What Should a Baby Wear for Sleep in the Summer? Tips for a Cool and Comfortable Night's Sleep
•Posted on July 15 2025
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, summer presents a whole new challenge for parents trying to keep their baby cool and comfortable at night. When it’s hot and sticky, the last thing you want is for your little one to overheat while sleeping. But how do you know what’s best for them to wear at bedtime during the summer?
Here are some top tips on how to dress your baby for sleep in warm weather, ensuring they stay safe, comfortable, and snooze soundly through the night.
1. Choose Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics
The first step in dressing your baby for summer sleep is choosing the right fabrics. During hot nights, it’s essential to opt for lightweight, breathable materials that allow air to circulate and help regulate body temperature.
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Cotton: Soft, lightweight cotton is one of the best fabrics for summer. It’s breathable and gentle on delicate skin, making it perfect for warm nights.
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Bamboo: Bamboo fabric is another great option as it’s naturally cooling, moisture-wicking, and incredibly soft.
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Muslin: This light, airy fabric is ideal for warm evenings. It’s breathable, soft, and absorbent, keeping your baby comfortable all night long.
Avoid heavy fabrics like polyester, which can trap heat and cause your baby to overheat.
2. Skip the Blanket – Use a Sleep Sack Instead
In summer, babies tend to kick blankets off, and that could leave them exposed if the temperature dips. Instead of using a blanket, try a sleep sack or swaddle (for younger babies) to keep your baby safe and snug.
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Lightweight Sleep Sacks: These wearable blankets are a great option for summer as they provide the comfort of a blanket without the overheating risk. Opt for a thin cotton or bamboo sleep sack to keep your baby covered without getting too hot.
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Swaddle Alternatives: If your baby is still very young and enjoys the comfort of being swaddled, choose a light muslin or cotton swaddle to keep them cozy without making them too warm.
3. Keep It Simple – A Onesie or Romper
For the warmest summer nights, a simple onesie or romper is often all your baby needs to stay cool while sleeping.
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Short-sleeve Rompers or Onesies: These provide just the right amount of coverage for your baby’s arms and legs, while still allowing their skin to breathe.
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No Footies, If It’s Really Hot: If it's exceptionally warm, skip the footed onesies and opt for a short-sleeve, footless romper to give your baby even more airflow.
When selecting a onesie or romper, make sure it has no irritating tags or tight elastic that could restrict movement and cause discomfort.
4. Opt for a Cooler Nursery Environment
While what your baby wears is important, the temperature of the room plays a big role in their sleep comfort too. During the summer months, aim to keep the nursery at a comfortable temperature — ideally between 16°C and 20°C (60°F-68°F).
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Fans or Air Conditioning: If you’re using a fan or air conditioning, ensure it’s not blowing directly on your baby.
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Cotton Sheets: For the crib, choose light cotton sheets or muslin for a cooling effect. Avoid using heavy blankets or duvets, as these can make the room feel warmer.
A room thermometer can help you monitor the temperature and ensure it stays in the optimal range for sleep.
5. Layer Up – But Keep It Light
If you're unsure whether your baby is too warm or too cold, a good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you’re wearing. However, during the summer, this doesn’t need to be heavy layers.
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Light Layering: Dress your baby in a lightweight onesie with a cotton sleep sack or muslin blanket over them for added comfort if needed.
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Avoid Overdressing: Babies can get hot quickly, so it's best to keep layers to a minimum. Avoid adding socks, mittens, or extra layers that could cause them to overheat.
Check your baby’s neck or back to make sure they’re not sweating, which can be a sign they are too hot.
6. Keep an Eye on Their Temperature Throughout the Night
Throughout the night, your baby’s body temperature can fluctuate, so it’s essential to check them periodically. If you notice they feel warm to the touch or seem restless, it might be time to adjust their clothing or remove a layer.
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Signs Your Baby is Too Hot: Sweating, flushed skin, or a red face.
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Signs Your Baby is Too Cold: Cold hands or feet, pale skin, or shivering.
If your baby does feel too warm, remove a layer or switch to a lighter fabric to ensure they stay comfortable.
Conclusion: Keep It Simple, Cool, and Comfortable
Dressing your baby for sleep in the summer is all about keeping them cool, comfortable, and safe. Lightweight, breathable fabrics, minimal layers, and a cool nursery environment are key to ensuring your baby gets a good night’s rest without overheating.
Remember, babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so it’s important to avoid overdressing them. Stick to light fabrics, use sleep sacks instead of blankets, and don’t forget to check on them during the night to make sure they’re sleeping soundly and safely.
By following these tips, your little one will be set for a peaceful, cool, and comfortable night’s sleep all summer long!
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