DRESSING A BABY 6-9 MONTHS

How should I dress my baby to sleep? 6-9 months

By 6–9 months, babies are more active in the crib: rolling, pushing up, and army crawling so safe, comfortable sleepwear is especially important. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using light, breathable layers and sleep sacks instead of blankets to keep babies warm safely.

Use 1–2 light layers

Most babies sleep comfortably in:

  • A cotton footed pajama OR
  • A onesie + a lightweight sleep sack
  • (In colder rooms) long-sleeve cotton pajamas + a slightly warmer sleep sack

Sleep sacks allow babies to move freely while keeping them warm without loose bedding.

Avoid anything that increases sleep risk

The AAP advises avoiding:

  • Blankets
  • Quilts or comforters
  • Hats
  • Over-bundling
  • Puffy or heavy layers

Loose items increase SIDS and suffocation risk, and babies this age can shift positions easily.

Choose fabrics that breathe

Cotton, and bamboo fabrics help prevent overheating. Overheating is a known sleep risk factor, and the AAP emphasizes keeping babies cool but comfortable during sleep.

Check your baby’s temperature at the chest

Hands and feet often feel cold at this age (this is normal).
Instead, follow AAP guidance and check:

  • Chest
  • Back of the neck
  • Tummy

These areas tell you if your baby is truly warm or cool.

Your baby is dressed well if their chest feels warm and dry.

Keep the room at a comfortable temperature

Babies sleep best in a room that is 68–72°F (20–22°C).
Source: AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines

If the room is warmer:

  • Use a lighter sleep sack
  • Dress baby in fewer layers

If the room is cooler:

  • Add one light layer (like long-sleeve pajamas under the sleep sack)

Dress your baby in the same number of layers you would wear to sleep, plus one light extra layer if needed.

Comfort, breathability, and safe sleep practices come first.

Citations:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Sleep sacks and safe sleep.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Back to sleep, tummy to play.

(2023). Baby sleep basics. American Academy of Pediatrics.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Infant soothing and comfort.

World Health Organization. (2023). Thermal protection for infants

 

How do I know if my baby is too hot or too cold? 6-9 months

Babies this age regulate temperature better than newborns but still rely on caregivers for safe layering. The AAPrecommends checking your baby’s chest or back to assess warmth.

Signs your baby is too hot

  • Sweating
  • Damp hair
  • Hot chest or back
  • Red cheeks
  • Heat rash
  • Fast breathing
  • Fussiness or restlessness

Signs your baby is too cold

  • Cool chest or back
  • Pale or blotchy skin
  • Fussiness or irritability
  • Baby curling in tightly

Hands and feet may feel cool ( this is normal and not a reliable indicator).

Best practice

Dress babies in light layers and keep the room 68–72°F (20–22°C).

Citations:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Back to sleep, tummy to play.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Soothing your baby: Comfort and calming. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

HealthyChildren.org. (2023). Baby sleep basics. American Academy of Pediatrics.

World Health Organization. (2023). Thermal protection for infants.