Keeping Your Baby Warm and Safe This Winter

Katherine Whitby
Oct 7
4 min read

How To Keep Your Baby Warm This Winter

As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, many parents I work with ask me: How do I keep my baby warm enough at night without overheating them?

Keeping Your Baby Warm and Safe This Winter - Baby Steps

It’s a natural concern. You want your baby to be cosy and comfortable, but with so many products on the market – and conflicting advice online – it can feel overwhelming. As a Paediatric Nurse, Health Visitor and mum of two, I’ve seen how crucial safe sleep really is. You might be wondering how to keep your baby warm this winter; here’s some practical guidance to help you keep your baby warm and safe. This advice follows the guidance from the Lullaby Trust and Child Accident Prevention Trust

Why Safe Sleep Clothing Matters

Some products look adorable or promise extra warmth, but they can actually put your baby at risk:

Novelty sleeping bags – Many sold online have been recalled due to suffocation or overheating risks. A safe sleeping bag should be well-fitted at the neck and arms, with no hoods or bulky extras.
Pillows and “hug” cushions – These may seem comforting, but they can increase the risk of overheating or suffocation. Using a pillow before 12 months raises the chance of SIDS by up to 2.5 times. Babies sleep safest on a firm, flat surface without extras.
Winter snowsuits – While perfect for walks outside, snowsuits are not safe for indoor sleep. They can cause overheating, restrict movement, and make it hard for baby to breathe comfortably.

Snowsuits and Car Seats

It’s especially important to never put your baby in a snowsuit in a car seat. Every single winter I sensitively tell parents this as their babies are bundled into car seats in snowsuits. We tend to put the car heating on and the babies get way too hot. Thick padded suits prevent the harness straps from sitting snugly against your baby’s chest, reducing safety in the event of a crash. If your baby is sleeping on the go, remove the snowsuit and use a blanket over the straps, or dress them in thinner layers with a blanket tucked around them after the seat harness is secured. Always remember layers are best.

Winter Safety with Slings and Baby Wearing

When using a sling or carrier in the colder months, it’s really important not to overheat your baby. Avoid non-breathable covers or the temptation to zip your own coat or jacket around them - this traps heat like an oven and, sadly, I have known of fatalities linked to this. Instead, dress your baby in thin, breathable layers such as socks, leggings, and a cardigan, then add or remove as needed. Always make sure your baby’s face is visible and their airway is clear, with plenty of fresh air circulating.

The Ideal Sleep Environment

The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping your baby’s room between 16–20°C. That can feel chilly to adults, especially with rising heating costs, but research shows babies are safer, a little cooler rather than too hot.

Key tips:

Use a room thermometer to check the temperature.
For bedding, place your baby in the feet-to-foot position and tuck sheets securely no higher than their shoulders.
Choose lightweight layers — add an extra thin blanket or layer if needed, rather than a heavy duvet.
Sleeping bags are ideal for winter nights. Pick the right tog for the season (2.5 tog in cooler months) and never add extra blankets on top.
Always remove hats and hoods indoors, as babies release heat through their heads.

Bedsharing in Winter

If you choose to bedshare, safety is key:

Keep adult bedding away from your baby.
Never put your baby under your duvet to keep them warm.
A well-fitted sleeping bag is the safest option.
Never bedshare if you’ve had alcohol, taken drugs, or if your baby was premature or low birthweight.
Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. This increases SIDS risk up to 50 times.

How to Check if Your Baby is Warm Enough

I always say to parents the best way is to feel the back of their neck or chest. They should feel comfortably warm, not sweaty or clammy. Cold hands and feet are normal, so don’t use them as a guide. I can remember picking my baby’s up in the night to feed them and their hands were like ice but their chest felt toasty.

My Top Winter Sleep Clothing Tips

✨ Stick to layers of breathable cotton rather than fleece or padded fabrics.

✨ Use sleeping bags designed for your baby’s weight, not age.

✨ Keep cots away from radiators and heaters.

✨ Remove snowsuits indoors, even if your baby is asleep.

✨ Never put snowsuits in car seats; instead, use thin layers with blankets tucked around the straps.

✨ Avoid hot water bottles and weighted blankets.

✨ Trust your instincts — if you’re worried your baby is too hot or unwell, seek advice.

Final Thoughts

I know from both professional experience and my own life as a mum that winter nights can feel daunting. You want your baby to be cosy, but safety comes first.

With the right layers, a safe sleep space, and a little confidence, you’ll have peace of mind that your baby is snug and protected through the colder months.

For extra support, I offer: