How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep in Summer and During Hot Weathe

Summer bedtime can sometimes feel a little uncertain. If you feel the same and would like to feel more prepared for this season, we are here to help. During the day, it is often easier to decide what to dress your baby in, but in the evening the same questions often come up: will they get cold? Or will they become too warm during the night? It is natural to worry, especially as we check on our children less often while they are asleep. Several hours may pass before we wake and can see whether they are too warm or feeling chilly.

Summer weather can also be unpredictable. After a pleasant 23-degree evening, the air may cool down by early morning, while during a heatwave the bedroom may still be 28 to 30 degrees even around midnight. That is why there is no single perfect rule for dressing your baby for sleep. The most important thing is to consider the actual room temperature, your baby’s age and their individual comfort level.

What Should My Baby Wear to Sleep in Summer? LiaaBébé’s Short Guide 

According to LiaaBébé’s recommendation:

• in a 20 to 23 degree room, a short-sleeved or long-sleeved baby bodysuit with a 0.5 or 1.5 TOG baby sleeping bag can be a good choice
• between 24 and 26 degrees, a short-sleeved baby bodysuit and a thin sleepsuit are usually enough, or a 0.5 TOG baby sleep bag instead
• above 27 degrees, many babies are comfortable in just a baby bodysuit
• at around 30 degrees or above, your baby may even sleep in just a nappy
• newborns usually need one thin extra layer
• the best way to check whether the outfit is right is by feeling the back of the neck and the back

If your baby’s back feels sweaty or damp, remove one layer. If their back feels cool, they may need an extra layer. Even in warmer temperatures, some little ones may find it comforting to be lightly covered with a thin, breathable muslin cloth.

Your Baby’s Age Still Matters in Summer 

In the first few weeks, newborns are not yet able to regulate their body temperature effectively. This means that at the same room temperature, a newborn will usually need more clothing than a baby who is a few months old.

Newborns:

• can lose heat more easily
• adapt less easily to changes in their surroundings
• do not move around much yet, so they do not generate much body heat through movement

That is why gentle layering is important even in summer, especially during the first 4 to 6 weeks. This can also apply to older babies, although they are usually a little less sensitive.

The familiar rule can still be helpful: dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear to feel comfortable at the same temperature.

During a Heatwave, Overheating Can Be the Bigger Risk 

An overdressed baby may:

• sleep more restlessly
• wake more often
• become sweaty
• develop skin rashes

When it comes to summer sleep, less is often more. If you are unsure, start with a lighter outfit and watch how your baby responds.

Why Use a Baby Sleeping Bag in Summer Too? 

A baby sleeping bag is not just for winter. Summer versions are available too. The key detail to look at is always the TOG rating, as this tells you how much warmth the item provides.

A lightweight baby sleeping bag with a low TOG rating can be comfortable in warmer weather because:

• it will not slip off your baby
• it cannot move up over their face
• it helps provide a more even level of warmth
• it can be a safer option than a traditional baby blanket

For more active little ones, a sleeping bag with feet is an especially popular choice.

Which TOG Rating Should You Choose in Summer? 

The TOG rating shows how warm a baby sleeping bag is.

According to LiaaBébé’s recommendation:

• 0.5 TOG: for rooms between 22 and 25 degrees
• 1.5 TOG: for rooms between 20 and 23 degrees
• 2.5 TOG: for rooms between 18 and 21 degrees

Always choose based on the actual room temperature, not simply the season.

The Right Baby Clothing Material Is Especially Important in Summer 

In warm weather, it is not only about how many layers you put on your baby. The fabric those layers are made from matters too.

Well-ventilated, more natural-feeling fabrics can help to:

• draw moisture away
• reduce sweating
• provide a more even sense of comfort

Bamboo viscose can be a much-loved choice because it is soft, breathable and has excellent moisture-absorbing qualities.

From Baby Bodysuits to Sleepsuits: Summer Clothes in Beautiful Colours 

At LiaaBébé, appearance and design matter alongside high quality. We wanted to create a cheerful, colourful collection that brings joy to babies and families alike. That is why we chose shades and patterns that feel sweet, gentle and smile-worthy.

Our short-sleeved and long-sleeved baby bodysuits are available in many colours, including apple green, honey yellow, lavender purple, lagoon blue, moon blue, peach, almond, ocean blue, mint green and chilli red.

Your favourites are the sleepsuit and romper with feet. These also feature adorable patterns such as dino dots, strawberries and giraffes, alongside some of our loveliest colours: honey yellow, lavender purple, pale blue, peach, almond, water blue, mint green, ocean blue and soft marshmallow pink.

Our baby sleeping bags are made for babies as well as toddling children. Alongside the colours listed above, baby sleep bags are also available in apple green and grey. The sleeping bags with feet are complemented by shades such as vanilla, grey, ice grey, light green, dark green and aubergine purple.

How Can You Check Whether You Have Dressed Your Child Correctly? 

The best method is to check the back of the neck and the back.

What you may notice:

• pleasantly warm skin: ideal
• sweaty or damp neck: your baby is too warm
• cool back or mottled skin: another layer may be needed

Hands and feet alone are not a reliable guide, as they are often cooler than the rest of the body.

Experiences From You 

Many of you have told us that in summer it was harder to find suitable sleepwear for your child. In less breathable fabrics, your baby woke more often and slept more restlessly. When you tried bamboo viscose baby clothing, the feedback was immediately positive. Not only because of the fabric’s temperature-regulating feel, but also because of its beautifully soft touch and extra stretch.

FAQ: Summer Sleep and Dressing Your Baby 

Should My Baby Wear Socks to Sleep in Summer?

In warm weather, socks are usually not necessary. They may be useful if your baby’s feet feel particularly cold to the touch, or if the room temperature drops significantly during the night.

How Do Air Temperature and Body Temperature Change During Sleep?

During sleep, the temperature of the room may fluctuate, for example because of heating or ventilation. At the same time, body temperature follows a natural rhythm: it tends to drop slightly as we fall asleep, then gradually rises again towards morning. Because of this double change, it is important that your baby’s outfit can adapt well and that they are not too warm or too cold during the night.

Do Babies Need Different Outfits for Daytime and Night-Time Sleep?

Often, yes. During the day, your baby may be more active, so fewer layers may be enough. At night, when they stay still for longer, a slightly warmer outfit may be needed.

Other Summer Accessories 

It is worth remembering baby clothing accessories too, especially when you are heading outdoors. Outside, there are more environmental factors to consider, including sunshine, high UV levels, strong wind, rain, heat and mosquitoes, so it helps to be prepared.

The Secret to Peaceful Summer Sleep 

When it comes to summer sleep, there is no universal rule that works for every child. Room temperature, your baby’s age, how much they move and their individual comfort level all influence what will feel right for them. If you choose natural-feeling, breathable fabrics, pay attention to your baby’s cues and regularly check the back of their neck, you will soon find the outfit combination that helps your child sleep safely and comfortably even on the warmest summer nights.

Written by Mónika Veres

Sources:

The Lullaby Trust — Your baby’s room temperature

The Lullaby Trust — Safer sleep in hot weather