We all want our babies to sleep soundly and well, but getting them into a comfortable temperature can be tricky. Overheating is a concern for infants and it can increase their risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). On the other hand, if they are too cold they may struggle to get a good night’s rest.
As a general rule, experts recommend that you dress your baby in one extra layer than what you would wear in the same conditions. That’s a good rule of thumb for the summer, as it will help avoid overheating, but it is important to monitor your baby’s temperature throughout the night.
On warm nights a short-sleeve cotton bodysuit or muslin swaddle over a simple onesie or cotton pajamas is ideal. A hat can add an extra layer of warmth and is fine on warm days, but it’s best to take it off at night for safety reasons as it is a potential choking hazard.
In general, you should stick with breathable fabrics, and look for TOG ratings lower than 1 (the higher the TOG rating, the warmer the fabric). Look for natural or organic cotton, rayon, and linen. Avoid heavy terry cloth, or velour fabrics which aren’t air-permeable and can trap heat and moisture. You should also avoid clothing with drawstrings or ties, which could be a choking hazard.