As a new parent, you're probably wondering how to keep your baby comfortable at night, especially in the UAE, with the region's fluctuating temperatures and harsh air-conditioning. Ensuring your newborn sleeps safely and comfortably is a priority.
It's essential to balance warmth with breathability, preventing overheating while making sure your baby stays snug. Let's dive into a simple guide on how to dress your little one for bed, using TOG ratings and temperature-based recommendations to help you choose the right sleepwear. The TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) rating indicates how warm a piece of sleepwear is—the higher the TOG, the warmer it will keep your baby.
The below infographic by our favourite Sleeping Bag brand Hushabye, shows a guide to what your little one should be wearing for the room temperature. Hushabye's sleeping bags are all made of a breathable bamboo fabric in a 1.0 TOG rating.
Understanding TOG Ratings
TOG ratings can be a little confusing if you’re new to them, but they are a crucial guide when dressing your baby for sleep. Here’s a breakdown of what the ratings mean:
- 0.5 TOG: Very lightweight and breathable for warm temperatures.
- 1.0 TOG: Slightly warmer for moderate temperatures.
- 2.0 - 3.0 TOG: Best for cooler temperatures.
Dressing Your Baby for Dubai's Climate
Dubai has a warm to hot climate most of the year, but the indoor environments, especially at night, are often air-conditioned. This means that while it may be hot outside, your baby could need slightly warmer clothing indoors.
27°C / 80°F + (Warm Night)
When it's very warm—over 27°C (80°F)—you should dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing. No additional layers or sleep sacks are needed.
- What to wear: A short-sleeve bodysuit or just a diaper for very hot nights.
24 - 26°C / 75 - 79°F
This is typical for Dubai summer nights, especially in rooms with minimal air conditioning.
- What to wear: A short-sleeve bodysuit (or vest) and a 0.5 TOG sleep sack. This will give your baby a bit of coverage without overheating.
22 - 24°C / 71 - 75°F
This range is likely when you have air conditioning running, but the room isn’t too cool.
- What to wear: A bodysuit with a 1.0 TOG sleep sack. This combination strikes the right balance of warmth and breathability for a comfortable sleep.
20 - 21°C / 69 - 70°F
If your room is kept cooler, around 20-21°C, your baby will need extra warmth.
- What to wear: A full-length footed onesie and a 1.0 TOG sleep sack. This combination ensures your baby stays warm without the risk of overheating.
18 - 19°C / 65 - 68°F
These cooler temperatures are rare in Dubai but can happen during the winter months if your air conditioning or heating is on a lower setting.
- What to wear: A long-sleeve onesie with a 2.0 - 3.0 TOG sleep sack. For extra warmth, you can add a lightweight bodysuit underneath the onesie.
16 - 17°C / 61 - 64°F
For those particularly cold winter nights or very cool air-conditioned rooms:
- What to wear: A long-sleeve bodysuit under a footed onesie, topped with a 2.0 - 3.0 TOG sleep sack. This will ensure your baby stays snug throughout the night.
Final Tips for Dressing Your Baby at Night:
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Feel their chest or back: A quick way to check if your baby is too hot or cold is by feeling their chest or back. If they are sweaty or clammy, remove a layer. If their chest feels cool, you may want to add an extra layer.
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Avoid overheating: Dubai’s climate can make it tempting to bundle your baby, but overheating is a risk factor for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Always aim for light, breathable layers in natural fabrics.
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Monitor the room temperature: Keeping an eye on the nursery temperature will help you choose the right sleepwear. Investing in a thermometer for the room is a great way to stay informed.
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Trust your judgment: Every baby is different, and it may take some experimenting to find what works best for your little one. Always use your intuition, and when in doubt, err on the side of lighter layers.
- Invest in great sleepwear: Next of Kin only stocks brands who use breathable, natural fibres for their infant sleepwear. Bumbabae has a fantastic selection of magentic closure growsuits, making for the easiest changes. Eleonora and Beaux Desert craft their sleepsuits from organic cotton which makes for a super soft and comfortable night's sleep. Hushabye are the best brand in the region for sleeping bags.
In Conclusion
Dressing your baby for bed requires thoughtful consideration of both indoor and outdoor temperatures. By following TOG ratings and adjusting for the room's temperature, you can ensure your baby sleeps soundly and comfortably.
Remember, every baby is unique, so feel free to adjust based on your little one’s specific needs. With the right sleepwear, both you and your baby can enjoy restful nights.
Happy parenting!
