Keeping Babies Warm and Safe During Cold Weather

Cold weather can make parents worry that their baby may not be warm enough, particularly during the night. However, adding too many layers, thick blankets or additional heat can cause a baby to become too hot.

Keeping Babies Warm in Cold Weather Without Overheating

A useful general guideline is to dress your baby in approximately one more light layer than an adult would wear in the same environment.

This is only a general guideline. The number of layers should be adjusted according to the room temperature, the thickness of the clothing and your baby’s individual needs.

When keeping babies warm in cold weather, parents should avoid adding several thick layers simply because the outdoor temperature is low. Indoor rooms can become warm quickly when heaters are used, and windows are closed.

Why is overheating a concern?

Young babies are still developing their ability to regulate their body temperature. They may become too hot because of excessive clothing, heavy bedding or an overheated room.

Overheating is also associated with an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome, commonly known as SIDS. Safe sleep guidance therefore recommends avoiding excessive clothing, bedding and head covering while a baby sleeps.

The main aim is to keep them comfortably warm without allowing them to become hot or sweaty.

How can I tell if my baby is too hot?

Feel your baby’s chest, tummy or the back of their neck. These areas should feel comfortably warm but not hot or sweaty.

Signs that your baby may be too hot include:

• Sweating

• A hot chest or back

• Damp hair

• Flushed skin

• Rapid breathing

• Unusual restlessness

Your baby’s hands and feet may feel cooler than the rest of their body. This is common and does not necessarily mean that your baby needs more clothing.

When your baby feels too hot, remove a layer and check them again after a short while.

What should a baby wear for sleep in winter?

Suitable sleep clothing may include a well-fitted vest, sleep suit and an appropriately rated baby sleep bag.

Always follow the sleep bag manufacturer’s instructions, including its guidance about room temperature, clothing and tog rating. The sleep bag should fit securely around the shoulders and neck so that your baby cannot slip inside it.

When using a sleep bag, avoid adding loose blankets over it unless specifically advised by a qualified healthcare professional.

Weighted sleep bags, weighted swaddles and weighted blankets are not recommended for babies.

Keep your baby’s head uncovered during sleep

Babies release heat through their heads and faces. Hats, beanies, hoods and other head coverings should therefore be removed when your baby is sleeping indoors.

Remove outdoor hats and extra clothing when entering a warm home, shop or vehicle, even when your baby is asleep.

A baby’s face and head should remain visible and uncovered throughout sleep.

Create a safer sleep environment

Keeping a baby warm should never require filling the cot with blankets, pillows or other soft items.

For every nap and nighttime sleep:

• Place your baby on their back

• Use a firm, flat mattress

• Use a fitted sheet

• Keep pillows, toys and cot bumpers out of the cot

• Avoid loose or heavy bedding

• Keep your baby’s face and head uncovered

• Use a separate cot or bassinet rather than sharing an adult bed

• Keep the sleep space in the parents’ room for at least the first six months where possible

These recommendations help reduce the risks of suffocation, entrapment and other sleep-related infant deaths.

What room temperature is suitable for a sleeping baby?

A room temperature of approximately 16°C to 22°C is commonly recommended as a comfortable range for sleeping babies when they are dressed appropriately.

However, parents should not rely only on the number displayed on a thermometer. The baby’s clothing, bedding, health and individual needs should also be considered.

A room thermometer can help you monitor temperature changes, particularly when heaters are being used.

Use heaters carefully

A heater may be needed during particularly cold weather, but it should be used cautiously.

Keep your baby’s cot away from:

• Heaters

• Radiators

• Fireplaces

• Direct sunlight

• Hot water bottles

• Electric blankets

A baby should never sleep with a hot water bottle or electric blanket. The cot should also not be placed directly next to a heater or fire.

When using a heater, make sure the room does not become excessively warm. Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and keep the appliance, electrical cords and plugs out of your child’s reach.

Avoid loose and heavy blankets

Parents may be tempted to add thick duvets, fleecy blankets or several layers of bedding during winter. These items can cause overheating and may move over the baby’s face.

A well-fitted sleep bag is often a safer way to provide warmth because it cannot be kicked over the baby’s head like loose bedding.

When blankets are used, they should be lightweight, securely positioned and unable to cover the baby’s face. Avoid pillows, duvets, quilts, cot bumpers and soft toys in the sleep area.

What about swaddling during cold weather?

Swaddling should not be used simply as a way to add warmth.

When parents choose to swaddle, the material should be light and the baby must always be placed on their back. The swaddle should not restrict breathing or healthy movement of the hips.

Stop swaddling as soon as your baby begins showing signs of trying to roll. Never use a weighted swaddle.

Parents who are uncertain about swaddling should ask their paediatrician for guidance suited to their baby’s age and development.

Remove extra layers in the car

Cars can warm up quickly once the heater is running. Remove thick jackets, hats, and additional blankets once the vehicle is comfortable.

Bulky jackets should not be worn beneath the straps of an infant car seat because they can affect how securely the harness fits.

Do feverish babies need extra warmth?

A baby who is unwell or feverish does not usually need extra clothing or heavy blankets. Adding layers may make it more difficult for their body to release heat.

Dress your baby comfortably and contact a healthcare professional when they have a fever, appear unusually sleepy, are feeding poorly, or you are concerned about their condition.

Young babies can become unwell quickly. Parents should seek prompt medical advice rather than trying to manage significant symptoms by changing the baby’s clothing or room temperature alone.

When should I contact a paediatrician?

Arrange a medical assessment when your baby:

• Has a fever

• Is difficult to wake

• Is feeding poorly

• Has fewer wet nappies than usual

• Is breathing rapidly or struggling to breathe

• Appears unusually floppy or weak

• Has blue, pale or mottled skin

• Is repeatedly vomiting

• Feels unusually hot or cold

• Is not behaving as they normally would

Seek emergency medical care immediately for severe breathing difficulty, seizures, unresponsiveness or any life-threatening symptoms.

Dr Lerissa Pillay provides newborn and infant care, including support with baby health checks, feeding, weight monitoring, sleep-related questions and general infant health concerns.

Frequently asked questions

How many layers should my baby wear in winter?

A common starting point is one more light layer than an adult would wear in the same room. Adjust the layers according to the room temperature and how your baby’s chest or the back of their neck feels.

How do I know whether my baby is cold?

Check your baby’s chest or the back of their neck rather than relying on their hands and feet. Cool hands and feet can be normal. Add a light layer when your baby’s chest feels cool.

Can my baby wear a hat while sleeping?

Babies should not wear hats, beanies or hoods while sleeping indoors. Keeping the head uncovered helps the baby release heat and reduces the risk of overheating.

Can I use a heater in my baby’s room?

A heater may be used carefully, but the room should not become excessively warm. Keep the cot away from the heater and ensure that the appliance and its cords are safely out of reach.

Are thick blankets safe for a sleeping baby?

Loose, thick or padded blankets are not recommended in a baby’s sleep space. Appropriate sleep clothing or a well-fitted baby sleep bag is generally a safer way to provide warmth.

What is the safest sleeping position for a baby?

Place your baby on their back for every nap and night-time sleep. The mattress should be firm and flat, with no pillows, soft toys, bumpers or loose bedding in the cot.

Keeping your baby comfortable this winter

Cold weather does not need to mean heavy bedding or several thick layers. Appropriate sleep clothing, careful temperature checks and a clear sleep space can help your baby remain warm and safe.

Every baby is different. Parents who are unsure about their baby’s sleep environment, clothing, temperature or general health should discuss their concerns with a qualified healthcare professional.

Book a paediatric consultation

For newborn care, infant health checks or individual sleep and safety guidance, contact Dr Lerissa Pillay’s practice in KwaDukuza.

Disclaimer

This article provides general educational information and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Every baby’s health, age and circumstances are different. Contact a qualified healthcare professional when you are concerned about your baby and seek urgent medical assistance for severe or life-threatening symptoms.