How to Dress your baby for Sleep

Dressing Your Baby for Sleep – A Seasonal Guide

Knowing how to dress your baby at bedtime can feel like a bit of a guessing game – especially when the seasons start to change. Should you add another layer? Is the room too cool? Are their hands meant to be that cold?

To help take the guesswork out, we’ve put together a simple guide to dressing your little one for sleep using our Dimples sleeping bags and sleepwalkers, without any additional blankets.

A Gentle Reminder

Every baby is different, so this guide is just that – a guide. The best way to check if your baby is at a comfortable temperature is by feeling the back of their neck. It should feel warm, not hot or sweaty. Hands and feet can feel cooler and aren't always a reliable indicator.

Baby’s body temperature naturally dips during the early morning hours, so if your little one is waking more often than usual, it might be worth checking if they’re feeling a bit chilly.

And remember – when it comes to sleep, it’s safer for babies to be slightly cool rather than too warm.

Choosing the Right Layers

When dressing your baby, natural fibres like Merino wool or cotton are best. These breathable fabrics help regulate temperature and keep your baby comfortable through the night.

Merino in particular is a year-round superstar – its clever fibres trap warm air on cooler nights and allow heat to escape on warmer ones, making it ideal for all seasons. At Dimples, all of our garments are designed especially for keeping little ones cosy and safe.

We recommend having at least two sleeping bags or sleepwalkers on hand for each season, so you’re always prepared for the inevitable midnight messes.

Ideal Room Temperature

The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is between 16–20°C.

If you’re using a heater or heat pump, setting the thermostat to 18°C will help maintain a steady climate through the night without overheating.

Monitoring the Room

Many baby monitors display room temperature, which can be a helpful reference.
Alternatively, something like the Shnuggle Moon Nightlight can be used to keep an eye on the room temperature. It uses a handy colour display to show whether the room is sitting within the ideal range.

Signs Your Baby May Be Too Warm

• Waking more frequently than usual
• Sweaty back or neck
• Damp hair
• Shallow or rapid breathing

If you notice these signs, try removing a layer or adjusting the room temperature. A cool, damp cloth on the back of their neck can help if they’re feeling very warm – and always check for fever if you’re concerned.

Signs Your Baby May Be Too Cold

• Restless sleep or unusual movement around the cot
• Rolling onto their stomach
• Catnapping during the day
• Waking around 5am

If any of these sound familiar, consider adding a layer, using a warmer sleeping bag, or gently warming the room.

Dressing your baby for sleep doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few key pieces and a little trial and error, you’ll find the sweet spot that keeps them cosy and safe – all night long 😴

Explore our full sleepwear range to find breathable, natural fibre options for every season.
And if you’re ever unsure, we’re here to help.