A baby’s sleep can be tricky to manage at the best of times, and the UK’s changing seasons add another challenge. From frosty February nights to stifling August evenings, dressing your baby for bedtime is all about keeping them comfortable, safe, and at the right temperature.
With Darcey and Freya, I’ve experienced both ends of the scale, nights when I worried about them being too cold and nights when the heat seemed impossible to escape. The good news is that you don’t need a huge drawer of seasonal sleepwear. A few well-chosen organic pieces, paired with a seasonal approach, can cover you all year.
Dressing for the Coldest Nights
When Darcey was born in February 2022, the cold was one of my biggest concerns. I didn’t want to overdress her, but I also didn’t want her waking up shivering. On the chilliest nights, we found the perfect balance with:
For newborns, avoiding loose blankets is important for safety, so a warm but breathable sleeping bag became our best friend.
Winter sleepwear tip: Layer lightweight organic cotton rather than opting for thick fleece. This gives warmth without overheating and makes adjustments easier if the room temperature changes.
Staying Cool on Hot Summer Nights
The hottest nights we’ve experienced have been in the high 30s, rare for the UK, but increasingly common. On those evenings, even a light sleepsuit felt too much. Our go-to was a short-sleeve organic pyjama set with a single flat cotton sheet.
We also:
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Used fans for air circulation (kept safely out of reach)
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Gave cooler showers instead of baths before bed
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Kept blackout blinds closed during the day to stop rooms heating up
Organic cotton really comes into its own here — it’s breathable, helps regulate temperature, and prevents the clamminess synthetic fabrics cause.
The Role of Fabric in Sleep Comfort
Not all fabrics are created equal for sleep. I’ve tried synthetic blends in the past, but they often made the girls sweaty, which led to restless nights.
Why organic cotton works best:
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Breathable and moisture-wicking
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Soft against sensitive skin
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Durable enough to withstand frequent washing
While Aneby doesn’t produce official sleepwear (which must meet specific safety standards), pieces like our Ribbed Cotton Baby Jumpsuit are perfect for daytime naps or cooler evenings. Made from 95% organic cotton with 5% elastane, they offer just enough stretch to keep babies comfy while still breathable.
Layering Sleepwear Through the Seasons
The UK weather loves to change its mind, sometimes within a single day. I’ve learned to keep a simple layering strategy in mind:
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Spring/Autumn: Long-sleeve top + lightweight sleeping bag
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Winter: Bodysuit + sleepsuit + thicker sleeping bag
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Summer: Short-sleeve top or vest + light sheet
For toddlers, I keep sleepwear minimal but add a lightweight cover so they don’t wake up cold if they kick off the duvet.
The trick is to focus on flexibility. Instead of having completely different wardrobes for each season, use the same base layers and adjust with sleeping bags, sheets, or room temperature control.
Products That Didn’t Work – and What Did
We’ve had the occasional fail. I once tried a sleeping bag that was too warm for the season and ended up switching it mid-night. I’ve also tried synthetic “cooling” sleepwear that turned out to be less breathable than advertised.
What consistently works are simple, natural fabrics and adaptable layers. Even as the girls grow, that formula doesn’t change, just the sizes do.
Final Thoughts
Dressing your baby for sleep in the UK is all about balancing comfort and safety across the seasons. A few versatile organic pieces, paired with seasonal adjustments, can see you through the year without the need for a huge wardrobe.
It’s one of those areas where less really is more, provided you choose the right fabrics and fits.
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