What should a baby wear underneath a swaddle or sleep bag?
What your baby wears underneath a swaddle or sleep bag depends on several factors: the weather, season, and their unique needs. At Love To Dream™, our multi award-winning sleep solutions are designed to empower families to make the right decisions for their child’s needs. Every baby feels hot and cold differently to each other and temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day/night.
Below, discover the most important factors to consider when dressing your baby for sleep.
Layer according to the temperature and season
We recommend layering sleepwear according to the temperature and season as it allows you to easily remove/add a layer or two when required. Below, find examples of how to dress your child safely for sleep in summer and winter.
How to dress your baby for sleep in summer
During hot weather, choose a WARM temperature rating when purchasing a Swaddle Up™, Transition Bag or Suit. A single layer might be enough, but if your child needs more warmth, you can add an extra layer such as a short sleeve/ sleeveless and legless romper or bodysuit underneath.
With envelope necklines and clever twin zippers, our new layers range is designed to be layered, changed, and washed with ease. You can find our summer sleep solutions here.
How to dress your baby for sleep in winter
Our bestselling Swaddle Up™ is made from a lightweight, breathable stretch cotton blend and comes in a range of temperature ratings for different temperatures. During the colder months, we recommend dressing your child in a full-length romper/bodysuit or bodysuit and leggings depending on the temperature. You can find our winter sleep solutions here.
You can find further examples of how to dress your baby for sleep in our temperature guide.
Consider the change in temperature
Temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day and night so make sure to take this into consideration when choosing layers and TOG ratings.
When selecting sleepwear for your baby, consider the below:
- Always choose lightweight and breathable sleepwear. Our romper and PJ collection is designed to be layered with ease depending on the season and temperature to keep your little one safe and comfortable during sleep.
- Make sure sleepwear is the correct size for your child’s age, height, and weight.
- When swaddling, make sure the swaddle is made from lightweight and breathable fabric. Our award-winning Swaddle Up™ comes in a range of TOGs for different seasons and temperatures.
What shouldn’t a baby wear underneath a swaddle?
It’s important to dress your baby according to the room temperature. Always follow the below safe sleep guidelines when dressing your baby for sleep:
- Children regulate their body temperature through their face and head, never put your child to sleep wearing a hat, beanie or bonnet.
- Choose clothing that is the correct size for your child’s age, height, and weight, and in accordance with the temperature of the room.
- Never leave any loose layers, pillows, blankets or toys in their sleep space.
- Always put your child to sleep on their back with their face and head uncovered on a firm, flat, and clean mattress that is the correct size for the cot or bassinet.
You can learn more about safe sleep guidelines here or on the Lullaby Trust website.
Should babies wear anything under a swaddle?
If your child is warm and comfortable, they do not need to wear anything but their nappy underneath a swaddle. However, it’s important to dress your child according to the temperature.
For example, a short-sleeve and legless bodysuit or romper is ideal during the warmer months while a long-sleeved/long-legged romper will ensure they are warm during winter.
You should always choose a swaddle, sleep suit, or sleep bag based on the temperature. At Love To Dream™, we have a range of TOGs available to suit different seasons.
