Wondering if your little one is feeling chilly at night? Babies may not be able to tell us directly, but they have subtle ways of signaling when they’re cold. With a bit of observation and some simple adjustments, you can help keep your baby cozy and comfortable through the night.
Signs My Baby Is Cold at Night
Babies can show signs of being cold in several ways. If you notice any of these cues, it might be time to add a layer or adjust the room temperature.
Skin Tone and Temperature
A baby who’s feeling cold might have skin that appears pale or blotchy, especially on their cheeks, arms, and legs. You can gently touch their chest or the back of their neck to gauge their core temperature—if it feels cool, they may need extra warmth.
Behavior Changes
Extra fussiness or frequent wake-ups can sometimes indicate that your baby is uncomfortable due to being cold. If they seem more restless or harder to soothe than usual, adjusting their sleepwear or the room temperature could help.
Breathing and Movement
Babies often breathe calmly and steadily when they’re comfortable. If your baby’s breathing becomes quicker than usual, it could be a sign they’re feeling chilly.
How to Keep Baby Warm While Sleeping
Now that you know how to recognize when your baby might be cold, here are some simple yet effective ways to keep them warm and cozy all night, while ensuring a safe sleep environment.
Maintain an Ideal Room Temperature
The recommended room temperature for a baby is around 68-72°F (20-22°C). Use a room thermometer to monitor the nursery temperature. If the room is particularly chilly, consider briefly using a space heater to warm it up before bedtime, but be sure to turn it off once your baby is asleep to prevent overheating.
Dress in Appropriate Layers
Dress your baby in layers that are easy to add or remove based on room temperature. A short-sleeved bodysuit or footed pajamas paired with a sleep sack with the right TOG rating is a great starting point. For colder nights, a long-sleeved onesie with a heavier 2.5 TOG sleep sack will provide additional warmth without overdoing it. gunamuna’s pajamas with optional mittens & footies are specifically constructed with the perfect weight for pairing with our sleep bags – we recommend avoiding thicker or more insulating pajamas that might cause baby to overheat.
Choose Breathable, Safe Fabrics
Opt for breathable materials like bamboo viscose, which regulates body temperature and feels gentle against your baby’s skin. This helps keep your baby comfortable without the risk of overheating.
Consider Convertible PJs
If you’re concerned about your baby’s hands being cold, consider using convertible PJs with foldover mittens and footies. While babies’ hands are often naturally cooler, a bit of extra coverage can add comfort, especially on colder nights.
Trust Your Instincts
Keeping your baby warm and cozy at night doesn’t have to be complicated. By paying attention to room temperature, choosing safe and breathable layers, and observing your baby’s cues, you can create a comfortable sleep environment for them. Every baby is unique, and with a little trial and error, you’ll find the right combination of layers and settings that keeps your little one snug and content. You’re doing great—trust your instincts, and you’ve got this!
