How to Dress Baby for Sleep in Winter
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Winter Baby Sleepwear Guide: Stay Cozy
As the temperatures drop, ensuring your baby stays snug as a bug during sleep becomes even more important. But what changes come when winter rolls in? How many layers are just right? Should you add an extra blanket or switch up your sleep routine?
With a few simple tips, you’ll learn how to dress your baby for sleep in winter. They’ll stay warm, and you’ll rest easy knowing they’re as comfy as can be.
Table of Contents
Winter Baby Sleepwear Guide: Stay Cozy Understanding the Basics of Winter Sleep Safety for Babies Types of Sleepwear Materials to Keep Baby Warm Guidelines for Layering Baby’s Sleep Clothes Benefits of Using Baby Sleeping Bags for Winter Sleep Maintaining a Safe Room Temperature for Winter Nights Nestle Your Newborn in Comfort with Posh Peanut
Understanding the Basics of Winter Sleep Safety for Babies
Before you stock up on winter baby clothes and sleepwear, it’s essential to keep safe sleep practices in mind. These tips aren’t just for winter—they’re valuable all year long:
Remember the ABCs of safe sleep – The ABCs (alone, on their back, in a crib) are the key to safe sleep practices. This means your baby should sleep alone (without pillows, toys, or blankets), on their back, and in a bassinet or crib designed for infant safety.
Avoid overheating – While it’s tempting to bundle your baby up on chilly nights, too many layers can lead to overheating. Look for signs like flushed cheeks, sweaty or clammy skin, or unusual warmth.1 You can keep your baby comfy by using breathable fabrics and following TOG guidelines for sleepwear.2
Forego loose blankets – You might love curling up with a cozy blanket as you drift off to dreamland, but infants. don’t share that luxury. Instead of loose blankets in the crib, opt for a swaddle or sleep sack. They’re designed to keep your baby warm and secure without compromising safety.
Types of Sleepwear Materials to Keep Baby Warm
Cotton, bamboo, and flannel - oh my! With so many fabrics available, how is a caregiver to choose the best one for their little loves? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Cotton – Cotton is breathable and great for layering. However, while it provides moderate warmth, it lacks the insulating power of other materials, making it better for mild winter nights.
Bamboo – Viscose from bamboo is a standout choice, offering unmatched softness, excellent insulation, and natural breathability. It also wicks away moisture, keeping your baby dry and cozy throughout the night. Perfect for year-round comfort, viscose from bamboo blends luxury with practicality.
Synthetic materials – Fabrics like polyester and microfiber trap heat efficiently, making them warm and cozy. However, they are not always breathable which may increase the risk of overheating.
Guidelines for Layering Baby’s Sleep Clothes
Not sure how to dress a newborn in winter? Here are our top layering tips for keeping them perfectly toasty:
Base layers – In warmer climates, a long-sleeve bodysuit made from breathable fabric might be all your baby needs. For chillier temperatures, consider a one-piece with built-in mittens and footies to keep the baby’s hands and feet snug.
Top layers – For newborns, swaddles provide a secure, cocoon-like warmth that helps them feel safe and cozy. As your baby grows and transitions out of the swaddle, sleep bags are a terrific alternative, offering the same warmth while allowing freedom of movement.
Benefits of Using Baby Sleeping Bags for Winter Sleep
Swaddles are a dream for newborns, keeping them snug and secure while helping to soothe their startle reflex. But once your baby shows signs of rolling over, it’s time to transition to a baby sleeping bag, more traditionally known as a sleep bag or sleep sack.
Here’s why sleep bags are a winter essential:
They help littles maintain a consistent body temperature – Sleep bags are like a cozy hug that stays in place all night, offering steady warmth from shoulders to toes. And unlike traditional blankies, they can’t be kicked off, ensuring your little peanut stays comfy all night long.
They offer different TOG ratings – Baby sleeping bags come in varying Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) ratings to suit different temperatures. Opt for lower TOG ratings in milder climates or higher ratings for colder rooms (below 68°F), eliminating the need for excessive layering.
Maintaining a Safe Room Temperature for Winter Nights
Newborns have a harder time regulating their body temperature, so it’s important to set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature that’s safe for them. While many recommend a temperature between 68 and 72 degrees, the American Academy of Pediatrics foregoes listing a particular temperature. Instead, they suggest ensuring your baby is layered in the appropriate clothing for your particular climate.
Layering baby pajamas with lightweight, breathable fabrics and adding a swaddle or baby sleeping bag can help maintain your baby’s warmth and safety during winter nights.
Nestle Your Newborn in Comfort with Posh Peanut
Winter is the perfect season for relaxing snuggles, cherished family moments, and creating memories that will warm your heart for years to come. Make those chilly nights even more magical with Posh Peanut’s buttery-soft sleepwear.
Crafted from our signature Papook® viscose from bamboo fabric, our sleepwear is breathable, lightweight, and perfect for layering—keeping your little one comfortable all season long. Plus, it’s super-stretchy , so our pieces grow with your baby, lasting longer than traditional cotton clothes. Choose from vibrant prints and playful patterns that celebrate your baby’s unique personality and bring joy to every bedtime routine.
For sleepwear (and everyday wear) that wraps your entire family in comfort and style, choose Posh Peanut.
Sources:
1 Nationwide Children’s. Safe Sleep Practices for Babies.
2 Family Sleep Institute. Dressing Your Baby For Sleep – Understanding TOG Rating.
3 Sleep Foundation. What Is the Best Room Temperature for a Sleeping Baby?
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/best-room-temperature-for-sleeping-baby
