How to dress baby for sleep (and what to wear under a sleep bag!)

Nov 23, 2022 | Key Sleep Tips, Sleepwear

With changing seasons, parents are wondering how best to keep baby warm for sleep, while not overheating!

The best way to check if your little one is the correct temperature is to put your hand on their chest. Does their chest feel comfortable and warm? It should not be hot or cool to your touch. Touching your baby’s hands and feet is not a good way to determine if they are warm enough – it’s all about the core! Never dress baby in a hat for sleep, as this can cause overheating. 

If baby is showing signs of sweat on their forehead or their chest feels warm, take a layer off. Never dress your baby in a hat for sleep, as this may cause overheating.

Now, let’s talk sleep bags… 

This chart will give you a solid starting point when dressing your baby for sleep; however, always use your judgment about your individual babe. 

We love a sleep bag for baby! But, when using one, it’s important to understand something called TOG (Thermal Overall Grade).

TOG is a unit of thickness or insulation, and you’ll find it on most baby sleep bags.

For most brands, TOGs range from 0.5 to 2.5, so it’s important to assess your child’s room temperature, and to keep in mind that each baby is an individual, so guidelines about what to dress your baby in under their sleep bag are just that – guidelines. You will need to determine what is right for your individual baby in your individual home.

And, if the temperature of your home changes throughout the day (which it does for most homes!), or from season to season, consider dressing baby for sleep in different clothes or different TOGs of sleep bags for daytime and nighttime sleep.

Again, always remember, you know your baby and the temperature regulation in your individual home best, so always use your parental judgement when dressing your individual babe for sleep. 

Erin Junker is a Professional Infant & Toddler Sleep Consultant, and owner of The Happy Sleep Company, working closely with tired parents to help them help their little ones get the healthy, restful sleep they need. Follow The Happy Sleep Company on Instagram and Facebook – let’s get your family the healthy, happy sleep you deserve!

Disclaimer: I only provide reviews and recommendations for products when I feel they are of great quality. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am a member of several affiliate marketing programs and, as such, I do receive a commission for purchases made through some product links on this website.

The advice provided by The Happy Sleep Company is not a substitute for medical advice. The advice on this website is provided solely for informational purposes in connection with common early childhood sleep issues that are wholly unrelated to medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified health practitioner with questions regarding medical conditions or the health or welfare of your child. 

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