What should baby wear to sleep at 16–19°C (61–66°F)?

What to dress your baby in to sleep at 16–19°C

16–19°C is the cooler half of the NHS's ideal range for baby sleep, which is about 16–20°C. It is a typical bedroom from autumn to spring, once the heating goes off overnight.

In this range, a 2.5 TOG sleeping bag is the usual choice. Near 16°C, add a short or long-sleeved vest under the sleepsuit. Near 19°C, the sleepsuit alone is usually enough.

At 18°C, step up to a 2.5 TOG sleeping bag over a long-sleeved cotton sleepsuit.

• Nappy
• Long-sleeved cotton sleepsuit
• 2.5 TOG sleeping bag
• No hat and no extra blankets

Safe sleep at 16–19°C

Rooms drift overnight. A nursery that is 19°C at bedtime can be 16°C by the early hours, so a room thermometer that records the lowest reading is useful. If the room drops below 16°C, add a layer of clothing, not a blanket. If it climbs above 20°C, take the vest off or move to a 1.0 TOG bag.

• Put your baby on their back for every sleep, with their feet at the foot of the cot.
• Use a firm, flat mattress, with no pillows, bumpers, pods, nests or soft toys.
• No loose blankets or duvets. A well-fitting baby sleeping bag is the simplest option.
• No hat or head covering indoors, and nothing that could cover their face.
• Never use a weighted sleeping bag, weighted swaddle or weighted blanket.
• For at least the first 6 months, keep the cot in your room, for naps as well as nights.

Which TOG sleeping bag for 16–19°C?

Sleeping bag charts usually recommend 2.5 TOG for this range, but brands differ, so check the maker's guidance, as the NHS suggests. Choose a well-fitting bag that is the right size for your baby's weight or age.

These TOG ratings are TinyLayers starting points, not NHS or AAP rules. Your sleeping bag maker's chart and your baby's own temperature come first.

How to check your baby is not too hot or cold at night

Feel the back of your baby's neck, their chest or their tummy. Warm and dry means they are dressed right. Sweaty or hot means take off a layer of clothing or bedding. Cool hands and feet on their own are normal, so do not add layers just because fingers or toes feel cold.

Feel the back of your baby's neck or chest after they have settled and again when you go to bed. Warm and dry is right. If they are sweaty, take off the vest. If they are cool, add a vest or swap to a long-sleeved one.

Swaddling, rolling and newborns at 16–19°C

If you swaddle a young baby, use a thin swaddle and count it as a layer. The AAP advises stopping swaddling as soon as your baby looks like they are trying to roll over, and switching to an arms-out sleeping bag.

If your baby was born prematurely, the NHS advises following safer sleep advice for a year from their due date. Ask your health visitor if you are unsure how to dress a premature baby for a cool room.

This is general dressing guidance, not medical advice. If you are worried your baby is unwell, call NHS 111 or your GP. In an emergency, call 999 or your local emergency number.