Research shows that when a baby gets too hot it increases the risk of SUDI (sudden unexpected death of an infant). It is important that parents and carers know how to dress baby safely for sleep.
Preventing overheating
Babies mainly control their temperature through their head and face. This is why we recommend that you put baby to sleep on their back with head and face uncovered.
Always remember to remove head coverings for sleep. Baby’s feet should be at the bottom of the cot. If you’re using sheets or blankets, make sure they are firmly tucked in on three sides to prevent baby from wriggling down under blankets.
Room temperature
Red Nose does not recommend a specific room temperature for baby’s sleep as there is no evidence to show that a certain room temperature prevents sudden infant death.
As long as baby is put down for sleep on their back, and that baby is dressed appropriately for the room temperature – not over or under dressed – with their head and face uncovered, you can feel reassured that you are protecting baby from overheating.
We don’t believe that it’s necessary to use a room temperature monitor, or to leave the heating or cooling on all night.
To check if you baby is too hot or cold, feel baby’s tummy, which should feel warm. Don’t worry if baby’s hands and feet feel cool – this is normal. If tummy is cool, they may need another layer. If it’s hot and clammy, they are already showing signs of being too hot and will need some clothing removed or cooling down.
If your baby shows signs of heat stress, like flushed and clammy skin, remove some bedding or clothing. Then offer fluids, breast milk for babies under 1 year old or water for older children.
A fan that turns can help during hotter months. Make sure it doesn’t point at the baby, but moves the air in the room. Fans circulate the air and also provide white noise for baby, which can help them sleep more soundly. Research has shown that fans that move from side to side can help to reduce the risk of SIDS in some circumstances.
What should baby wear?
Dress your baby as you would dress yourself for the temperature of the room – so you feel comfortable, not too hot, not too cold.
The right sleepwear can help keep baby comfortable and safe. A good option is Bonds Wondercool – the only baby clothing approved by Red Nose for safer sleep.
In warmer weather, you can dress baby in a sleeveless and legless onesie, or with just a nappy and singlet. For cooler weather, a full suit will keep baby warm.
If you are using a sleeping bag, select the TOG that matches the temperature of the room. TOG is how warm the sleeping bag is so check the manufacturer’s guide to select the right TOG for the weather.
Always make sure your sleeping bag is safe – it should be fitted around the neck and have armholes or sleeves to allow baby to move their arms freely
For younger babies that are swaddled or wrapped, we recommend lightweight, breathable fabrics such as muslin and cotton. Wrapping must stop once baby starts to show signs of rolling which is typically around 3 months of age.
If you are using sheets and a blanket, make sure they are also lightweight and breathable muslin or cotton fabric. But never place soft items in the cot such as lambswool or overlays, as these increase the risk of overheating.
When dressing baby for sleep, remember to dress baby for the temperature of the room – comfortably warm, not too hot and not too cold.
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