What should a baby wear to sleep in summer?

The question every parent finds themselves asking is "how do I dress my baby in summer for sleep?" With warmer nights rolling in, dressing your baby for sleep can feel like solving a tricky puzzle.

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your home’s climate, whether you have air conditioning or a fan, and, of course, your baby’s preferences. The key is to focus on the temperature of their room, not the weather outside.

Here’s your complete baby sleepwear guide to help your little one snooze happily and safely during the summer months.

Knowing what should my baby wear to bed becomes a lot simpler when you focus on the room’s temperature rather than the outside weather.

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Choosing the right fabrics

What your baby wears to bed is as important as how you dress them. Choosing breathable and natural fabrics can help regulate their temperature, prevent overheating, and keep them comfortable all night long.

Organic cotton and bamboo fabrics are excellent options as they’re hypoallergenic, gentle on delicate skin, and sustainably made.

Dress Baby in Summer-Weight Clothing Materials

Choosing cool and breathable fabrics is essential to keep your little one from overheating. Our newborn summer clothes, including summer sleepsuits and footless baby grows, are made from organic cotton and bamboo.

These fabrics are gentle on delicate skin and have amazing benefits—they’re naturally breathable, thermoregulating and moisture-wicking, so your baby stays at the perfect temperature all night.

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Use lightweight layers

Babies can’t regulate their temperature like we do, so dressing them in layers is a smart move. A general rule of thumb? Dress your little one in one more layer than you’d wear in their room.

On warmer nights, a short-sleeved bodysuit paired with a lightweight sleeping bag works wonders. For those especially warm evenings, just a summer baby grow or bodysuit will do.

If you’ve got air conditioning or a fan running, be mindful of your baby’s extremities—they can get chilly! A long-sleeved summer sleepsuit might help keep them cozy.

Babies won’t mind having their toes or legs exposed, so don’t stress too much about keeping them fully covered if the room is warm enough.

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Don’t Be Tempted to Overdress Them

It’s safer to add layers if needed, rather than risk overheating your baby. Even if their little hands or feet feel cool, it doesn’t mean they’re cold.

The best way to check your baby’s temperature is to feel the back of their neck or tummy — it should be cool and dry. If it’s hot or sticky, they’re likely too warm.

This summer, think of breathable layers like baby summer pyjamas or a summer sleepsuit that allows you to adjust to the room’s temperature.

Swaddling in Summer

If your little one loves the comfort of being swaddled, don’t worry — it’s still possible during warmer months. Opt for lightweight muslin fabrics for swaddling, as they’re super breathable.

Our organic cotton muslins are perfect for this, or you could try a newborn swaddle bag, which mimics the womb while allowing for quick nighttime changes with its handy zip.

Pair it with a short-sleeved bodysuit or even just a nappy on extra-warm nights.

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Benefits of Organic Fabrics

What your baby wears to bed matters as much as how you dress them. Our organic cotton and bamboo fabrics are not only naturally breathable but also hypoallergenic and sustainably made.

That means your baby stays comfortable at any temperature, and you can feel good knowing you’re making an eco-conscious choice.

summer collection

clever sleepsuits

baby bodysuits

sleeping multipacks

Temperature considerations

Understanding your baby’s room temperature is crucial when dressing them for sleep.

These tips can help you decide exactly what to dress your baby in for sleep based on how warm or cool the space is.

Practical Advice for Room Temperature
If the room is 24°C or warmer, a short-sleeved bodysuit or lightweight footless baby grow is usually enough.

For rooms between 21-23°C, try a summer sleepsuit or a bodysuit with a 0.5 TOG sleeping bag.

If the room is cooler, around 18-20°C, a long-sleeved newborn sleepsuit with a slightly thicker 1.5 TOG sleeping bag is perfect.

Real-Life Adjustments
Every baby is unique, so figuring out how to dress your baby for sleep in summer might take a bit of trial and error.

When my first baby was born during a July heatwave, I remember checking her every hour, adjusting layers, and panicking over every sigh or shuffle.

Turns out, all she needed was a lightweight summer sleepsuit and a breathable 0.5 TOG sleeping bag - she slept like a dream while I stressed myself silly!

Don’t worry if it takes a few nights to get it right. Follow the cues from your little one, and soon you’ll know exactly what to dress baby in at night to keep them comfortable.

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FAQs: Dressing a baby for sleep in summer

Here are a few common questions parents ask when dressing their baby for summer sleep time.

What should newborns wear to sleep during summer?
A short-sleeved bodysuit or a lightweight newborn sleepsuit is usually sufficient in warm weather. If it’s particularly hot, just a nappy and a swaddle can work.

How do I know if my baby is too hot or cold?
Feel the back of their neck or tummy—these areas give the best indication of their overall temperature. Avoid judging by their hands or feet, as these can feel cool even when your baby is warm enough.

What should baby wear to bed if the room has air conditioning?
Add a light layer like a long-sleeved bodysuit or sleepsuit to keep their extremities warm without overheating.

Further reading: how to dress a baby for sleep all year round

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