Why your baby’s comfort matters during sleep, and how to create it

When choosing what your baby should wear, always use the room temperature rather than the season as your guide.

As a general guideline:

• dress your baby in one more layer than you would comfortably wear at the same temperature

• at 18 to 19°C, layering may work well: for example, a baby bodysuit with a sleepsuit and a 2.5 TOG baby sleeping bag

• at 20°C a short-sleeved baby bodysuit, a sleepsuit and a 1.5 TOG baby sleeping bag may be suitable, or you could use a baby blanket; another option may be a long-sleeved baby bodysuit with a 2.5 TOG baby sleeping bag

• at around 22 to 23°C a baby bodysuit and sleeping bag are usually enough

• at around 24°C a short-sleeved baby bodysuit with a sleepsuit or a 0.5 TOG baby sleeping bag may be suitable

• newborns may sometimes need one extra lightweight layer, such as a thin sleepsuit

Freedom of movement during sleep

Babies move a great deal while they sleep. They often pull their legs up into a curled position, turn onto their side, stretch or kick.

If their clothing is too tight or restrictive, it may limit these natural movements. For example, a baby may pull their legs underneath them, but a tight romper or sleepsuit may make it harder to stretch out comfortably afterwards. This can cause discomfort and may even wake them.

Clothing should not press or rub against the skin

We also find it difficult to fall asleep when a seam presses into our back or elastic digs into our skin. A baby’s skin is even more sensitive, so it is especially important that nothing causes irritation.

Discomfort may be caused by:

• thick or stiff seams

• scratchy labels

• elastic that is too tight around the ankles, wrists or waist

• hard poppers that may press against the chest or tummy when lying on the front

• clothing that bunches up and presses against the back or side

Keeping the skin feeling dry

If your baby becomes sweaty, damp clothing can quickly feel uncomfortable. Sweaty skin may cool down, while moisture can irritate sensitive baby skin. This may cause your baby to wriggle more or wake more often. For babies with sensitive skin, sweating may also contribute to skin rashes.

The right clothing size

Clothing that is too small or close-fitting may pull around the shoulders, chest or legs, while clothing that is too large may bunch up or ride upwards. Choosing clothing that fits your baby properly is therefore important. If the fabric is also flexible enough to move with your baby, it is less likely to feel tight or restrictive while they wriggle and change position.

Breathable fabrics

Babies are still developing their ability to regulate body temperature, which can make them more sensitive to overheating. If their clothing does not allow enough airflow, they may become sweaty more easily. This can feel uncomfortable and may also disturb their sleep. In a warm, damp environment, babies may wriggle more and wake more easily.

Breathable fabrics can help release excess heat and moisture, allowing your baby’s skin to stay drier and more comfortable during the night. A more balanced temperature may support calmer rest and reduce some of the external discomforts that can interrupt sleep.

Small discomforts we may not always notice

These may include:

• elastic on a sock pressing too tightly around the ankle

• the foot section of a sleepsuit being too short and pulling against the toes or top of the foot

• poppers feeling tight when your baby lies on their front

• clothing riding up the back and leaving the lower back uncovered

• a seam or label pressing against the same area of skin throughout the night

Each of these may seem like a small detail, but for a baby they can be enough to make sleep more restless, cause more frequent waking or make it harder to settle into deeper rest.

Comfortable sleep does not depend on one single factor. A suitable temperature, freedom of movement, soft and well-fitting clothing, and the absence of irritating details all work together to create a more comfortable sleep environment for your baby.

What our customers tell us

The feedback we receive from mums who use LiaaBébé baby clothing means a great deal to us. They most often mention comfort and beautiful design. Our bamboo baby clothing has a flattering cut, feels light and is highly flexible. This flexibility is especially helpful because the fabric moves with the baby and does not feel tight or restrictive.

Bamboo viscose is breathable, and its properties may help support a comfortable temperature. It feels light and airy in warmer weather, while in cooler conditions it may help retain warmth. This can make both clothing and sleeping bags feel more comfortable for your baby.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether my baby is too warm or too cold during sleep?
The easiest way to check your baby’s temperature is to feel the back of their neck. If it feels warm and damp, this may suggest that your baby is wearing too many layers or is too hot. If the back of the neck or chest feels cold, they may need an extra layer. Hands and feet are not always a reliable guide, as they can naturally feel cooler than the rest of the body.

How many layers should my baby sleep in?
There is no single rule that works for every baby. Room temperature and individual warmth needs both matter. As a general guideline, babies often wear one more layer than an adult would wear in the same environment.

Does the stretch of baby clothing matter for sleep?
During sleep, babies naturally stretch, pull their legs up and turn. If their clothing is not flexible enough, these movements may feel restricted. This can lead to discomfort and more frequent waking.