Are you wondering how to dress your toddler for sleep in winter?
When dressing your baby for bed: the rule of thumb is usually dress the infant in one additional layer than what you would be comfortable wearing at night in that room. As your child gets older you relax a bit more (no more swaddling to worry about) but still want to ensure they are dressed comfortable at night, especially in the colder season.
Check out our simple guide about how to dress your toddler to get the optimal environment for quality sleep to ensure they (and you) get a good night’s rest.
What is ideal sleeping temperature for your toddler?
The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is between 20ºC and 23ºC during the day and 15.5ºC and 18.5ºC at night. The best way to keep your toddlers’ room at the right temperature is to monitor your heating and use an indoor thermometer. Through a night, 16ºC-20 ºC is recommended by the Lullaby Trust, the temperature will of course vary, but generally you should place your toddlers’ bed away from draughty windows or direct heat sources – like radiators. As they are older, they may be able to tell you how they feel (or look for physical signs – flushed cheeks and damp hair indicate overheating!) At this age they will also be developing their own comfort level.
A nap during the day will probably not require the same about of layers as a night-time sleep because the general temperature will be higher.
#What is a tog rating in relation to winter sleepwear?
The TOG (thermal overall grade) rating on sleepwear or duvets is used for measuring warmth – the items ability to trap warm air. The tog rating for your child’s duvet/sleepsuit should fit on the season.
Sleep bags were designed to stop babies accidentally covering their heads or kicking off the covers in the night. Sudden temperature changes can disturb a baby’s sleep. Personally, we found bags with poppers on the straps, whilst more accessible, tend to pop open with movement at night. Check fastenings, look for the British Standard on the label, always follow manufacturers’ washing instructions and ensure a good fit!
Sleep bags with a standard Tog rating of 2.5 and above are best for all year round (except peak summer) and winter suits of 3.5 Tog work best for a room temperature at the lower room temps of 15ºC.
#When is it safe for a toddler to have a duvet?
Duvets are not recommended for infants under 12 months of age. That does not mean you have to swap as soon as baby celebrates their first birthday. Norah has loved her sleep bag but now at two and a half when she is standing in her cot and potty training it seems like the best time for her to transition to a duvet.
Use the right size duvet – cot bed duvets, for toddler beds. Do not use a standard single duvet on a cot bed – too much bedding = too overheating.
For the summer season, you can choose a lower 4.5 tog duvet. For winter seasons a medium 9 tog duvet could be more fitting. Be mindful of the temperature on your toddler’s bedroom – for example I am choosing to use a summer tog in Winter whilst Norah is getting used to the weight of a duvet if her room becomes less than 15°C I would prefer to use additional blankets. Pick blankets that are cellar (with lots of little holes) and lightweight.
A toddler duvet should be lightweight, washable, natural and anti-allergy.
#Buddy & Hope Flounce Green Crib Bed Set.
Jungle favourites Alex and Alexa sell a gorgeous neutral Buddy & Hope calming green toddler bed set. At 100x130cm it is the perfect toddler size and at £27.00 the perfect bargain price! Established in 2019, the Swedish label perfectly embodies the Scandinavian ethos of chic minimalism. Buddy & Hope’s modern set is perfect for suiting a range of bedroom styles, it is plain, but the frilled trim softens the finish and can be paired with varied accessories and colours. There’s Oeko-Tex certified duvet set and pillowcase (38 x 55 cm) is made of soft, sustainable 100% Cotton. Practical wise the set is machine washable at 60 degrees and a feature I love is the top corners have two small unseen holes to help putting the duvet in the correct place which I have not seen before.
#So, is my baby safe to use a pillow after the age of 1?
Pillows (along with other sleeping products such cot bumpers, nests, teddies) for babies under the age of 12 months do not conform to safer sleep guidelines because they can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Hats are a definite no. While this danger is most pronounced through 6 months of age, it remains a concern for toddlers as well.
It’s a good idea to wait until your baby is ready to transition to a toddler bed, which usually happens between 18 months and 3 and a half years old. When the time does come to give your little one a pillow, buy a thin one around 1cm, since normal adult pillows can result in poor posture.
A pillow is good for Norah in winter as she is always blocked up, so the incline helps – and to stop her headbutting the top of the bed!
What clothes should you dress toddler in at night?
Stick with a snug fit, not too tight to be uncomfortable but nothing that will ride up over heads. 100% organic materials like cotton that is soft to the touch and hypoallergenic is preferable. Clever designs include strategically placed snaps for efficient nappy changes, no sharp zips etc.
Now in October Norah is wearing a small vest and lightweight socks with her pyjamas, in December it will likely be a long sleeve vest and fleece socks.
Kuling, the perfect choice for pyjamas!
Kuling is a twenty-first century Scandi brand that sells gorgeous mix and match pyjama sets. We fell in love with the purple floral design (which would also pair beautifully with the rest of the range colours). The fabric is Woolmark® certified merino Mulesing-free wool which as natural temperature regulating properties. You can see Norah playing comfortably in the photos! What I love about the brand is the sleeves and lengths are always generous and head holes have plenty of give! We matched the top (RRP £27) with floral bottoms (£25) that have an elasticated waist and sweet ribbed cuffs. Both are machine washable 30 degrees.
They also have a gorgeous premium unisex blue and brown striped set that is made of 100% Merino Wool which is lovely and thick, has lots of give and could double up as daywear! Again, you can mix and match different items, but we love co-ords! The £55 top also makes the perfect Autumn jumper! The trousers (£53) have a stretch waist and the perfect choice for Leo with his heightened sensory awareness. Size wise these clothes fit from toddler 2 to 12 so there are options for the whole family! Leo got a pair as he loves to join in with photoshoots!
Of course, you will have to re-evaluate your baby’s sleep situation as they get older and bigger but for now layer up and prepare for Winter!
#AD. We were kindly gifted the products from Alex and Alexa to include in our sleep feature.
1 comment
I loved this I will use it everyday