How to Dress a Baby for Sleep in Winter

How to Dress Baby for Sleep in Winter 

The best way to dress your baby for sleep in winter is to use a combination of breathable layers and specialized sleepwear designed for cold weather. Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults, so keeping them warm requires thoughtful planning which will help children sleep better. You’ll notice on some blankets and sleepwear there is a TOG rating. TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade. It is a unit of measurement used to calculate the thermal insulation of a product, commonly used in the textile industry. It indicates the degree of warmth you should expect from your sleep bag. The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleep bag. 

Here’s a simple layering strategy: 

1. Base Layer: Start with a soft, long-sleeved onesie made from breathable fabric like organic cotton. 
2. Outer Layer: Add a winter sleep sack for newborns or older babies. Sleep sacks provide warmth without the risks associated with loose blankets. Ergobaby’s sleeping bags are a safe, cozy option available in various TOG ratings.  
3. Optional Layer: For very cold rooms, consider footed pajamas or a lightweight swaddle sack beneath the sleep bag. 

Knowing how to dress baby at night involves more than just adding layers. Safety is, of course, a top priority, so follow these tips: 

1. Choose the Right TOG Rating: TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) measures the warmth of a fabric. A 2.5 TOG sleep sack is ideal for rooms with temperatures between 61–64°F. For slightly warmer rooms, a 1.0 TOG works well. 
2. Monitor Room Temperature: Keep your baby’s room between 60–68°F to ensure they don’t get too cold or overheat. Use a room thermometer to track temperature changes throughout the night. 
3. Layer Strategically: Over-layering can cause overheating. A single winter sleep sack for newborns or babies is often enough when paired with a warm onesie. 

Ergobaby’s range of TOG-rated sleep bags ensures your baby stays comfortable, no matter the room’s temperature. 

How to Keep a Newborn Warm at Night 

Keeping a newborn warm at night starts with dressing them appropriately and maintaining a safe sleeping environment. Unlike older children, newborns are especially vulnerable to temperature changes because they can’t regulate their body heat. 

Tips for Keeping Your Newborn Warm: 

• Swaddle Safely: A swaddle sack can keep your newborn snug and mimic the womb’s warmth. 

• Focus on Layers: A breathable onesie paired with a winter sleep sack provides optimal warmth. 

• Avoid Drafts: Position your baby’s crib away from windows, vents, or external walls. 

A winter sleep sack for newborns like Ergobaby’s swaddle sacks ensures they stay warm while allowing for safe movement during sleep. Here is more info on sleep safety for swaddlers and sleep sacks.  

Learning how to dress baby in winter is about more than just sleep. Whether they’re sleeping or lounging, layering helps your baby stay comfortable throughout the day and night. 

Essential Winter Sleepwear for Babies: 

• Swaddle Sacks: Perfect for newborns who enjoy being snug and secure. 

• Sleep Bags: A safe and warm alternative to loose blankets. 

• Footed Pajamas: Add an extra layer of warmth for colder nights. 

By focusing on layers and breathable fabrics, you can ensure your baby stays warm without overheating. 

At Ergobaby, we offer a range of products to help parents navigate the colder months with ease. From swaddle sacks for newborns to walking sleep bags for toddlers, our designs prioritize safety, comfort, and warmth. 

With these tips and the right sleep products, you’ll know exactly how to dress baby for sleep in winter. Say goodbye to chilly nights and hello to restful, cozy sleep for your little one! 

Combining Baby Carriers and Strollers

For the ultimate flexibility, consider using both a baby carrier and a stroller on your outings.

Combining both options allows you to adapt to different situations. Use the carrier for more rugged trails and switch to the stroller for smoother paths or when your baby needs a nap.

Transition Tips

• Smooth Transitions: Plan stops where you can easily switch from carrier to stroller.
• Pack Light: Only bring essentials to make transitions easier.

Tips for a Successful Adventure

Planning Ahead

• Route Planning: Choose baby-friendly trails and parks. Check local mom groups or outdoor groups and get recommendations for the best outings for kids.
• Check Weather Conditions: Avoid extreme heat or unpredictable weather. Even with our most breathable carriers, when it’s hot, it’s hot. And having two bodies against each other in the heat will be naturally hot and sticky already.
• Packing Checklist: Include diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. These all-position carriers have storage pockets where you can fit some of the items easily!
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and bring plenty of water for both you and baby.