Keeping your baby warm at night during winter can feel like a constant balancing act. Too cold feels worrying. Too warm comes with its own risks. In the UK, where homes, heating and temperatures vary widely, it’s completely normal for parents to feel unsure.
This guide explains how to keep your baby warm without overheating, based on UK safe sleep guidance and practical, real-life advice.
Why Overheating Matters More Than Being a Little Cool
UK safe sleep guidance consistently highlights overheating as a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is because babies, particularly in the first few months of life, are not yet able to regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults.
That said, this does not mean babies should be kept cold. Newborns have just come from an environment where the temperature was around 37°C and are used to constant warmth and containment. A baby who is too cold is likely to be unsettled, wake frequently, and struggle to relax into sleep.
The aim is not for your baby to feel cool or chilly, but to be comfortably warm without becoming hot. Being slightly on the cooler side is considered safer than overheating, but this still means warm enough to sleep soundly and calmly.
In practical terms, this balance is achieved through:
- maintaining a steady room temperature
- using breathable layers rather than bulky bedding
- checking your baby’s chest or the back of their neck for warmth
A baby who feels comfortable and warm to the touch — not hot, sweaty or clammy — is usually dressed just right.
Being slightly cool is generally safer than being too warm. A baby who is comfortably warm but not hot is the goal.
What Is the Ideal Room Temperature for Baby Sleep?
The recommended room temperature for babies in the UK is:
- 16–20°C for overnight sleep
This can feel cool to adults, especially in winter, but babies sleep best in a slightly cooler environment with appropriate layers.
If your room is consistently warmer than this due to central heating, you’ll need fewer layers, not more.
How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep in Winter
Rather than relying on thick bedding, the safest approach is to dress your baby in breathable layers.
- A cotton or bamboo sleepsuit as a base layer
- A well-fitting sleep bag suitable for the room temperature
- A lightweight swaddle blanket for newborns (if appropriate for their age and development)
Avoid hats indoors once your baby is asleep — babies release heat through their head, and hats can quickly cause overheating.
Blankets, Swaddles and Safe Sleep
If you choose to use a blanket, it should be:
- Lightweight and breathable (cotton, muslin, bamboo or wool)
- Firmly tucked in at chest height
- With baby placed on their back, feet at the foot of the cot
Many parents prefer a swaddle wrap or sleep bag in winter as it removes the risk of loose bedding moving during the night.
How to Tell If Your Baby Is Too Hot or Too Cold
The best way to check your baby’s temperature is by feeling their chest or back of the neck.
- If their skin feels hot, clammy or sweaty, they are too warm
- If their chest feels comfortable and dry, they’re likely just right
Cold hands or feet are normal and not a reliable sign that your baby is cold.
Moses Baskets, Cots and Winter Sleep
For overnight sleep, UK guidance recommends:
- A firm, flat mattress
- No soft padding or loose items
- A clear sleep space
Moses baskets can be a cosy and practical option in winter for newborns, particularly in the early weeks, as their smaller size can feel more contained and help maintain a comfortable sleep environment.
Whichever sleep space you use, ventilation and appropriate layering are more important than adding bulk.
Common Winter Sleep Mistakes to Avoid
- Using thick duvets or adult bedding
- Adding extra layers “just in case”
- Overheating the room overnight
- Using hot water bottles or electric blankets
- Leaving hats or outdoor clothing on indoors
When in doubt, remove a layer rather than add one.
Final Thoughts
Safe sleep in winter isn’t about wrapping your baby up as warmly as possible — it’s about steady warmth, breathable fabrics and a clear sleep space.
By focusing on room temperature, sensible layering and regular checks, you can help your baby sleep comfortably and safely throughout the colder months.
As always, follow UK safe sleep advice and adjust based on your home, your baby, and their individual needs.
