If you have a little one at home, those colder evenings invite a familiar question: how to keep the baby warm at night without overheating or adding stress to bedtime.
Below is a warm and practical guide to help you navigate winter nights with confidence.
1. Layer Their Clothing Thoughtfully
Babies sleep best in layers that breathe, not layers that trap heat.
A reliable winter setup looks like this:
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A long-sleeve cotton or bamboo onesie
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Footed or thick pajamas
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A TOG-rated sleep sack for insulation
Think: warm, soft, breathable. The back of the neck should feel warm, not sweaty.
Many parents also find it easier to choose comfortable nighttime outfits after exploring seasonal guidance on pajamas fabrics, especially when trying to keep warmth without overheating.
2. Keep the Room Comfortably Cool
Warm sleep doesn’t come from bundling, it comes from a room that holds steady, gentle warmth.
The recommended temperature is: 68–72°F (20–22°C)
At this range, babies can regulate their body temperature without overheating.
If your home tends to run cold, make the warmth soft and even, never direct or intense.
3. Create a Safe Sleep Environment
Even in winter, the crib should stay simple:
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Firm mattress
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Fitted sheet
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No loose blankets
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No pillows or plush items
If you love the idea of a warm sleep surface, choose a crib sheet made from materials that stay smooth and soft, like eucalyptus TENCEL™ fiber crib sheets, which feel cozy but remain breathable all night.
4. Use a Sleep Sack Instead of Blankets
Blankets aren’t recommended until after 12 months; but sleep sacks offer the same warmth with complete safety.
They keep your baby’s core warm from the neck down and help maintain consistent insulation without bulk or shifting fabric.
5. Warm the Room, Not the Crib
You never need to preheat the crib itself.
Instead, help the room hold warmth:
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Close doors early
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Block drafts
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Use heavy curtains
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Add a soft rug to reduce floor chill
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Let warm air circulate before bedtime
Many parents find helpful ideas in guides on ways to keep a room warm in winter, especially when the heater isn’t enough; or when they prefer not to use one.
6. Monitor, Adjust, and Trust Your Instincts
A quick touch tells you everything:
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Back of the neck = true temperature
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Chest = warmth level
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Hands and feet = not accurate indicators
If your baby’s neck feels warm and dry, they’re comfortable.
If they feel sweaty or flushed, remove one thin layer. Gentle adjustments are enough.
Quick Answers to the Questions on Every Parent’s Mind
1. Why do my baby’s hands and feet feel cold at night?
It’s completely normal.
According to pediatric guidance shared by Healthline, babies have developing circulation, which means less warm blood reaches the hands and feet, causing them to feel cooler than the chest or belly.
Check the chest or back of the neck instead. If those areas feel warm and dry, your baby is comfortably regulated.
2. Is it okay for my baby to sleep in footed pajamas?
Yes! Footed pajamas are a safe and cozy choice for winter nights.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you’re worried about your baby being cold, you can dress them in safe sleep clothing, and a wearable blanket (sleep sack) is recommended as a safe alternative to loose blankets.
Footed pajamas pair well with a sleep sack to keep warmth close to the body without adding bulk or unsafe bedding.
3. How can I tell if my baby is actually too cold?
Signs of true cold stress include:
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A cool chest or belly
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Skin that looks pale or mottled and doesn’t warm easily
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Fussiness or difficulty settling
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A neck that feels cool to the touch
Some guidelines imply that hands and feet are not reliable indicators of body temperature, since babies naturally divert heat to the core.
6. Are space heaters safe in the nursery?
Use caution. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that space heaters can pose fire, burn, and overheating risks, especially if left running overnight.
If a heater is absolutely necessary:
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Choose one with automatic shutoff
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Keep it far from the crib
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Avoid running it while unattended
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Keep all cords securely out of reach
Whenever possible, focus on passive warmth, draft blocking, insulated curtains, rugs, and layered sleep clothing.
References
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“Why Does My Baby Have Cold Hands?” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/baby-cold-hands
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“Helping Babies Sleep Safely.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/features/babies-sleep.html
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“The Best Room Temperature for a Sleeping Baby.” National Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/best-room-temperature-for-sleeping-baby
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“Safe Sleep.” American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/safe-sleep/
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“How to Know if a Baby Is Cold: Signs to Watch and Tips to Keep Them Warm.” Natural Parenting Center. https://naturalparentingcenter.com/how-to-know-if-a-baby-is-cold/
- “There’s a Chill in the Air – Stay Warm Safely – Be Cautious When Using Generators, Furnaces and Space Heaters.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2025/Theres-a-Chill-in-the-Air-Stay-Warm-Safely-Be-Cautious-When-Using-Generators-Furnaces-and-Space-Heaters
