DRESSING A BABY 3-6 MONTHS

How do I know if my baby is too hot or too cold? 3-6 months

 

Babies can’t tell us if they’re uncomfortable, but they do give clear signs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends checking your baby’s chest or back (not hands or feet) to understand how warm they really are.

Signs your baby may be too hot:

Overheating increases the risk of sleep problems and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so it’s important to watch for these signs:

  • Sweating (especially on the head, neck, or back)
  • Damp hair
  • Red or flushed cheeks
  • Heat rash on the chest or back
  • Fast breathing
  • Chest feels hot to the touch
  • Baby seems unusually fussy, restless, or hard to settle

If you notice these, remove one layer, switch to a lighter sleep sack, or cool the room slightly.

Signs your baby may be too cold:

  • Cool chest or back (this is the best indicator)
  • Hands and feet may feel cool, but are not reliable signs by themselves
  • Mottled or pale skin
  • Baby is fussy, whiny, or not settling
  • Baby pulls in arms/legs or curls up tightly

If your baby feels cool on the chest or back, add a light layer or use a slightly warmer sleep sack.

How to check temperature comfortably:

  • The AAP recommends checking your baby’s chest, back of the neck, or tummy. 
  • These areas show true body temperature better than hands or feet, which can feel cool even when your baby is totally comfortable. 

What should the room temperature be?

  • The AAP suggests babies sleep best in a room about 68–72°F
  • If the room feels comfortable for a lightly clothed adult, it is usually comfortable for your baby with one light extra layer.

Want to learn more?

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.

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

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

How should I dress my baby to sleep? 3-6 months

At 3–6 months, babies still need a safe, simple sleep setup. The goal is to keep them comfortable without overheating. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends dressing babies in light, breathable layers and following the “one layer more than an adult would wear” rule.

Choose light, comfortable layers

Most babies do well with:

  • A cotton or breathable long-sleeve pajama
  • A wearable sleep sack (swaddle alternatives)

Sleep sacks are recommended by the AAP because they keep babies warm without loose blankets, which are not safe for sleep.

Avoid:

  • Swaddling after 2 months, since babies at this age begin rolling 
  • Hats, mittens, or hoods during sleep
  • Heavy fabrics, fleece sleepers, or multiple layers unless the room is very cold

Most experts recommend keeping the room around 68–72°F

Signs your baby may be too warm:

  • Sweaty neck
  • Damp hair
  • Flushed cheeks
  • Fast breathing

Signs your baby may be too cold:

  • Cool chest or tummy (hands and feet can be cooler and still normal)

Use a sleep sack instead of blankets

The CDC and AAP both warn against using loose blankets in the crib, even at this age. A sleep sack:

  • Keeps your baby warm
  • Reduces the risk of overheating
  • Stays safely in place
  • Allows free movement as rolling increases

Look for cotton or muslin sleep sacks for warmer rooms, and lightly padded ones for cooler rooms.

Safe sleep guidelines still apply at 3–6 months:

  • Baby sleeps on their back
  • In a crib, bassinet, or play yard
  • With a firm, flat mattress
  • No pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or bumpers

Want to learn more?

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). A parent’s guide to safe sleep.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Sleep sacks and safe sleep.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Sleep safety guidelines.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Safe sleep for babies. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Moon, R. Y., Carlin, R. F., & Hand, I. (2022). Sleep-related infant deaths: Updated 2022 recommendations for reducing infant deaths in the sleep environment. Pediatrics, 150(1), e2022057990.