every product is made up of different materials, and different percentages of materials. The thermal insulation (the amount of heat the material can trap) differs for every product. 
  • The heat trapped between layers (such as a blanket and a baby grow) changes the insulation or warmth of the product significantly. 
  • Every baby is different, so our room temperature guidance is intended to be used as a guide.

Frequently asked questions

  • A baby is sat on her mum's knee, facing a health professional. The baby is smiling.

    Remember:

    It can feel overwhelming to know how to dress your baby for sleep, especially when you see conflicting advice online. Our guidance is based on decades of research into safer sleep. By following these simple steps, such as monitoring the room temperature, being aware of what your baby is wearing, not overwrapping your baby and knowing how to check their temperature – you’ll be giving your baby the best start for safer sleep.

    Safer sleep overview
    Two men holding a baby wrapped in a pink blanket.

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