How To Dress Your Baby Based On The Tog Rating
One thing to keep in mind is that TOG Rating and suggested clothing is a general guideline.
Just like how adults feel the temperature differently, your baby will too. As an example, you may be okay with a sweater in 60 degrees weather whereas your friend might be bundled up in a jacket and a sweater.
So watch how your baby reacts to different TOG rating to ensure your baby is warm and cozy for sleeping. The great thing about Tealbee sleeping bags is that they are made of breathable and moisture wicking bamboo cotton fabric to help regulate temperature better than other . Few things to watch out for when you are dressing your baby for sleep are:
- Watch for signs of overheating: If your baby has damp hair, sweaty backs and chest, red ears, fevers, your baby may be too hot and needs to be dressed down. Take off a layer or use a sleepingbag with a lower TOG rating.
- Frequent wake-ups: If your baby is waking up crying or fussing, it may be a sign that your baby may be too hot or cold, unless the baby may have other developmental reasons . If the baby feels cold to the touch then add a layer or put on a higher TOG rating sleeping bag.
How To Dress Baby For Sleeping
When a baby is sleeping, less is going to be more, Smith says. Because babies can wriggle out of their mittens and hats in bed, these could pose a risk for sudden infant death syndrome . All she needs to wear is a onesie underneath her swaddling blanket, if she likes to be swaddled. You can also find long-sleeve onesies with built-in mittens, if she tends to scratch herself. If baby doesnt like to be swaddled, try a sleep sack.
Top It All Off With A Blanket
Of course, a blanket isnt necessary when baby is up and about, practicing her tummy time. But if shes nursing, in a stroller or being carried out to the car, a blanket will keep her feeling cozy and protected. Also, Smith says, any baby leaving the hospital needs to be covered up, more so germs. In summer, a light blanket will do. Opt for something thicker as the days get chillier. Whatever the case may be, wrap her up from toes to neck, and secure it in such a way so it doesnt end up flapping in her face. If youll be out and about for a while in winter, consider putting baby in a coat, if you have one. Otherwise dress baby in extra-warm layers and extra-thick baby bunting or a toasty foot muff.
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How Many Layers Your Baby Needs To Wear At Night During Hot Weather
Babycentre’s guide tells you what your baby should wear at night and how to check if they are in danger of overheating
It’s finally hotting up in the North East with temperatures set to hit the dizzy heights of 23C this week.
The upturn means the summer dresses and shorts are set to come out as many of us try to keep cool.
But what about our youngest residents? Babies are vulnerable to temperature changes, so its important to know how many layers they should wear when they go to sleep and to recognise what the signs of overheating are.
Parenting website Babycentre has pulled together a series of info graphics which tell parents what they need to know to keep babies safe and comfortable at night, which is based on input from experts.
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What should my baby wear at night?
Babycentres advice is tailored for different room temperatures – remember, the ideal room temperature for a baby is between 16C and 20C.
What are the signs when a baby is overheating?
They include damp hair, sweat and blushed cheeks.
Dos and donts for making sure your baby sleeps at a safe temperature
Tips include never putting them to bed in a hat or gloves and checking their temperature 10 minutes after removing any layers.
Babycentre UK editor Joanne Lewsley said: Our info graphic also shows how parents can check for signs that their baby may be overheating.
Top Tips For Safe Sleeping
Some sleeping arrangements are not safe. They can increase the risk of sudden death or accidents. To keep your baby safe while sleeping:
- Place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their tummy or on their side.
- Don’t let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
- Don’t share a bed with your baby, particularly if you’ve been drinking alcohol, if you take drugs or if you’re a smoker.
- Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
- Don’t let your baby get too hot.
- Keep your baby’s head uncovered. Their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders.
- Place your baby in the ‘feet to foot’ position .
- The safest place for your baby to sleep in their own safe space in the same room as an adult caregiver for the first 6 to 12 months.
- Breastfeed your baby.
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Dont Be Tempted To Overdress Baby
Because overheating at night has been linked to SIDS, dont put Baby in too many layers.
I tend to run cold, even in the summer, and I was always battling with how to dress my summer newborn. Dont project your own level of comfort on to your baby.
Cool fingers and toes dont convey an accurate gauge of Babys body temperature. Checking the back of the neck or the tummy is the best indicator. Skin should be cool and dry to the touch if the neck or tummy is hot or sticky, Baby is too warm.
How Do I Know If My Baby Is Too Hot
There are more risks to being too hot versus too cold.
If your child is too hot, sheâll be uncomfortable, and if she overheats, sheâll increase her risk of SIDS. Other risks for SIDS include extra blankets in the crib, so youâll want to avoid sheets until the toddler years.
If your child is too cold, sheâll be uncomfortable and possibly have trouble settling into sleep or wake up more frequently.
âItâs about finding that temperature sweet spot that suits your child and her environment.
The most vulnerable population for temperature related issues are newborns between the ages of 0-3. Newborns donât have the ability to regulate their temperature until about 3 months. If newborns become too cold, then they use much energy to try and cool themselves, which can be exhausting. Consequently, if newborns overheat, this can also be dangerous.
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Dont Rely On Smart Baby Monitors
Cardiorespiratory monitors, which alert you to changes in your babys breathing at night, havent been proven to protect against SIDS. Nor are they regulated by the Food and Drug Administration because they’re not considered medical devices, so they’re often not safe to have around your baby at all.
Bedding For Babies Who Have A Cold
Research has shown that babies with symptoms of a common cold are often given more bedding than they need due to care giver concerns that babies showing signs of a cold need to be kept very warm.11 In fact, providing assistance to babies with a common cold to effectively regulate their temperature is very important. This can be best achieved by placing them on the back to sleep with the head uncovered and removing some bedding or clothing. If baby is overly warm to touch, or showing signs of heat stress then see your doctor or health professional immediately.
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Why Do Babies Who Are Unwell Need Fewer Layers
When babies feel unwell, with a cold or fever, they may be warmer than usual. It is important that you put fewer layers on an unwell baby so they have the opportunity to lower their body temperature dont feel tempted to wrap an unwell baby up more than usual.
If your baby shows signs of being significantly unwell you should seek medical advice. You may also find it helpful to use our Baby Check app to monitor your babys symptoms.
Dressing Your Baby For Bed
There’s a lot to know about safe sleep for babies and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming, wondering if your little one is too hot or too cold. Young babies are unable to regulate their body temperature and they also release heat rapidly. Ensuring your baby isn’t too hot is incredibly important and will also reduce the risk of SIDS.
From knowing what tog size sleep bags to buy to how many layers your newborn should be wearing, we’ve got the guide to all your sleep worries about bedtime clothing.
During the night babies can overheat, either because the room is too hot, they have too much bedding or they’re wearing too many clothes. To make sure your baby doesn’t get too hot in the night, it’s always worth checking the room temperature before getting your little one ready for bed, that way you can dress them appropriately. According to The Lullaby Trust, your baby’s room should be kept between 16-20°C.
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Don’t Let Your Baby Get Too Hot
Babies control their temperature mainly through their face. The best way to stop them overheating is to place them on their back with the head and face uncovered. You don’t have to monitor the temperature of the room it should be at a temperature that’s comfortable for you at night but make sure your baby is dressed appropriately.
- When you check your baby, make sure they’re not too hot. Their chest should feel warm. If your baby is sweating or has a red face, take off some of the bedding. Don’t worry if your baby’s hands or feet feel cool. This is normal.
- It’s easier to adjust for the temperature by using lightweight blankets. Remember, a folded blanket counts as 2 blankets. A good idea is to use a sleeping bag with a fitted neck, armholes or sleeves and no hood.
- If it’s very warm, your baby may not need any bedclothes other than a sheet.
- Even in winter, most babies who are unwell or feverish don’t need extra clothes.
- Babies should never sleep with a hot-water bottle or electric blanket, next to a radiator, heater or fire, or in direct sunshine.
- Make sure your baby’s head can’t be covered by bedclothes while they’re sleeping.
- Remove hats and extra clothing as soon as you come indoors or enter a warm car, bus or train, even if it means waking your baby.
Soothing A Crying Baby
To begin with, your newborn babys only way of communicating is crying. If your little one is crying it can be helpful to run through a quick checklist:
- Are they hungry or thirsty?
- Do they need a nappy change?
- Are they too hot or too cold?
- Are they tired or overstimulated?
- Could they be ill?
- Do they simply need to be held and comforted?
If your baby is crying continuously, or their cry changes to a high-pitched or an unusual cry, seek medical advice.
If your baby cries a lot but is otherwise healthy, your GP might say they have colic . Take a look at our article about how to cope and keep calm with a crying baby. Excessive crying can be tiring and emotionally challenging so try to remember that there is help available and its important to seek support.
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How Many Onesies Do I Need For A Newborn
Onesies are the comfiest outfits. They are quick to put on and easy to change. Despite the season, at least three onesies can be bought in a newborn size. Then, it is better to opt for 0-3 size. Remember that onesies with built-in footies should have sufficient length so that not to prevent your baby from movements. Still wondering how many onesies do I need, buy three pieces. These are the most comfortable outfits for active pastimes, sleeping, and strolls for newborns.
Evidence For Our Temperature Safe Sleep Message
Overheating can increase the risks of cot death by as much as 2,5 times.Heating set to an inappropriately high temperature being used in the room baby sleeps has been shown to increase the risk of SUDI by up to 4.5 times greater
In one study head covering with bedding happened in 25% cases of SUDI but in only 3% of control cases.
It is important to note that the consensus view in the UK is that a temperature of 16-20C offers a comfortable and safe environment for a baby to sleep, although is not strongly evidence-based.
Parents do find guidance on this topic helpful as an individuals own level of comfort in different room temperatures varies so greatly.
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When To Get Medical Help
Trust your instincts. You know your baby well and will know what usual behaviour is for them . So if you think your baby is seriously ill, even if there are no obvious symptoms, call your GP, NHS 111, or call 999 in a medical emergency.
Get medical help immediately if:
- your baby has a high temperature that doesnt decrease with ibuprofen or paracetamol or if they have a temperature and theyre under eight weeks old
- theyre crying constantly and inconsolably in a way that doesnt sound normal for them
- their vomit is green
Stop Swaddling Before Baby Rolls
Make sure to use the right swaddling technique and always put your swaddled baby to sleep on her back.
You should stop by the time your baby is rolling over , which usually starts around 3 or 4 months. Swaddling can create a strangulation or suffocation hazard for older babies who are mobile enough to potentially wriggle their way out.
Want to play it extra safe? Stop at 2 months, before your baby begins to get her roll on.
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
- What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.
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How Do I Know If My Baby Is Too Cold
2 Ways to Assess If Your Child Is Too Hot Or Too Cold
Cold hands – not uncommon, not a sign her body is too cold.Cold nose – a sign the room might be too cold. Cold back of neck – definitely a sign she is too cold. â
Want to remember all these tips and put them on your fridge? Grab my How To Dress For Winter Sleep Cheat Sheet.
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