Choosing baby sleep clothing: Factors to keep in mind

Before we dive into your tot’s seasonal sleepwear lookbook, let’s go over the non-negotiables — the elements every item of clothing should have:

First, let’s talk about safety. Clothes might not seem inherently dangerous, but safe sleep guidelines are a crucial consideration when picking out your little one’s nighttime attire. Avoid overly bulky or loose clothing — these could pose a suffocation risk. Instead, seek out snug-fitting garments made from breathable fabrics. This way, you’ll reduce the risk of overheating, too.

Second up: comfort. Babies are divas when it comes to textures, and their skin is pretty prone to irritation, so choose soft, natural materials where possible — cotton or bamboo are your best bets.

Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults either, so pay close attention to the ambient temperature of their room and dress them in snug-fitting layers that they can’t kick off. As a general rule, pop on one more layer than you’d wear.

And finally, diapers. Poop is an inevitability of parenthood, so plan for it. Late-night diaper changes are difficult enough as it is, so opt for outfits with quick access to ground zero. Complicated garments might look sweet in the daylight, but once you’ve grappled with cumbersome fastenings at 3 AM, you’ll understand what we’re talking about…

Dressing your baby for sleep through the seasons

To misquote Carole King: “Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, all you’ve gotta do is … dress your baby appropriately.”

Winter

Snugness is the order of the season in Winter, but the challenge lies in keeping your tot toasty without overheating them.

We recommend going with a long-sleeved onesie as a base layer, followed by footed pajamas crafted from thick cotton. A baby-safe sleep sack with a TOG rating of 2.5 can provide additional warmth too, without the need for any extra blankets.

Avoid hats, though. While, admittedly, rather adorable, headwear can increase the risk of overheating and pose a suffocation risk if it comes loose.

Spring

Being a transitional season, Spring can be tricky — especially if you’re somewhere where March, April, and May can often feel like unpredictable extensions of Winter!

Flexibility is your friend here. In warmer evenings, a short-sleeved onesie paired with some lightweight footed pajamas should be your go-to. If you’re dealing with chillier conditions, lean on layering to keep your little one comfy.

Summer

Those hot summer nights can prove tricky from a sleepwear standpoint. Yes, you’ve got to keep your baby cool, but you’ve also got to protect them from any draughts from fans, open windows, or air conditioning.

Generally, a short-sleeved onesie or even just a diaper covered by a lightweight sleep sack (TOG 0.5 or less) should be enough — but pay attention to your tot’s cues. If they seem fussy, that might indicate that a change of attire is required. If you notice clamminess or their skin seems flushed, try cooling them down by removing a layer.

Try to avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester. Breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or merino wool — all of which have excellent moisture-wicking properties — and will help keep your baby comfortable in the heat.

Fall

As Summer gives way to the cooler Autumn weather, it’s time to get cozy again. Layering is key here — a long-sleeved onesie paired with footed pajamas is a classic choice. A medium-weight sleep sack will also help your tot stay toasty — choose one with a TOG rating of 1.0 for particularly chilly evenings.

The best types of baby sleepwear

As you’ve likely gathered by now, there are loads of options when it comes to infant sleepwear. Whether you’re in the market for newborn sleepwear, or some cozy nighttime staples for a toddler, we’ve listed all possible options below:

Sleep sacks

The ultimate in coziness, a sleep sack is essentially a wearable blanket. They come in a range of TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) ratings, so they’re generally suitable for all seasons. Plenty of warmth, and no risk of entanglement — sleep sacks are an ideal, super-safe way to keep your little one comfortable, no matter the time of year.

Blankets

Blankets are a huge no-no for unsupervised sleep before your baby reaches 12 months of age, but if your tot’s settling down for a nap by your side, a blanket is just fine — just stick to breathable fabrics like muslin or fleece for ultimate comfort.

Footed pajamas

All the coziness, sans socks. Footed pajamas are uber-comfortable and most even come equipped with handy zippers, making nighttime diaper changes a piece of cake. They also provide a greater degree of movement for your baby once they’re up and about.

Onesies

The cornerstone of any baby’s wardrobe, onesies are super versatile and come in a range of sleeve lengths — shorter for warmer months, longer for chillier ones. They’re perfect as a base layer, or as a standalone piece, depending on the temperature.

Socks

Keeping your tot’s tiny toes warm is important, so stocking up on socks is always a good idea. Just keep in mind that they’re notorious for slipping off — especially on fussier babies. This is why the best baby socks have built-in soft elastic bands, allowing the socks to stay in place without digging in.

Mittens

Similar to socks, mittens are prone to be pulled off, so if you’re set on getting a pair or two, avoid any that have choking hazards like buttons, ribbons, or toggles. Mittens are also ideal if your tot tends to scratch their face.

Swaddles

Swaddling is a brilliant way to help your baby settle down, and a dedicated swaddling blanket is a worthwhile addition to any infant’s sleepwear collection. Swaddling reduces your tot’s startle reflex, making them less prone to frequent waking, but it’s important to follow safe swaddling guidelines at all times. Here’s a quick guide to safe swaddling:

1. Spread the swaddle blanket flat on a surface in a diamond shape. Fold down the top corner to create a straight edge, forming a small triangle.

2. Place your baby on their back with their shoulders just below the folded edge. Their head should be above the blanket to ensure nothing covers their face.

3. Gently straighten your baby’s left arm along their side. Take the left corner of the blanket and bring it across their body, tucking it snugly under their right side. Leave the right arm free for now.

4. Fold the bottom of the blanket up over your baby’s feet. Tuck the fabric into the top of the swaddle without restricting leg movement. The baby should be able to bend their legs freely to avoid hip issues.

5. Straighten your baby’s right arm along their side. Bring the right corner of the blanket across their body and tuck it snugly under their left side, creating a secure fit.

6. Ensure the swaddle is snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the swaddle and your baby’s chest. Their hips and legs should remain loose and able to move within the blanket.

How to tell if my baby is cold at night

Wondering if you’ve got a chilly tot? Thankfully, it’s fairly easy to tell if your baby’s in need of a little extra warmth. Look out for the following signs:

• Pale complexion

• Skin cold to the touch

• Frequent waking or fussiness

• Rosy red cheeks

• Lack of interest in feeding

If you notice one or more of the signs above, check the room temperature — the ideal range is between 68 and 72°F (20-22°C).

How to tell if my baby is too hot at night

Overheating is just as dangerous to your baby as being too chilly — especially as it’s linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. These are the signs to look out for:

• Sweaty neck or head

• Flushed, red or blotchy skin — particularly on the face

• Rapid breathing

• Increased lethargy or drowsiness

• Warm chest or back

If you notice any of the signs above, consider adjusting their clothing. If they’re wearing a few layers, remove one or two, or switch to lighter fabrics. Check the room’s temperature, remembering to keep it in the goldilocks zone of 68-72°F (20-22°C). Consider offering a feed too, just to keep their hydration levels up.

However, it’s important not to overcorrect. Cooling your baby too rapidly can be just as dangerous as leaving them to stew in sauna-like conditions — adjust the room’s temperature gradually.

Kitting your little one out with a wardrobe full of slumber-ready clothing items is crucial if you’re keen for your tot to get the most out of their naps — day or night. But it’s not just about their attire — there’s a fine art to putting your baby to bed, and every detail matters. For more information on the topic, head to our guide to baby’s room temperature or our article on baby sleep stages.

Reviewed by Rosey Davidson, Sleep Consultant, founder & CEO, in November 2024.