Sleeping

• When sleeping, babies can wear swaddle suits or wraps if they’re a newborn as they replicate the familiar comfort and security of the womb. As they grow, opt for sleepbags and sleepsuits which are ideal for ages six to thirty-six months. 

• You should adapt what your baby wears to bed as they grow and develop, ensuring they don’t feel restricted. For example, as they begin to become more mobile, use sleepsuits with built in legs (or Steppees) so they can move freely before bed and when they wake up in the morning.  

We all know that safe sleep is incredibly important for babies, whether newborn or older. But with so many different sleepwear options available, it can be difficult to know what your baby should wear to bed to ensure they stay safe, and get the deep, restorative sleep they need to support healthy growth and development.  

So, we've gathered everything you need to know about baby sleepwear, including how to choose the right sleepwear based on the season and temperature, into one handy guide.  

How to dress your baby for sleep 

As your baby grows and develops, their sleepwear needs to evolve too, so they stay comfortable, and not restricted.  

Keep on reading to learn about the different sleepwear styles available for each stage, which align with baby sleepwear safety regulations and standards. 

In general, it's good to dress your baby in clothes that you can easily remove with as little disturbance as possible. This will come in handy if they need to be changed during the night! 

Baby swaddle suits 

Swaddling younger babies using a purpose-built swaddle wrap or suit can keep them warm and help them sleep. It means there’s no need for loose sheets or bedding, and also minimises their Moro reflex (when their arms suddenly jerk up while asleep), giving them a cosy, secure feeling that reminds them of being in the womb. 

If you choose to use a blanket to swaddle your baby, it's critical to ensure that all loose ends are tucked in, so they don't become a choking hazard or get tangled up during the night. 

When should you stop swaddling babies? 

Babies should stop being swaddled when they're able to roll over independently. Tommee Tippee swaddlebags have poppers on the arms, so you can let your baby's arms out, one at a time, or both at once. 

Baby sleepbags 

Sleepbags are suitable for babies aged between six and thirty-six months. They're a great alternative to swaddling once your child has grown out of swaddling, is bigger, and a little more mobile. They’ll still feel safe, cosy, and secure with their legs zipped into their sleepbag, but can stretch out with their arms loose. 

Baby sleepsuits

Similar to sleepbags, but with legs and foot covers, our Steppee sleepsuits keep toddlers cosy and comfortable 18 six to 36 months. They’re perfect for babies who have found their feet and want to toddle around before bed and when they wake up in the morning.  

Can babies wear socks to bed? 

Yes, babies can wear socks to bed (as long as they’re comfortable and the room they’re sleeping in isn’t too warm) but they’re not always necessary.  

Socks can help keep your baby cosy if their feet tend to get cold, especially during the cooler winter months. 

Choose soft, breathable socks that aren’t tight around the ankles. You want warmth, not restriction. 

Avoid loose socks that could slip off and become a hazard in the crib. Some parents prefer footed sleepsuits or sleep sacks with covered toes as a safer alternative. 

Can a baby wear a fleece sleepsuit to bed? 

Yes, a baby can wear a fleece sleepsuit to bed, but it depends on the room temperature. Fleece is very insulating, so it’s easy for babies to overheat if the room is already warm. 

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind: 

• Room temperature: The ideal sleeping environment is around 16–20°C (61–68°F). If the room is warmer, fleece may be too much. 
• Layers: If you use a fleece sleepsuit, avoid adding extra thick blankets or heavy sleep sacks. A lightweight sleep sack over cotton pyjamas can be a better balance. 
• Check for overheating: Feel the back of your baby’s neck or chest. If they’re sweaty or hot to the touch, remove a layer. 

Fleece can be cosy in cooler rooms or winter months, but cotton or bamboo sleepsuits are often better for regulating temperature most of the year. 

What is the safest material for baby sleepwear? 

The safest material for baby sleepwear is organic cotton. It's gentle on the skin, breathable, hypoallergenic and free from any chemicals. 

H2: Baby sleepwear for babies with sensitive skin 

When shopping for babies with sensitive skin, you should always opt for sleepwear made from gentle, breathable fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo or lightweight merino wool. These are all extra-soft and naturally hypoallergenic.  

Alway avoid synthetic materials, clothing made with harsh dyes, itchy seams and tight elastic.  

What should a baby wear to sleep in each season? 

Small babies find it difficult to regulate their own body temperature the same way we can as adults. The NHS states that "overheating can increase the risk of SIDS", so it's important that you make sure the tog of their sleepwear is appropriate for the temperature of their nursery throughout the year. 

How to tell if your baby is too hot or cold in their sleep 

Remember, no matter the season or temperature, you should always check on your baby to make sure they don't overheat while they sleep. As a general guide, it's better for them to be cool than too hot. 

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in the same room with you for the first six months. This will be especially helpful in judging the temperature they will be sleeping at. 

The Lullaby Trust suggests feeling "your baby's chest or the back of their neck to check if they’re too hot or too cold (your baby's hands and feet will usually be cooler, which is normal). If your baby's skin is hot or sweaty, remove one or more layers of bedclothes." 

Signs baby is too hot while sleeping: 

• Feeling hot or sweaty to touch on their tummy, neck or back 
• Having damp hair 
• Flushing in the cheeks 
• Increased breathing rate 

Signs baby is too cold while sleeping: 

• Feeling cold to touch on their tummy, neck or back 

• Becoming lethargic and slow to respond 

Knowing what a baby should wear to bed is easy as long as you keep an eye on their and their environment’s temperature. If you found this article helpful, discover our advice on baby sleep challenges.