How to dress your baby for sleep in autumn and winter
by Folk & Thread
As the weather cools and the seasons change, many parents reach for cosy clothes, warm blankets, and extra layers to keep their little ones snug. While bundling up is perfect for outdoor walks, it’s easy to make the mistake of overdressing your baby indoors.
Overheating is one of the biggest risks during sleep, which is why knowing how to dress your baby safely through autumn and winter is so important.
Why babies can overheat in winter
Research from the 1990s found that babies were often dressed more warmly in winter than in summer—even though indoor temperatures were actually higher in the colder months because of central heating. This shows why it’s essential to pay attention to room temperature, not just the season.
The ideal room temperature for baby sleep
Safe sleep guidance recommends keeping your baby’s room between 16°C and 20°C. This range helps prevent overheating while keeping your baby comfortable.
- If the room is cooler, add layers of clothing under the baby sleep bag.
- If the room is warmer, use lighter layers.
- A 2.5 tog baby sleeping bag works well for most homes in autumn and winter
- For modern, well-insulated homes that stay warm consistently, a 1 tog baby sleep bag may be more suitable year-round.
Remember: Every home is different. Monitor your baby’s room temperature and adjust accordingly.
Why layering is best
Layering allows you to adapt quickly to changing conditions without overheating your baby. Think of the baby sleep bag as the base layer, then adjust clothing underneath:
- Cooler nights → add a long-sleeve vest or sleepsuit.
- Warmer nights → stick to a lightweight vest or bodysuit.
This way, you don’t need multiple sleeping bags for each season—you can adjust with layers.
Check out our what to wear guide for specifics.
Fresh air and ventilation for baby’s sleep
Along with temperature, fresh air is important. Try to open your baby’s bedroom window for at least 10 minutes a day to allow ventilation and keep the room feeling fresh, even in cooler months. Proper airflow helps regulate temperature and creates a healthier sleep environment.
Dressing your baby indoors vs outdoors
If you’re using a 3m+ Folk & Thread baby sleep bag, remember that it can also be used in a pushchair and the newborn style can be used in a lie-flat pram. When dressing your baby inside the bag:
- Dress them for indoor conditions—not as if they’re going outside.
- When heading outdoors, add extra layers like a jacket or hat.
- When you return home, always remove those outer layers immediately.
Important: Babies should never wear hats indoors while sleeping, as this increases the risk of overheating.
Snuggling up safely this season
Autumn and winter are wonderful seasons to get cosy with your little one. By focusing on room temperature, safe layering, and ventilation, you can make sure your baby stays snug, safe, and comfortable all night long.
