Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag
Before discussing what to wear underneath, it's important to choose the right sleeping bag for your baby. Look for one with appropriate Tog ratings for the season. Tog ratings indicate the warmth of the sleeping bag and you can find out more in our Tog Guide. For Autumn and Winter, opt for a sleeping bag with a higher tog rating as these bags are designed to provide more insulation:
- a 2.5 Tog baby sleeping bag (room temperatures of 15-21 degrees)
- a 3.5 Tog baby sleeping bag (room temperatures below 18 degrees)
Layering for Comfort
The key to keeping your baby comfortable during the colder months is layering. Layering allows you to adjust your baby's clothing as the temperature fluctuates. Start with a base layer and add more clothing if needed. Here's a basic layering guide for your baby:
- Base layer: A long-sleeved onesie or baby pyjamas made of a breathable, moisture-wicking material like cotton. This layer should keep your baby's skin dry and comfortable.
- Mid-layer: Depending on the room temperature and the sleeping bag's Tog rating, you can add another layer of warmth, such as footed pyjamas.
- Sleeping bag: Place your baby in their sleeping bag. Ensure it fits snugly around the neck and armholes to prevent them from slipping inside.
We have created a handy Tog Table as a guide to what clothing children should wear in the sleeping bag at what temperature.
Footwear and Socks
Babies can lose a lot of heat through their extremities, so it's essential to keep their feet warm. If your baby's sleeping bag doesn't have built-in foot covers such as the Slumbersac Sleeping Bag with Feet, you can use baby booties or socks to keep their feet cosy. Just ensure the footwear isn't too tight to avoid restricting circulation.
Monitoring Temperature
To check if your baby is too hot or too cold, it's crucial to monitor their temperature and the room temperature:
- Feel the nape of your baby's neck. If they feel sweaty or hot to the touch, they may be too warm. In this case, remove a layer.
- If your baby's skin feels cool or their hands and feet are cold, add another layer or choose a sleeping bag with a higher Tog rating.
- Use a room thermometer to maintain the room temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C) for optimal comfort.
Safety Tips
While keeping your baby warm and comfortable is important, always prioritise safety:
- Avoid using blankets or quilts as they can pose a suffocation risk.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Ensure that the sleeping bag is the right size and fits your baby snugly around the neck and armholes. An ill-fitting sleeping bag can be uncomfortable and less effective at maintaining warmth.
By monitoring your baby's temperature and being attentive to their needs, you can make sure they are neither too hot nor too cold, providing them with the best conditions for a peaceful night's sleep and sweet dreams for your little one.
