How to dress your baby for sleep in summer without overheating

Does your baby need to be covered in summer?

In general, it’s not advisable to rely on loose blankets, sheets, or covers to keep a sleeping baby warm. They can shift, ride up towards the face, or make the baby overheat.

That’s why many families prefer a summer sleeping bag: it works as a light, stable layer, without needing any loose bedding.

In summer, a thin bag isn’t about “keeping very warm,” but about giving a sense of coziness and maintaining a comfortable layer throughout the night.

What TOG is and why it matters in summer

TOG measures how warm a sleep garment is. Put simply: it tells you whether a sleeping bag is lighter or warmer.

For summer, these are the most useful values:

TOG 0.4 / 0.5: summer and warm rooms

This is the lightest option. It’s typically used when the room is above 24 °C or on hot nights.

You can pair it with:

• A short-sleeve bodysuit.
• A sleeveless bodysuit.
• Just a nappy if it’s extremely hot and the baby is comfortable.

TOG 1.0: mild nights or air conditioning

This can make sense if the room drops to 21–23 °C, for example with air conditioning or in areas where it cools down a lot overnight.

You can pair it with:

• A short-sleeve bodysuit if it isn’t cold.
• A thin long-sleeve bodysuit if the room is cool.
• Thin cotton pyjamas if it drops below 21 °C.

If you’d like to go deeper, you can read the molis&co guide on what TOG is and how it works.

What to put underneath a summer sleeping bag

Underneath a summer sleeping bag, less is usually more.

If the room is very warm

If the room is above 27 °C, check carefully whether your baby even needs a bag. In many cases, a nappy or a very light bodysuit is enough.

If the room is between 24 and 27 °C

A common combination is:

• Short-sleeve bodysuit.
• Summer sleeping bag TOG 0.4 / 0.5.

You can also use a sleeveless bodysuit if your baby tends to run warm.

If the room is between 21 and 24 °C

You can use:

• A light bodysuit + TOG 0.5 bag.
• Or a thin bodysuit/pyjamas + TOG 1 if the room stays cool.

It’s worth checking the temperature midway through the night, since in summer many rooms start out warm and cool down in the early hours.

How to tell if your baby is hot or cold

Don’t rely only on hands or feet. It’s normal for them to feel cooler than the rest of the body.

To check if your baby is comfortable, touch:

• The nape of the neck.
• The chest.
• The upper back.

If it’s warm and dry, they’re usually fine. If it’s sweaty, damp, or very hot, remove a layer or use a lighter bag. If the chest feels cold, you can add a thin layer.

A useful rule of thumb: if you’d sleep comfortably with one less layer, your baby probably needs to be lighter too.

Air conditioning and fans: how to adjust clothing

In summer, many families use air conditioning or a fan. It can help, but it should be used with care.

If you use air conditioning

Avoid pointing the airflow directly at the baby. The goal is to keep a pleasant, stable temperature, not to suddenly chill the room.

If the bedroom drops below 23 °C, you may need to move from a TOG 0.5 bag to a TOG 1, or add a thin layer underneath.

If you use a fan

Don’t point it directly at the cot. It’s better to use it to gently circulate the air in the room.

You can also air out the room in the evening, lower the blinds during the day, and use light fabrics so the bedroom doesn’t build up too much heat.

Recommended fabrics for sleeping in summer

In summer, prioritise soft, light, breathable fabrics.

Cotton and muslin tend to work very well because they feel pleasant against the skin and help the baby avoid feeling “trapped” in heavy layers.

At molis&co, the summer baby sleeping bags are designed for warm nights, with a low TOG and cool fabrics.

Common mistakes when dressing your baby for sleep in summer

Over-dressing “just in case”

It’s very common to think the baby needs an extra layer. But in summer, that “just in case” can lead to overheating. It’s better to start with a light combination and adjust if needed.

Using loose blankets

Even thin ones can shift during the night. If you need an extra layer, it’s usually more practical to choose a sleeping bag suited to the temperature.

Not measuring the room’s actual temperature

Adults’ sense of temperature doesn’t always match the baby’s room temperature. A simple thermometer can help a lot.

Not checking for sweating

If the nape of the neck or chest is damp, that’s a clear sign there’s one layer too many.

Using the same bag all year round

Not every bag works for every season. In summer, look for a low TOG; in winter, a higher TOG; and in between seasons, a mid-range TOG.

Quick checklist before bedtime in summer

Before putting your baby to bed, check:

• The room temperature.
• The bag’s TOG.
• The layers worn underneath the bag.
• That the neck and armholes fit well.
• That there are no loose blankets, cushions, or objects in the cot.
• That the nape of the neck or chest feels warm but dry.

If everything checks out, there’s no need to overthink it. A good night’s sleep also starts with a simple routine.

Frequently asked questions

How should I dress my baby for sleep in summer?

It depends on the room temperature. On warm nights, a light bodysuit and a summer sleeping bag TOG 0.4 / 0.5 are usually enough. If it’s very hot, some babies can sleep in just a nappy or bodysuit.

What TOG should I use in summer?

For summer, TOG 0.4 or TOG 0.5 is the most common choice. These are light bags designed for warm rooms.

Can my baby sleep in just a nappy?

If the room is very hot and your baby is comfortable, it can be an option. Always check body temperature by touching the chest or nape of the neck, and consult your paediatrician if you have doubts.

Is a short-sleeve or long-sleeve bodysuit better?

In summer, short sleeves or a sleeveless bodysuit is usually best. If you use air conditioning or the room drops below 22–23 °C, you might consider a thin long-sleeve option or light pyjamas.

How do I know if my baby is too hot?

Touch the nape of the neck, chest, or upper back. If they feel sweaty, damp, or very hot, remove a layer, use a lower TOG, or cool the room down.

Can I use a thin blanket in summer?

It’s better to avoid loose blankets or sheets during sleep. A light, well-fitted sleeping bag is usually a more practical way to maintain a stable layer.

Conclusion

In summer, the goal is for your baby to sleep comfortable, light, and without too many layers.

Let the room’s actual temperature guide you, choose breathable fabrics, and use a low TOG if you’re using a sleeping bag. And remember: if you’re unsure whether to add or remove a layer, check the nape of the neck or chest. Your baby’s body will give you plenty of clues.

For warm nights, take a look at the summer baby sleeping bag collection and choose the TOG that best matches your room’s temperature.