One of the biggest questions we ask ourselves as parents is how do we know if our baby is too warm, too cold or just right?! It's the cause of much angst and sleepless nights to monitor baby and keep to safe sleep guidelines to ensure your sleeping baby does not overheat.
Thankfully this is easily solved with a room thermometer placed in your baby's nursery. There is many on the market and ones that glow allow you to quickly asses if you need to make any adjustments to your baby’s bedding. The recommended room temperature for a baby to sleep in is between 16-20°C (60-68°F). You can adjust how you dress your baby depending on how warm or cool the room is.
By simply removing the guesswork out of this and following TOG-rated recommendations you can rest assured your baby is comfortable and safe. Babies control their temperature predominantly through the face and head. Sleeping baby on their back, with their head and face uncovered is the best way to protect baby from overheating. If you’re still unsure a good way to check baby’s temperature is to feel the baby’s back or tummy, which should feel warm (don’t worry if baby’s hands and feet feel cool, this is normal).
What is a TOG?
A TOG is a unit of measurement for insulation and warmth of sleepwear and bedding. The lower the TOG rating the lighter the fabric.
- 0.5TOG is perfect for summer when the room temperature is 24 degrees +
- 1.0TOG is mid-season when the room temperature is 20 - 24 degrees
- 2.5TOG is your go to for the winter months when room temperature 16 - 22 degrees
The other advantage of using a safe baby sleeping bag is you eliminate any loose blankets in the cot and therefore reduce the risk of anything covering your baby's face. Avoid dressing your baby in hats, especially indoors, as babies release heat through their heads. Also, avoid loose blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals in the cot as these items can increase the risk of suffocation.
Dressing your baby appropriately for sleep is crucial to their comfort and safety. Always prioritise breathable fabrics, layer smartly based on the room temperature, and ensure your baby doesn’t overheat. Following these guidelines will help your little one sleep soundly and safely through the night.
How to dress baby for sleep