How to dress your baby for sleep according to the temperature

It's one of the questions that comes up most as soon as the cold arrives: how much should my baby wear to sleep? A baby who is too warm sleeps worse, and one who is cold wakes up. The good news is that three simple rules almost always get it right.

The extra-layer rule

As a guide, dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear to feel comfortable in the same room. If you sleep in light pyjamas, your baby can wear a bodysuit and pyjamas; if it's chilly, a bodysuit, pyjamas and a sleeping bag.

What to put on according to the temperature

The ideal room is usually cool, around 18–20 °C. From there:

• Above 24 °C: just a short-sleeve bodysuit or very light cotton pyjamas.
• Between 21 and 23 °C: footed cotton pyjamas and, if you like, a light sleeping bag.
• Between 18 and 20 °C: long-sleeve bodysuit + cotton pyjamas + sleeping bag, or thermal pyjamas.
• Below 18 °C: long-sleeve bodysuit + fleece pyjamas + a warmer sleeping bag.

Cotton, thermal or fleece?

Cotton breathes and works for most of the year. Thermal, with a slightly thicker fabric, is perfect for homes with gentle heating. Fleece is very warm yet lightweight: save it for the coldest nights or for homes without heating.

How to tell if they're cold or too warm

Hands and feet are often cold even when the baby is fine. Feel the back of the neck or the chest instead: if they're sweaty, remove a layer; if they're cold, add one.

For sleep, a sleeping bag is better than loose blankets, and no hat indoors.

Tricks that save nights

• Pyjamas with a two-way zip let you change the nappy without fully undressing your baby.
• Always keep a spare pair of pyjamas to hand: leaky nights happen.
• If you're torn between two sizes, choose the bigger one: the pyjama feet shouldn't be tight.

Every baby is different: if you have questions about their sleep or temperature, ask your paediatrician.