How to Dress Your Baby for Sleep in Winter (TOG Guide Included)
5 Min Read
Dressing your baby for winter sleep can be confusing—too many layers cause overheating, too few cause discomfort. The solution? A balance of breathable fabrics, the right sleepwear, and a simple understanding of TOG ratings.
What Are TOG Ratings?
TOG measures how warm a sleep sack or blanket is.
Higher TOG = warmer.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
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0.5 TOG → Hot weather
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1.0 TOG → Mild/cool weather
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2.5 TOG → Cold winter nights
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3.5 TOG → Extremely cold regions
For most Indian winters, 2.5 TOG is ideal
How to Dress Baby for Winter Sleep (Layer-by-Layer)
1. Base Layer: Bodysuit
Start with a cotton full-sleeve bodysuit.
Cotton keeps the skin breathable and prevents overheating.
2. Mid Layer: Sleepsuit or Footed Pajamas
A fleece or lightweight thermal sleepsuit adds warmth without bulk.
3. Outer Layer: TOG Sleep Sack
A 2.5 TOG sleep sack keeps the baby warm through the night without needing blankets.
Avoid loose blankets for babies under 1 year.
What a Baby Should NOT Wear at Night
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Wool sweaters
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Hoodies
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Socks inside sleep sacks (can cause overheating)
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Heavy quilts
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Anything with zippers that poke the skin
How to Check If Your Baby Is Warm Enough
Touch your baby’s neck or chest.
If it’s warm—not sweaty—your baby is dressed perfectly.
Hands and feet may feel cool and that’s completely normal.
Ideal Room Temperature for Baby Sleep
Aim for 20–22°C.
If your room gets colder, adjust TOG or add one more layer under the sleep sack—not thick blankets.
A humidifier also helps keep the air moist and reduces dryness or coughs.
Winter Sleep Safety Tips:
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Never place the baby directly near a heater.
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No loose bedding.
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Ensure the baby’s face is always uncovered.
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Swaddles should be snug but not tight around hips.
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If the baby seems sweaty, remove one layer immediately.
Signs Your Baby Is Too Cold:
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Cold chest or back
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Pale skin
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Fussiness during early sleep hours
Signs Your Baby Is Overheated:
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Sweaty neck/head
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Red cheeks
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Rapid breathing
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Adjust layers accordingly.
Winter nights don’t have to be stressful. With the right combination of breathable layers, a TOG-rated sleep sack, and a comfortable room temperature, your baby can enjoy long, warm, and safe sleep throughout the season.