What Should a Newborn Wear to Bed?
Dressing your little one for sleep can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re navigating the world of parenting for the first time. With so many options out there, it’s easy to wonder: what should a newborn wear to sleep? The right sleepwear is essential for your baby’s comfort and safety. Let’s explore the best practices to ensure your newborn snoozes soundly while staying cozy and secure.
Swaddling and Sleep Sacks
Swaddling can be a game-changer for newborns, providing them with a sense of security that mimics the womb. It can also help prevent the startle reflex that often wakes babies up. However, as your little one grows and starts rolling over, sleep sacks become a fantastic alternative. They offer the same snug feeling without the risk associated with traditional swaddling.
What is T.O.G. & How Does it Impact Sleep
TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade, it measures how warm a fabric keeps you. For baby sleepwear, it tells you how insulated a swaddle, sleep sack, or wearable blanket is.
|
TOG |
Room Temp |
What Baby Might Wear |
|---|---|---|
|
0.2 – 0.5 TOG |
74°F+ (23°C+) |
Short-sleeve onesie or just a diaper under a light sack |
|
1.0 TOG |
69–73°F (21–23°C) |
Long-sleeve onesie or footie sleeper under sleep sack |
|
2.5 TOG |
61–68°F (16–20°C) |
Footie sleeper + warm sleep sack |
|
3.5 TOG |
Below 60°F (15°C) |
Footie sleeper + thick sleep sack (usually not needed indoors) |
TOG is important to understand because it prevents overheating or being too cold (which affects sleep and safety). This rating will help you keep your house at the right temperature, or allow you to adjust the temperature for a baby.
Room Temperature
The temperature of your baby’s room plays a significant role in their sleep quality. Aim to keep the bedroom temperature between 65°F to 70°F. This range is ideal for helping your newborn feel comfortable and safe while they sleep. Overheating can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so it’s essential to monitor the room temperature regularly.
Following safe sleep practices is crucial for your newborn’s well-being. Always adhere to the AAP guidelines, which recommend using a firm mattress with fitted sheets and avoiding loose bedding in the crib. Instead of blankets, opt for sleep sacks or wearable blankets that keep your baby warm without the risks associated with loose items.
About the Author
Courtney Zentz is the powerhouse Founder and CEO of Tiny Transitions, one of the most respected and results-driven pediatric sleep consulting firms in the United States. A nationally recognized expert in pediatric sleep, postpartum care, and family wellness, Courtney is on a mission to revolutionize the way families sleep and thrive. With a background as a Certified Sleep Consultant, Certified Lactation Counselor and Postpartum Doula, and Parenting Educator, she has helped thousands of families across the globe reclaim rest, balance, and sanity through personalized, science-backed sleep solutions.
Under her leadership, Tiny Transitions has set the gold standard for sleep consulting, delivering unmatched support, compassion, and results. Courtney is also the voice behind the popular podcast The Kids Sleep Show and a sought-after speaker and educator in the parenting space. Her work has been featured in major media outlets, and she continues to set the bar for what modern sleep support should look like, high-touch, high-impact, and completely transformative.
