As the weather turns colder, it’s only natural for parents to worry about keeping their little ones warm at night. While it’s important that babies stay comfortable, it is vital to remove the risk of overheating. So, how do you strike the right balance?
Here’s what The Lullaby Trust recommends for keeping your baby safe and snug during the colder months.
The Ideal Room Temperature
Your baby’s sleep space should be kept between 16–20°C. This is the safest and most comfortable range for babies.
You can use a room thermometer to help monitor the temperature, particularly during winter when central heating or portable heaters are in use.
How should baby sleep safely
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, in the feet-to-foot position with their feet touching the bottom of the cot. This helps prevent them from wriggling down under the covers.
Bedding and Layers
If you’re using sheets and blankets, make sure they’re tucked in securely and reach no higher than your baby’s shoulders. This prevents loose bedding from covering your baby’s head.
Choose lightweight blankets rather than heavy ones. If your baby seems chilly, add another light layer rather than a thick one. Remember: a folded blanket counts as two layers.
It’s easy to assume your baby needs lots of layers in cold weather, but babies can overheat quickly, so always check their temperature (more on that below).
what tog sleeping bag do I need?
If your baby sleeps in a sleeping bag, there’s no need to add extra blankets. Instead, use a higher tog bag or add an extra layer of clothing underneath.
Sleeping bags are designed to keep your baby warm without the risk of loose bedding. Just make sure:
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- The sleeping bag fits your baby properly, so they can’t slip down inside it.
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- You follow the manufacturer’s size and weight guidelines, as most are sized by weight rather than age.
- JoJo Mamam has a step by step guide.
Hats and Indoor Clothing
When your baby is indoors, remove their hat and any hoods. Babies lose excess heat through their heads, and wearing a hat indoors can cause them to overheat.
Also, make sure to remove outdoor clothing (like snowsuits or coats) when your baby is sleeping inside.
What Not to Do
Here are some key things The Lullaby Trust advises against:
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- Hot water bottles – Never use these in your baby’s sleep space. They can cause overheating and pose a burn or leak risk.
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- Weighted bedding – Avoid weighted swaddles, blankets, or sleeping bags for babies under one year.
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- Sleeping in hats or hoods indoors – Remove these once inside to prevent overheating.
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- Outdoor clothing indoors – Take off coats and snowsuits when your baby comes inside.
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- Cots near heat sources – Keep the cot away from radiators or heaters. If using a portable heater, ensure its directed away from your baby.
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- Cot bumpers – These may look cosy, but they can pose a risk of entanglement. It’s safest to avoid them entirely.
How to Check If Your Baby Is Too Hot
You can check your baby’s temperature by touching chest or the back of their neck to see if they’re too warm. It’s normal if they feel comfortably warm, but if they’re clammy or sweaty, remove a layer of bedding or clothing.
Don’t worry if your baby’s hands and feet feel cool, that’s completely normal for little ones!
Trust Your Instincts
If you’re ever worried about your baby’s temperature or wellbeing, always seek advice from your GP, health visitor, or another healthcare professional.
And above all, trust your instincts, you know your baby best.
If your little one is struggling with sleep, please do get in touch.
