Winter. The months where we hibernate indoors and share plenty of cuddles with our minis. It's about this time of year; that we get many questions about how to keep child warm in winter at night, and rightly so, it's confusing. You don't want to underdress or overdress them. If just that sentence has you spinning, we got you.
Ideal room temperature for your little one to sleep
The ideal temperature for a nursery/bedroom whilst sleeping is 18Cº20Cº degrees, regardless of the season. We know that's not achievable for everyone, so our TOG rated range of swaddles, sleeping bags and sleep suits ensures your little one is dressed appropriately for varying temperatures.
So, you have your room temperature sorted, now what?
You guessed it: what is a TOG? If you're new to this and wondering what the heck a TOG is, let alone getting your head around swaddling, we have your back.
A TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and is a unit of measurement for insulation and warmth of sleepwear and bedding. Put simply, the lower the TOG rating, the lighter the fabric. The higher the rating, the more padded and insulated it is.
With TOG-rated sleepwear, you do not need additional blankets in your child's sleep space. TOG rated fabrics are an essential tool that helps take the guesswork out of choosing your baby's right winter sleeping garment.
All ergoPouch sleepwear is TOG-rated and made from breathable, natural fibres such as soft organic cotton with 5% elastane, which allows for stretch in all directions across the chest. As your baby cannot regulate their temperature like adults can, the layers they wear to sleep are integral to ensuring they are at just the right temperature.
What TOG is right for winter?
For winter, we suggest dressing your baby in a Swaddle, Sleeping Bag or Sleep Suit with a 1.0 TOG or 2.5 TOG rating.
1.0 TOG = suitable for a room temperature of 21 degrees Cº – 24 degrees Cº
2.5 TOG = suitable for a room temperature of 17 degrees Cº – 23 degrees Cº
Now, let’s get to it: how to dress baby for sleep in winter!
Start with a 2.5 TOG Pouch (Ideal for room temps between 17Cº -23Cº). If you have the heating on and your room is warmer in winter, opt for the 1.0 TOG (best for 21Cº – 24Cº).
We know babies and children sleep better in natural fibers for the simple reason that they improve breathability and keep your little one's body at an even temperature, resulting in safe and content sleep for your mini.
Additional layers are an essential item for chilly nights and days, for that matter. Wondering how to layer baby clothes for winter? As a baby sleeps around 16 hours a day, you'll find you don't need to dress them in their day clothes vs nightclothes – a comfortable Long Sleeve Layer that is easily put on and removed is all you need. Your baby would wear their Layer underneath their Swaddle.
When the colder winter months come around, it's sufficient to put your baby in a Long Sleeve layer and place a 2.5 TOG Cocoon Swaddle Bag or 1.0 TOG Cocoon Swaddle Bag on top (room temp dependent). This will ensure your baby comfortable and won't overheat.
And that's it, our uncomplicated guide for dressing your sweet baby boo how to dress your baby for winter and keep them warm at night. Fun fact, you will revive a FREE Room Thermometer with every purchase. This little beauty measures the temperature of your babe's room and recommends the right TOG and Layers. Did we mention it's free? And oh-so-helpful for sleep-deprived brains.
It's imperative to dress your child correctly to accommodate their room temperature while they're sleeping, as their little bodies are not as great at regulating temperature as our adult ones. Following our handy, What to Wear Guide will take the guesswork out for you.
Mama to Mama (and Dad) Tips
To check your baby's temperature, just put your hand on their chest, tummy or back. This is the best way to feel if they are too hot or too cold, rather than feeling their hands or feet. Often your baby's feet or hands will feel cooler than their core temperature;
A baby who's too warm may have damp hair or be sweaty, flushed and have a fast pulse. In this case, remove a layer of clothing, and you can even try moving your baby to another room that's a bit cooler;
A baby who's too cold may not want to feed, may become lethargic and difficult to wake. There are warnings that a baby being too hot or too cold can increase the risk of SIDS. It's imperative to dress your baby correctly to accommodate their room temperature while they're sleeping;
Often your baby's feet or hands will feel cooler than their core temperature, which is normal! As a baby is developing their circulatory system, their body gives their vital organs priority when it comes to blood. As babies and children use their extremities to get rid of heat when they feel too hot, don't make the mistake of covering hands and feet during sleep;
Babies control their temperature mainly through their head. The best way to stop them overheating is to place them on their back with the head and face uncovered;
Sleep baby on their back;
Keep head and face uncovered;
Position baby’s feet at the bottom of the cot;
Use a tightly fitted sheet only that tucks under the mattress
With love,
eP X