How To Dress A Newborn In Summer For Sleep

Wondering how to dress a newborn for sleep during summer? Don’t worry – you’re not the only one! Now that the weather is warming up, it’s important to find newborn summer outfits that are appropriate for the heat.

Below, discover our top tips on how to keep your little one comfortable, from the recommended temperature your baby’s room should be to how many layers to dress your little one in for summer.

What temperature should your baby's room be?

According to Red Nose Australia, there is no recommended room temperature for babies. Instead, dress your child in layers appropriate for the temperature of the room.

It's important to note that the temperature can fluctuate during the night, especially between the hours of 4am to 6am. If concerned about your child’s temperature, you can check their back or tummy, which should feel warm.

Golden rules for dressing your baby for sleep in the warmer months

From heatwaves to storms, temperatures can vary during summer, so finding the right sleep solution for your baby is essential. Below, discover our top tips on choosing the appropriate garments to layer in the warmer months.

Understand bedtime garment temperature grades

It’s important to know about your baby’s bedtime garments’ Thermal Overall Grade (TOG). At Love to Dream™, we use 4 key categories to simplify the process of choosing the right garment/s:

0.2 TOG Products: Ideal for Warm Room Temperatures from 24-27°C.
1.0 TOG Products: Ideal for Moderate/Mild Room Temperatures from 20-24°C.
2.5 TOG Products: Ideal for Cool Room Temperatures from 16-20°C.
3.5 TOG Products: Ideal for Cold Temperatures below 16°C.

Below, discover our handy guidelines on how to dress your baby/toddler based on the room temperature. Please note, this table is only a guide. All babies are different.

Choose the right materials:

At Love To Dream™, we want to help you make the right decision for your family and when it comes to dressing your baby for sleep, choosing the right materials is key.

We have a wide range of sleep solutions available for warm and cold climates, ranging from single-layer fabrics to triple-layer constructions.

Our diverse range is designed to cater to the specific needs of your baby, ensuring they stay comfortable in different temperatures. Our product range has been designed using different fabrics, such as cotton, bamboo, and EcoVero™, with built in quilted/blanket features to ensure we have all temperatures covered.

Consider using lightweight layers:

Babies feels hot and cold differently, and temperatures can fluctuate throughout the night.

When it comes dressing a newborn for summer, layering is key, as this enables you to quickly add or take away layers of lightweight clothing to ensure your baby does not overheat or become too cold during the night.

The number of layers necessary will vary according to a baby’s health, their physiology and the temperature of the room.

What should a newborn wear to sleep in the summer?

So, what should your newborn wear to sleep in summer? Dressing your newborn appropriately for the temperature is crucial for their comfort. We recommend choosing lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics such as cotton or bamboo to keep them cool. It’s also important to choose lower TOG ratings when purchasing summer swaddles, sleep suits or sleep bags.

Depending on the temperature, you might choose to dress your child in short-legged and short-sleeved/sleeveless bodysuits or rompers. These can be layered with leggings if necessary.

Remember, newborns are sensitive to temperature changes, so monitor their cues and adjust layers accordingly.

Swaddling up for summer

Many parents choose to swaddle their baby as it promotes a sense of security and can help to reduce a child’s startle reflex. Our award-winning Swaddle Up™ is designed to enable your newborn to sleep with their Arms Up™, which encourages self-soothing. Self-soothing = more settled = more sleep.

During the warmer months, choose low TOG swaddles made from lightweight and breathable cotton or bamboo blends.

The practice of swaddling, when done safely and with attention to temperature, can be an invaluable tool for soothing babies during the summer months.

From mild to warm nights, we’ve got you covered with a range of TOG ratings available.

Our Love To Dream Swaddle Up™ features:

Innovative design to enable longer sleep

Patented Arms Up™ wings: support self-soothing.
Swaddle in under 15 seconds.
Snug fit at chest: secure swaddling effect.
Hip-healthy design: freedom of movement.
Clever twin zipper = easy nappy changes.
Pairs perfectly with our Love To Dream™ layers.
Available in 3 sizes: newborn, small, and medium.

Safer sleep solutions for peace of mind

Eliminates the need for loose layers.
Single layer of fabric to reduce risk of overheating.
All our garments are quality and performance tested.

Multi award-winning original fabric

Our bestselling original jersey fabric is soft, stretchy, and durable.
Designed to be used across multiple children.
Easy care: machine washable and tumble dryer friendly.

Transition bags and suits for fluctuating temperatures

Transition suits and sleep bags are helpful during the warm summer months for ensuring your baby's comfort. Designed with lightweight materials, they provide the perfect balance between warmth and breathability, reducing the risk of overheating.

Sleeveless transition suits allow for ample air circulation, promoting a comfortable sleep environment. While our sleep bags provide the cosiness of a blanket without the risk of it covering your baby's face, reducing the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Our multi award-winning sleep solutions are versatile and allow for easy dressing and quick nappy changes without disturbing your baby's sleep. Transition suits and bags are not only practical but also help establish a consistent sleep routine for your baby throughout the summer months.

The Love To Dream Swaddle Up™ Transition Bag and Transition Suit can be used throughout summer with the appropriate TOG rating.

Our Love To Dream Swaddle Up™ Transition Bag and Transition Suit features:

Innovative design

Unique Arms Up™ design: supports self-soothing.
Patented zip-off wings: gentle transition from swaddling.
Hip-healthy design: freedom of movement.
Snug fit at chest: secure swaddling effect.
Twin zipper: easy nappy changes.
Pairs perfectly with our Love To Dream™ layers.
Available in 2 sizes: medium and large.

Safer sleep solutions for peace of mind

Safer alternative: no loose layers.
Single layer of fabric to reduce risk of overheating.
All our garments are quality and performance tested.

Multi award-winning original fabric

Our bestselling original jersey fabric is soft, stretchy, and durable.

Designed to be used across multiple children.
Easy care: machine washable and tumble dryer friendly.

Sleep suits and sleep bags for big kids

Now that regular sleep is back in fashion for your big kids, it’s time to begin the journey towards more independent sleep. Sleep suits and bags can be an important tool during hot summer nights. Designed with lightweight and breathable fabrics, they strike the perfect balance between comfort and temperature regulation – just make sure to choose the appropriate TOG rating.

Sleep suits with short sleeves or sleeveless designs provide optimal air circulation, preventing overheating on warm nights. While lightweight, moisture-wicking materials such as bamboo wick away sweat, ensuring a cool and dry sleep environment. Our sleep essentials are not practical; they can contribute to a restful night's sleep for both baby and parents during summer .

Why you’ll love our Love To Dream Sleep Suit™ and Love To Dream Sleep Bag™ because they’re::

Innovative design

Safer alternative: no loose layers.
Twin zipper = easy nappy changes.
Machine washable and tumble dryer friendly.
Up to 12 months wear.

Pairs perfectly with our Love To Dream™ layers.
Available in 5 sizes: 6-12 months, 12-24 months, 24-36 months, 3 years, and 4 years.

Safer sleep solutions for peace of mind

Safer alternative: eliminates the need for loose blankets.
All our garments are quality and performance tested.

Multi award-winning original fabric

Warm quilted built-in blanket for added comfort and warmth.
Easy care: machine washable and tumble dryer friendly.

Our Summer 0.2 TOG garments are available in a range of sizes with a variety of prints and colours to choose from.

Watch the video below to learn more.

To find out how to keep your baby's room cool during summer read here.