How to dress your baby for summer sleeping

ergoPouch AU
A parent holds a baby wearing a light-colored long-sleeve layer while looking at a printed room thermometer and what to wear guide.Summer nights can be a dream… until you’re standing in your baby’s room at bedtime, wondering “Is my baby too hot?” You’re not alone. While dressing your little one for bedtime can feel straightforward during cooler months, summer often brings a new set of questions.

Babies are more sensitive to temperature changes than adults and are less able to regulate their body temperature. That is why it is important to know how to dress your baby safely and comfortably for sleep.

A key rule for safe and comfortable sleep is to choose the right sleepwear based on your baby’s room temperature. Using appropriately TOG-rated sleepwear can help reduce overheating while ensuring your baby stays comfortable throughout the night.

If you’re unsure what your baby should wear during warm summer nights, we’ve put together some guidelines to help make summer sleep simple.

An infant lies on their stomach on a white rug, wearing a green sleeveless sleeping bag.

So, what should a baby wear to sleep in summer?

The first and best place to start is by checking your baby’s room temperature. A few quick checks before bedtime can help remove your worries.

  1. Your What to Wear Guide plays a big role in helping you choose the right sleepwear. For the most accurate reading, place your room thermometer near your baby’s cot or bassinet. Avoid positioning it near windows, direct sunlight, or air conditioning vents, as this can affect the room temperature reading.

And if you don’t know yet, all ergoPouch Pouches* have a FREE Room Thermometer and What to Wear Guide in every pouch under 2 years. Easy!

*Included with all Swaddles, Sleeping Bags, Sleep Suit Bags, and Sleep Onesies up to size 8–24 months only. Not included with Layers or Pyjamas.

  1. Once you've checked the room temperature, refer to the What to Wear Guide to select the right TOG-rated sleepwear and clothing layers for your baby.

  2. Knowing whether your baby is too warm or too cold can sometimes feel like a guessing game. To check, feel your baby's chest or the back of their neck; they should feel comfortably warm, not hot, damp, or sweaty. It's normal for a baby's hands and feet to feel cool, and this is not usually a sign that they are cold. 

  3. Avoid dressing your baby in hats, beanies, or any head coverings during sleep, as these can increase the risk of overheating. It’s also best to avoid overwrapping or adding extra layers “just in case” the temperature drops overnight.

An overhead shot of a baby lying on their back in a wooden cot, wearing a pink cocoon swaddle bag over a cream-colored long-sleeve layer. An adult's hand gently rests on the baby's chest area.

Other ways to keep your baby cool when they’re sleeping

Choosing the right sleepwear is a great start, but there are a few other ways to help your baby sleep comfortably during warm summer nights.

Keep the room cool

Where possible, aim to maintain a sleep environment between 20-22°C. Air conditioning or a fan can help circulate air and reduce room temperature during warm weather.

Just make sure the airflow is not directly blowing straight at your baby.

Block out heat during the day

Close curtains, blinds or shutters during the hottest parts of the day to reduce heat building up in the room. Window blockouts can also help keep bedrooms cooler and darker for sleep.

A mum, seen from behind, is holding up a white blackout window covering to a bright window. She is unrolling the material against the glass to block out the incoming sunlight.

Encourage airflow

Fresh air can make a big difference. Keep air moving through the room by opening windows when it is safe and cooler outside. Good ventilation can help prevent the room from becoming stuffy overnight.

Choose breathable bedding

Use fitted sheets made from breathable natural fibres such as organic cotton. Avoid adding unnecessary clothing layers or bedding, which can contribute to overheating.

Keep the sleep space clear

A safe sleep environment should be free from pillows, bumpers, loose bedding and toys. A clear cot not only supports safe sleep recommendations but also helps prevent heat from being trapped around your baby.

Monitor your baby's room temperature

Keeping an eye on room temperature can help you make informed decisions about your baby's sleepwear throughout the night.

A baby lies on their back inside a wooden cot, wearing a blue cocoon swaddle bag. To the right of the cot, an informational ergoPouch "Room Thermometer and What To Wear Guide".

Some parents use the Drift Home Baby Monitor and Smart TOG Guide, which provides real-time recommendations on what to dress your baby in for sleep and sends notifications when the room temperature changes.

Explore our summer collection of baby sleepwear, sleeping bags, and sleep suits designed specifically for hot-weather sleep.

If you're unsure, learn more in our guide on how to check your baby's temperature.

Every baby is different, but choosing the right sleepwear for every season is one way to help keep your little one safe and comfortable in their sleep.


Happy Sleeping xx

 

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