Safe Winter Sleep for Babies and Toddlers Aged 0-2 Years

Created: 01.12.2023 · Last Updated: 20.08.2026 · Category: Pediatrics · Prepared by the Academic Hospital Web and Editorial Board.

Why Can Sleep Change in Winter?

Reduced daylight, more time spent indoors, seasonal infections and changes in daily routines can influence sleep patterns in babies and toddlers during the winter months.

For children aged 0-2 years, however, healthy sleep is not only about how long a child sleeps but also how and where the child sleeps.

Safe sleep practices are particularly important during the first year of life to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths and accidental suffocation.

How Much Sleep Do Children Aged 0-2 Need?

Sleep requirements vary according to age and individual biology. Daytime naps are included in total sleep time.

  • 0-3 months: Approximately 14-17 hours per 24 hours
  • 4-12 months: Approximately 12-16 hours per 24 hours
  • 1-2 years: Approximately 11-14 hours per 24 hours

Newborn sleep commonly occurs in short periods throughout the day and night, and a regular day-night rhythm may not yet be established.

Sleep needs are not identical for every child. Daytime alertness, feeding, development and overall health should be considered together with total sleep duration.

What Should the Baby's Room Temperature Be?

A baby's room should not be excessively warm. Overheating is undesirable from a safe-sleep perspective.

A room temperature of approximately 16-20 °C is considered comfortable and safe for sleeping babies.

Clothing and the thickness of any appropriately fitted baby sleep bag should be adjusted according to the room temperature.

The baby's chest or the back of the neck can be checked for overheating. Cool hands and feet do not necessarily mean that the baby is cold.

How Should a Safe Sleep Area Be Set Up?

  • Place the baby on their back for every sleep.
  • Use a firm, flat and non-inclined sleep surface.
  • Use only a fitted sheet on the mattress.
  • Keep pillows, duvets, loose blankets, toys, cot bumpers and sleep positioners out of the sleep area.
  • Keep the baby's head and face uncovered.
  • Avoid excessive clothing and overheating.
Adding pillows, thick duvets, loose blankets or soft toys to keep a baby warm is not a safe sleep practice.

Should the Baby Sleep in the Parents' Room?

For at least the first 6 months, it is recommended that the baby sleeps in the parents' room but in a separate, safe cot or bassinet.

This allows parents to remain close while maintaining a separate sleep surface for the baby.

Falling asleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair is unsafe.

How Should a Baby Be Dressed in Winter?

Avoid excessive layers of clothing simply because it is winter.

Light, breathable clothing appropriate for the room temperature can be used. If a baby sleep bag is chosen, it should be the correct size and warmth rating for the room.

The sleep bag should fit properly around the shoulders and neck so the baby's head cannot slip inside.

Babies should not sleep wearing a hat or with a hot-water bottle or electric blanket.

How Can a Bedtime Routine Be Established?

A calm and reasonably consistent bedtime routine can help babies and toddlers prepare for sleep.

This may include dimming the lights, ending stimulating play, having a warm bath, singing a lullaby, reading an age-appropriate book and following a similar sequence each evening.

A night light is not required. If light is needed, a dim light that does not brightly illuminate the room can be used.

How Should Daytime Naps Be Managed?

Naps are an important part of total sleep in babies and toddlers.

The number and duration of naps naturally decrease as the child gets older.

Daytime exposure to natural light and a dimmer environment at night can help support day-night differentiation as the circadian rhythm develops.

Removing naps completely does not guarantee better night sleep. An overtired child may sometimes find it harder to settle.

Feeding Before Sleep

Feeding should be appropriate for the child's age.

During approximately the first 6 months, breast milk or appropriate infant formula is the primary nutrition for babies. The timing and type of complementary foods should be based on the baby's developmental readiness.

It is therefore not appropriate to recommend yoghurt, pudding or another specific food before sleep for every child aged 0-2 years.

Night feeds can be developmentally normal in young babies and change over time according to age, growth and nutritional needs.

Safe Sleep When a Baby Is Ill

Colds, nasal congestion, fever and other illnesses can temporarily disrupt normal sleep.

Illness does not change the basic safe-sleep recommendations.

  • Continue to place the baby on their back.
  • Keep the sleep surface flat; do not prop up the mattress with pillows.
  • Do not add heavy blankets or excessive clothing.
  • Avoid overheating, particularly when the baby has a fever.
  • Monitor feeding and fluid intake.

Parents should also avoid accidentally falling asleep with an ill baby on a sofa or armchair.

When Should Medical Advice Be Sought?

Prompt medical assessment is appropriate if the baby has:

  • A temperature of 38 °C or higher when younger than 3 months
  • Difficulty breathing or unusually rapid breathing
  • Blue or grey skin or lips
  • A significant reduction in feeding
  • Marked lethargy, difficulty waking or reduced responsiveness
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Markedly reduced urine output or signs of dehydration

Safe Sleep Is the Foundation of Healthy Infant Sleep

Sleep duration matters, but babies should also sleep on their backs, on a firm and flat surface, without overheating. Concerns about sleep, feeding or health should be assessed according to the child's age.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a baby's room temperature be in winter?
A room temperature of approximately 16-20 °C is considered comfortable and safe for sleeping babies. Avoid overheating and adjust clothing or the sleep bag according to the room temperature.
What position should a baby sleep in?
Babies should be placed on their backs for every sleep, during the day and at night. The sleep surface should be firm, flat and non-inclined.
Can pillows and loose blankets be placed in a baby's cot?
Particularly during the first year, pillows, duvets, loose blankets, toys, cot bumpers and other soft objects should be kept out of the baby's sleep area.
How many hours should children aged 0-2 sleep?
Approximate total sleep needs are 14-17 hours for 0-3 months, 12-16 hours for 4-12 months and 11-14 hours for children aged 1-2 years. Naps are included and individual variation is normal.
Should the mattress be elevated when a baby has a cold?
No. The baby's sleep surface should remain flat and non-inclined. Using pillows or tilting the mattress because of nasal congestion is not consistent with safe-sleep recommendations.
Should a sick baby be given extra blankets?
No. Excessive clothing or bedding can cause overheating, particularly when a baby has a fever. Clothing and room temperature should remain appropriate.
Can a baby sleep in the same room as the parents?
Yes. Particularly during the first 6 months, the baby should ideally sleep in the parents' room but in a separate safe cot or bassinet.
Academic Hospital note: Sleep patterns in babies vary according to age, development, feeding and health. Safe-sleep practices should be followed, and unusual symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional. You can book an appointment.

References

  1. Academic Hospital. Winter Sleep for Babies
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Providing Care for Babies to Sleep Safely
  3. NHS. Safe Sleep Advice for Babies
  4. NHS. How to Dress a Newborn Baby
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Sleep
  6. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Child Sleep Duration Health Advisory