USE CODE EXTRA10 FOR 10% OFF - HURRY ENDS SOON

Village Kids Payment Plans Contact us sales@villagekids.co.uk to find out more
Keep In The Know Sign Up Today

Tips for Dressing Your Baby For Sleep

Sleep is an important part of a baby’s development, and it is vital to keep your child safe and comfortable at night. 

With so many clothing options and guidelines on how to dress and care for your baby during sleep, finding the right routine for your child can be stressful. However, at Village Kids, we’re here to take some of the weight off your shoulders. 

Our guide to dressing your baby for sleep will provide some clothing tips, instructions on monitoring and addressing your baby’s temperature during the night, and essential tips for safe sleeping. 

What to Dress Your Baby in During the Night

Babies are known to move and wiggle in their sleep, waking up at all hours of the night and pulling on anything and everything around them.

So it’s okay to be stumped when it comes to dressing your baby for bed. The best place to start is opting for tight-fitted clothing (that doesn’t restrict movement or make it harder to breathe).

It’s important to make sure your baby is warm and supported enough when sleeping without bundling them in too many layers. Here’s what type of clothing you should dress your baby in during the night:

1. Sleepsuits 

This is most parents' primary choice for dressing their baby for sleep. 

As these are designed for sleep, you can’t really go wrong! However, this goes beyond just placing them in a cute onesie and calling it a day. 

You should opt for soft fabrics, like cotton, that won’t irritate the skin. Also, choose items with easy-clip mechanisms or buttons in case you need to remove clothing quickly. 

2. Pyjama sets

Pyjama sets offer more freedom of movement and are more breezy to sleep in. 

With a variety of cute designs available, you can choose from all-in-one pyjamas, such as our Navy Star All-In On, or matching tops and bottoms. 

We also have a variety of babygrows fitted with built-in mittens and socks, with options that are perfect for sleeping in. 

3. Swaddles 

Swaddling your child can help comfort them to sleep, leading to better sleep quality and fewer disturbances during the night. 

It's completely your decision as a parent whether you want to swaddle your child. However, you must do it right.

  1. Spread out a blanket and fold the top corner down.
  2. Lay the baby down with their head on the folded corner.
  3. Fold the right side of the blanket over the baby and tuck it under the left side.
  4. Fold the bottom corner over their feet.
  5. Then, fold the left side of the blanket over, tucking it under the right side.
  6. Check that your baby can move freely and that it’s not too tight around the hips and chest. 

At Village Kids, we have a great selection of swaddles, such as our beautiful Pink Carousel Swaddle and Hot Air Balloons Swaddle

However, once children start to move and roll, avoid swaddling them, as this can cause safety risks. 

4. Mittens and socks

If your baby is causing themselves pain by scratching at their face or body during the night, mittens and socks are a great way to protect their skin. 

These also keep the hands and feet warm during the night. 

5. Blankets and sleeping bags

Blankets and sleeping bags can add an extra layer of warmth and are a great alternative for children who are too old for swaddling.

If you're using a thicker blanket, opt for lightweight materials like bamboo and cotton, and dress your baby lightly underneath. 

Main Takeaways 

  • Opt for soft, comfortable fabrics like cotton and 100% natural materials. 
  • Choose sleepwear with easy opening mechanisms.
  • Avoid sleepwear with loose buttons, embellishments, or features that could cause a choking hazard. 
  • Swaddle your baby safely and stop once they get to an age where they can freely move about.

Seasonal Dressing Guide 

When dressing your baby for sleep during different seasons, keep these guidelines in mind for sleeping bags and blankets:

  • 0.5 tog: Perfect for summer or rooms over 24°C.
  • 1.0 tog: Great for spring/autumn or rooms between 20-23°C.
  • 2.5 tog: Ideal for winter or rooms around 16-20°C.

Spring and Autumn

Dress your baby in a base layer, such as a short-sleeved bodysuit, and add a sleepsuit over it. For cooler nights, opt for a sleeping bag with a tog rating of 1.0.

Summer

If the temperature is above 24°C, dress your baby in a short-sleeved bodysuit or just a nappy.

A low-tog sleeping bag (0.5 tog) will keep them comfortable without causing overheating. 

Winter

When the weather gets colder, place your baby in long-sleeved bodysuits and layer them with a warm fleece or cotton sleepsuit.

Opt for a sleeping bag with a 2.5 tog for extra insulation, and add mittens and cosy socks to keep the extremities warm.

Signs Your Baby is Too Hot

It’s important to monitor your child throughout the night, making sure they’re safe and sleeping properly. 

If your child is overheating, you will notice the following:

  • Damp hair or sweaty skin
  • Rapid breathing or fussiness
  • Chest or back are warm to the touch
  • Flushed cheeks 

How to Address

  • Remove any additional layers, such as outer clothing, blankets, or sleepsuits.
  • Use a fan or adjust the thermostat until the room is between 16-20 °C.
  • Check whether they’re hydrated and need additional breast-feeding or formula.

Signs Your Baby is Too Cold

It’s better for your child to be cooler rather than too hot when sleeping. However, being too cold may disturb their sleep or cause illness. 

While cold hands or feet alone don’t always mean they’re cold overall, the following can suggest your baby is too cold:

  • Blue or blotchy hands and feet
  • Tummy or neck cool to the touch
  • Shivering or restlessness 

How to Address 

  • Warm them up by cuddling them for a short period to transfer body heat.
  • Add layers, such as a vest, sleepsuit, or extra blanket.
  • Adjust the room temperature to 18-20 °C.
  • Place them in socks or mittens to keep their hands and feet warm (if necessary).

How to Check Your Baby’s Temperature 

To check your baby’s temperature, placing your hands on their neck and tummy is the best place to start. These areas reflect their core temperature better than their hands or feet.

If their temperature seems unusual, use a digital thermometer, placing it under their arm for a quick and accurate reading. For older babies, use ear thermometers, as these are more accurate. 

Although it can be hard to do so, try to avoid overchecking your child during the night, as this can disturb them more than necessary.

Keeping Your Baby Safe When Dressing For Sleep

Once your baby reaches an age where they can move freely during sleep (usually around 12 months), switch to light blankets, as loose blankets in the cot are not recommended; they can cause risks of suffocation. 

When covering your baby with a blanket, tuck it under the mattress for a secure hold and place it lower on their chest and arms to avoid it covering their face.

Remove any outdoor clothing, such as hats, booties, and coats, when indoors to protect your child from overheating. Your child’s room should be around 16 to 20 degrees Celsius, as the temperature of the room greatly impacts their sleep.

Shop Safe and Cosy Sleepwear at Village Kids

Now that you’re ready to dress your baby safely and comfortably during the night, why not add some cute sleepwear to their wardrobe?

At Village Kids, we offer a selection of high-quality designer kidswear at great prices, keeping your baby cosy during every season. 

Our selection of babies’ clothing from brands like Monnalisa and Gant has everything you need for stylish, versatile outfits for every situation.