Key TakeAways
- Research suggests that babies sleep more in winter. However, nasal congestion, dry winter air, or overheating can cause disruptions in their sleep cycle.
- Seasonal changes in infant sleep rhythm can cause frequent sleep disruptions, so parents need to be prepared for winter bedtime adjustments for infants.
- Maintain a steady room temperature between 24-26 degrees, add a humidifier in the room, and keep your baby’s crib decluttered and comfortable.
- Layering is very important for babies in winter. Use lightweight and breathable bamboo fabric layers for the baby.
- If your baby has a cold or congestion, a steam or warm bath before sleep can open their nasal passages and improve sleep quality.
In This Article
Does Temperature Affect Baby Sleep?
Do Babies Sleep Longer in Winter? What Research Shows
Common Winter Sleep Changes Parents Notice
How to Support Better Winter Sleep
How To Dress a Baby For Sleep In Winter
How To Make a Baby Sleep In Winter: Parent Checklist
Introduction
Parents notice that their babies’ sleep cycle changes when winter arrives. It can be longer naps or extra fussiness. If you are a parent, you might also wonder - Do babies sleep more in winter?
Seasonal shifts can influence a baby’s body temperature, circadian rhythm, and comfort levels. So, the simple question arises - How to make my baby sleep better in winter? This blog explains why these changes happen and how to help your baby sleep better during colder months.
Does Temperature Affect Baby Sleep?
Yes. Babies sleep best when the room is cool, ideally 24–26°C, according to pediatric sleep experts.
Cool temperatures help the body settle into deeper sleep, while overheating or extreme cold can cause discomfort and night wakings.
Because babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults, even small changes in room temperature can impact their sleep quality.
Along with temperature, the humidity in the room is also something that parents should be aware of. If the room is too dry, it will cause discomfort for your baby.
Do Babies Sleep Longer in Winter? What Research Shows
Do babies sleep more in winter? Research says yes.
As per a study done on 7-month-old infants published in NIH, during summer, the babies showed more motor activity during sleep (i.e. more restless sleep), while they slept better in winter, as their sleep was deeper and more restful. (1)
Experts suggest that babies may sleep slightly more in winter due to:
- Baby sleep duration during colder months can be longer as cooler temperatures support deeper sleep.
- Seasonal changes in infant sleep rhythm can also increase their sleep duration. Shorter daylight hours affect melatonin and sleep timing.
- Less outdoor activity and more indoor comfort routines also lead to winter bedtime adjustments for infants.
However, this varies by baby. While some nap longer, others may wake more due to dryness, colds, or congestion that are common in winter.
Common Winter Sleep Changes Parents Notice
Here are a few effects of shorter daylight on baby sleep cycles that parents may notice:
- Longer naps
- Earlier bedtime
- Fussiness due to dry air and cold
- More night waking during illness
How to Support Better Winter Sleep
So, you must be wondering - How to make my baby sleep in winter? What should a baby wear to sleep in winter? How to keep a baby warm in winter? Let’s have a look at what you should do to support better winter sleep for your little one.
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Keep the room at a steady temperature
Many parents think a warm room temperature will lead to better sleep, but that’s not true. Maintain a steady room temperature at 24-26 degrees, depending on your climate conditions. A consistent temperature is more important than warmth.
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Use a humidifier if the air is dry
This is one of the primary infant comfort needs during winter nights. If the air in your room is too dry, the baby will have trouble breathing. Use a humidifier in your room or place a tub of water in front of your heater.
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Dress the baby in breathable layers
Adding more and more clothes is not ideal for your baby. It might overheat the baby. Instead, dress in multiple light and breathable layers. You can buy bamboo fabric baby clothes online in India for winter layering.
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Keep bedtime routines steady
Winter can disrupt outdoor play and light exposure, so a consistent routine helps your baby wind down.
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Safe sleep guidelines
How to take care of newborn baby in winter? Use a firm mattress, avoid loose blankets, and keep the crib free from pillows or stuffed toys.
Keep checking if your baby is too hot or too cold during the night. How to tell if baby is too cold when sleeping? Check your baby’s stomach or chest, not hands or feet. If the baby is too hot, remove a layer; if too cold, add a layer.
How To Dress a Baby For Sleep In Winter
Baby winter clothes are an important part of their sleep in winter. Here’s how you should dress your little one for better sleep in winter:
- Start with a soft, breathable bamboo onesie (infant clothing).
- Add a sleep sack or swaddle, depending on your baby’s age.
- Choose TOG-rated newborn sleeping bags for winter suitable for the room temperature.
- Instead of using your blankets for the baby, use a baby winter blanket, which is breathable and lightweight.
- Avoid loose excess layers that increase overheating risk.
Every parent must understand that every child is different and has different needs. So, instead of comparing your child’s activities to other kids around you, it is better to consult a paediatrician to get the right insights.
How To Make Baby Sleep In Winter: Parent Checklist
Looking for supportive winter routines for consistent infant rest? If you ensure these few things in your bedroom, your child will sleep comfortably throughout the winter season.
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Temperature
Maintain the room temperature between 24–26 degrees Celsius; avoid heaters that make the air too dry.
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Light exposure
Cold weather influence on infant nap length. Make sure your baby gets sunlight throughout the day to regulate their circadian rhythm.
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Bedtime routine
Do not change your baby’s bedtime routine unless you find them struggling to sleep as per the earlier routine.
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Feeding schedule
Well-fed babies sleep more comfortably in winter. Make sure you feed the baby an hour before bedtime to minimise winter-related shifts in newborn sleep behavior.
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Health concerns
Watch for cold symptoms or congestion. Give your baby a steam or warm bath before bed to avoid nasal congestion while sleeping.
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Sleep environment
Breathable layers, a sleep sack instead of blankets, a humidifier in the room, and a comfortable crib - this is what your baby needs for a good sleep environment.
References
FAQs on Baby Sleep in Winter
1. Do babies nap longer when it’s cold outside?
Yes, but it is not a rule of thumb! Some babies nap a little longer in cooler weather because lower temperatures help the body settle into deeper sleep. Shorter daylight hours can also shift their internal rhythm. However, each baby is different
2. Does winter affect newborn sleep?
Yes, winter can impact newborn sleep in both positive and negative ways. While we all sleep better in slightly cooler temperatures, the dry air and frequent colds might cause congestion and discomfort for your baby. Maintaining a steady sleep environment helps balance these changes.
3. Should I change my baby’s bedtime in winter?
Babies can communicate way better than you think. If your baby wants more sleep, they will automatically change their bedtime. You won’t need to change their bedtime routine in winter.
4. How many layers should my baby wear at night?
This totally depends on the temperature of the room, ventilation, and general weather conditions around you. A simple rule is: one extra layer than an adult would wear in the same room. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo fabric and use a sleep sack instead of loose blankets.
5. Is it normal for my baby to wake more during winter colds?
Yes, it is quite normal for babies to wake up more often during winter. Winter colds, nasal congestion, and dry air often lead to more frequent night wakings. Babies breathe mostly through their nose, so even mild congestion can disrupt sleep.
6. Why is my baby fussier at night in winter
Over-bundling or dry air in the room can make babies uncomfortable and fussy at night. Disrupted routines and less sunlight also affect mood and sleep patterns. Overall, you should use light layers instead of bundling your baby and use a humidifier in the room.
Related blogs
- Safe sleep tips for babies in winter
- Best winter nightwear for babies
- Winter care for newborns
- Swaddling in winter- do’s and don’ts
With Love, from Cocoon Care
Dear Parent,
No matter where you are, your baby deserves gentle beginnings and comforting care. At Cocoon Care, we pour love into every stitch. From soft muslin baby swaddles to cozy sleep pods and thoughtfully made newborn clothing, our essentials hold your baby with the same tenderness as you do. You can find baby essentials on our website and also on Amazon, Firstcry, Myntra, Nykaa Fashion and DuckDuck baby.
Because every baby deserves to be cocooned in care.
About the Author: The Cocoon Care Editorial Team works with pediatric consultants and experienced parents to bring you baby care tips you can trust.
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