What Should My Baby Wear to Sleep? A Safe Sleep Style Guide (Minus the Tiny Blankets)
If you’ve ever stood over your baby’s crib at 2 a.m. wondering whether they’re too hot, too cold, or one goosebump away from turning into a popsicle—this post is for you.
Because here’s the thing: babies don’t come with thermostats, and sleep-deprived parents don’t always have time to scroll through 47 conflicting Pinterest infographics about TOG ratings. Let’s make it simple, safe, and yes—snuggly.
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their crib.
Sleep sac, white noise, dark room, regulate the temperature
🧠 First, the Facts: What Does the AAP Say?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:
Room-sharing (not bed-sharing) for the first 6–12 months. Although this is a recommendation it’s not one that I find most parents will follow. I know I didn’t. I actually slept worse with my babies too close to me as I would wake up with ever whimper and not able to get back to sleep.
A firm, flat sleep surface with no soft bedding
No loose blankets, bumpers, pillows, or toys in the crib, although some parents will choose to put a lovie in with their baby. Do what you are comfortable with.
Dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear to sleep
Translation? If you're cozy in pajama pants and a T-shirt, your baby probably just needs a footed sleeper or sleep sack—not a full duvet and a beanie.
🌡️ But What About Temperature?
The ideal room temp for baby sleep is 17–21°C. Too hot increases the risk of SIDS. Too cold? They’ll let you know—with a 4 a.m. protest. Colder is better than warmer. You want the baby to be warmer but not so much the air around them. Of course there will be heat waves now and again and depending on where you live, it may be hotter or colder all year round. Do what you can to make the temperate a safe one.
Use this general rule:
Cool room (under 17°C): Long-sleeve onesie + footed sleeper + TOG 2.5 sleep sack
Normal room (17–21°C): Short-sleeve bodysuit + footed sleeper 1.5 TOG to 2.5 TOG sack
Warm room (over 21°C): Just a short-sleeve bodysuit + 0.5 TOG - 1.5 TOG sleep sack or none at all
Some babies are much more sweaty than others, so also go by your baby and how their bodies react and or deal with the heat / cold
TOG Ratings 101:
0.5 TOG: Lightweight for summer or warm homes
1.0 TOG: Everyday use for moderate temps
2.5 TOG: Heavier for cool nights - this one is also the most generic and equivalent to 2 blankets and 1 sheet
🚫 Don'ts (Even If Grandma Suggests It)
No hats or beanies while sleeping
No swaddling after baby shows signs of rolling
No fleece pajamas and a heavy sack and the heater at 75—you're not raising a rotisserie chicken. Cotton sleepwear always for the win!
🧡 What Really Matters?
Safe sleep is about keeping your baby comfortable but not overheated, and following AAP guidelines even when the baby store down the street sells crib pillows "for decorative purposes only" (insert deep sigh).
And if you’re still not sure what to dress your baby in tonight?
📩 Connect with me, Dawn. I’ll help you sleep safer, smarter, and better—with no Googling required at 3 a.m.
