Keeping Your Baby Comfy In The Crib

If you’re the parent of a baby, then there’s one thing you will probably have noticed, and that’s that your child has a real knack for getting super fussy when bedtime comes around, and this is perhaps the last time you want that fussiness to rear its head.

The thing is, your child might have a good reason for getting fussy when you put them down to sleep at night. The sheets might be too scratchy, or they might be too hot or cold, or one of a million other variables might be affecting their ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Don’t hang your head in despair, though, because there are tons of things you can do to tip the balance in your favor and ensure that your baby is as comfy as can be in the crib, increasing their (and your ) chances of a good night’s sleep.

1. Start with the Right Mattress

Think of the crib mattress as the foundation of your baby’s comfort palace. It should be firm enough to support them safely but not feel like they’re lying on a rock.

Soft, saggy mattresses can be dangerous, so go for something that’s approved for infant sleep and fits snugly inside the crib without gaps. Bonus points if it has a removable, washable cover. Because babies? They spit up—a lot.

2. Dress the Crib Simply

When it comes to your baby’s crib, then it is fair to say that simple is best, especially if you want them to get a good night’s sleep. Fluffy blankets and giant pillows or those Pinterest-worthy crib canopies may look good, but they’re not always the safest option, and they will not always make your baby the most comfortable.

These days, most safety guidelines suggest that you keep the crib bare, apart from a fitted sheet. Sheets that are made from organic fabrics, like bamboo and cribton, which are highly breathable, are the best because they are gentle on the little one’s skin, and they help to regulate their temperature too.

So, please keep it simple, and if you want to add some personality, you can choose sheets that are colourful or feature cute characters, instead.

3. Pay Attention to Room Temperature

Babies can’t precisely tell you, “Hey, it’s a bit chilly in here,” so you’ll need to channel your inner Goldilocks and aim for “just right.” Most experts recommend keeping the nursery between 68°F and 72°F.

A small room thermometer can be a lifesaver here. You might think the room feels fine, but heating and cooling systems can create big temperature swings.

4. Use a Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) Chart

Here’s where the thermal overall grade (TOG) chart comes in handy. It helps you choose the right sleepwear and bedding based on room temperature. Too warm, and your baby could overheat. Too cold, and you’ll have a midnight wake-up on your hands.

TOG charts break down different clothing layers and sleep sack thicknesses so you can match them to the nursery temperature. Keep one near the changing table and check it before bedtime, it’s one of those little hacks that make life much easier.

5. Choose Sleep Sacks over Blankets 

Blankets look cute, but they’re a no-go for safe infant sleep. Sleep sacks (or wearable blankets) are a great alternative. They keep your baby cozy without the risk of fabric covering their face.

Get a few in different TOG ratings so you can rotate them with the seasons. In summer, you’ll want something lightweight and breathable. In winter, a thicker sack will keep them toasty.

6. Keep Airflow in Mind

Good airflow can make a big difference in comfort. Position the crib away from direct sunlight, heaters, or vents that could blow hot or cold air straight onto your baby. If the room gets stuffy, a quiet fan set on low can help circulate air (keep it out of reach).

7. Mind the Pajamas

Your baby’s pajamas are just as important as their bedding. Look for soft, tag-free fabrics that won’t irritate delicate skin. Zippered one-piece sleepers are a lifesaver for late-night changes; you’ll thank yourself for not having to fuss with a million snaps at 2 a.m.

And remember, if you’re layering under a sleep sack, go lighter on the PJs to prevent overheating.

8. Create a Pre-Sleep Comfort Routine

Part of keeping your baby comfy in the crib is making sure they feel relaxed before they even get there. Babies thrive on routine, so create a bedtime ritual that helps them wind down. A warm bath, a gentle baby massage, soft lullabies…whatever works for your little one.

This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about signaling to your baby that it’s time to rest. You’ll be surprised how much easier they settle once the routine becomes familiar.

9. Reduce Noise and Light

Even if you think your baby could sleep through a rock concert, most babies benefit from a calm, low-stimulation sleep environment. Blackout curtains can keep early morning sun from ruining a good nap, and white noise machines can drown out household sounds.

The goal is to mimic a safe, cozy cocoon that encourages deeper sleep.

10. Check for Irritants

Sometimes, “baby discomfort” is just “baby itchy.” Harsh laundry detergents, rough fabrics, or even certain lotions can cause irritation that makes it hard for your baby to settle. Stick to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products and wash all bedding and clothing before use.

11. Adjust with the Seasons

Your comfort strategy in July should look different from your strategy in January. In summer, lighter fabrics, breathable sheets, and a low TOG sleep sack will keep your baby cool. In winter, thicker sleep sacks, cozy pajamas, and warm-but-not-hot room temps will do the trick.

A seasonal bedding swap might sound fussy, but it’s worth it for a happy, well-rested baby.

12. Monitor and Adapt

Babies grow fast, and what works one month might not work the next. Keep an eye on how your baby reacts – if they’re waking sweaty, they might be too warm. If their hands and nose are cold, you might need to add warmth.

Parenting is one big guessing game, but the good news is you’ll get better at reading the clues.

The Bottom Line

Keeping your baby comfy in their crib is so important because it will enable you all to get a better night’s sleep, and now that you know a bit more about the many variables that can cause discomfort and fussiness, from temperature to the right bedding, hopefully you can all get some much-needed shut-eye. Good luck, sleep tight.

Eleanor Whitcombe grew up in the rolling hills of Devon, where her love for storytelling began with bedtime tales spun by her grandmother. After a decade working as a librarian in Bath, she turned her attention to writing, drawing inspiration from English folklore and the quiet drama of village life.