Jersey Knit Swaddle Blankets
These have a tighter weave so are more suitable for cooler weather. It normally has a bit of stretch to it due to some added spandex
If you live in a warm climate you could probably just do with muslin swaddles and just layer baby up underneath if necessary, whereas in cooler climates you might be able to get away with just jersey knit swaddles.
Ideally, get a few of each.
How To Dress A Baby For Sleep: Baby Sleep Clothing
Wondering how to dress a baby for sleep? Its all about function over fashion babys temperature is key. So heres what to dress baby in to sleep, whatever the weather.
Making sure your baby isnt too hot or cold at bedtime can be a delicate balancing act.
A few degrees one way or the other, and youve got a fussy customer on your hands.
Fortunately, knowing how to dress a newborn for sleep can help restore calm.
Wrapping them in layers of fitted clothing means you can quickly add to their sleepy time outfit as the temperature in their room changes.
Read on to discover what baby should wear to sleep, both in the summer and winter.
In this article
- What should baby be dressed in to sleep?
- How to dress baby for sleep in summer
- How should I dress my newborn to sleep in winter?
- How do you know if baby is cold at night?
- What should a baby be covered with at night?
- The risk of SIDS when dressing baby for sleep
- How much do baby sleep clothes cost?
How To Dress A Baby For Sleep In The Winter
- While dressing your baby in winters, consider the following :
- Adding layers is the way to go in winters to keep your baby comfortable.
- Avoid using beanies or headgear while sleeping, as it may cause overheating. Also, you may remove extra clothing if indoors or in a warm vehicle.
- A full suit can keep your baby warm and comfortable.
- You may use sheets and blankets that are lightweight and breathable.
- If the room is too cold, use a room heater for a comfortable temperature. Maintain humidity in the room. Do not use electric blankets or hot water bottles. Also, keep the door slightly open to avoid overheating.
- A sleep sack is another good option to keep them cozy and warm. Sleep sacks of 2 tog are preferred for the winter and fall months.
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You Need To Learn Exactly How To Swaddle A Newborn Correctly
I was all fingers and thumbs when I first started to swaddle yet the midwives made it look so easy! Well, finally I figured it out, in part due to the discovery of an extremely simple and effective method .
This method is shared, along with 2 others, in our free swaddle course, with step-by-step video tutorials and printables plus a bunch of tips and tricks to keep those mini-Houdinis wrapped and asleep.
How To Dress A Baby For Sleep
With so many baby sleep outfits available on the market to choose from, it may be overwhelming to know how to dress a baby for sleep. This guide has a ton of different baby sleep outfit ideas for new moms. Learn how to dress baby for sleep in summer. How to cover a newborn baby at night in winter. And what your baby should wear for bed year round.
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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.
How Do I Know Baby Is Warm Enough At Night
The best way to tell if baby is warm enough in their baby sleep clothing at night is to check their temperature not necessarily with a thermometer, but by putting your hand on their tummy, chest, or the back of their neck.
Their skin should be warm to the touch about the same temperature as your hands .
How do I know if my baby is overheating?
Common signs that your baby may be overheating in their baby sleepwear include:
- They feel hot to the touch.
- They breathe rapidly.
If youre worried that your baby is overheating, you can:
- Slowly remove layers of clothing or covering.
- Lower the thermostat.
- Move them to a cooler room.
- Offer them fluids. If theyre younger than six months, stick to breastmilk or formula instead of water.
- Wipe them down with a lukewarm or cool cloth. Dont use one thats too cold, as this can be too much of a shock to their little systems.
If things dont improve quickly, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Knowing how to dress a baby for sleep at any time of the year can be challenging.
However, a home thermostat or thermometer can help you figure out what to dress them in to keep them comfortable no matter the season.
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How Do I Keep My Baby Warm At Night Without A Blanket
A lot of parents swear by sleep sacks. A sleep sack is a wearable blanket which eliminates the need for anything extra in the crib which, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics , greatly reduces the risks of SIDS . That means no extra bedding is needed to keep your baby warm as the sleep sack will help to regulate his body temperature.
What Should A Baby Wear In Bed When Having A Fever
You may be inclined to bundle your tot up if they have a fever and the chills however, this could make their fever worse. It’s best to dress them in lightweight, breathable clothing. Cotton is great, and a light blanket or swaddle is suggested.
If they have a high fever, it’s always wise to exercise caution and consult a pediatrician if and when necessary. But if it’s not terribly high, most children will begin to feel better even after it drops only one degree.
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How Do I Know If My Baby Is Too Hot
To check if your baby is too hot, The Lullaby Trust say to “put your hand on the skin on their chest or the back of their neck.”
Other signs your baby is too hot are:
Damp hair
Rapid breathing
Heat rash
If your little one feels hot to touch, start by taking a layer off of them and check them again in 10 minutes. You can always open a window slightly to help air circulate, too. When checking to see how hot your baby is, remember not to check their hands or feet as these are often a lot cooler than the rest of their body.
How Much A Newborn Sleeps
Newborns sleep a lot. In fact, newborns sleep 14 to 17 hours a day but they cant stay awake long between sleep periods. Your newborn might only stay awake for 1 to 2 hours throughout the day and night. Of course, you want most of their sleep to be at night with the 1 to 2 hours of awake time during the day. If your baby has newborn day/night confusion, youre not alone!
If you are having any trouble with getting your newborn enough sleep, be sure to check our Newborn Sleep Schedules By Week.
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Sleeping On The Couch With A Newborn In Your Arms Is Really Dangerous
We get it, falling asleep on the sofa with an infant curled up on your chest is one of the best feelings in the world. Many an exhausted new mom has nodded off for a bit while her sleeping baby is sprawled across her lap or nestled up all warm and cozy on a breastfeeding pillow. But according to the American Academy of Pediatrics , this kind of co-sleepingon a couch or armchairis a serious newborn sleep mistake. Its way more dangerous than co-sleeping in a bed, due to the risk of dropping or smothering the baby. If youre going to nap or sleep with your infant, opt for bed-sharing. And if youre going to co-sleep or bed-share, watch this video to make sure youre doing it safely.
What Clothing Should A Baby Wear At Bedtime
As the general rule goes, your baby will only need to add 1 additional piece of clothing above what you would normally wear to be comfortable in that room.
Consider using a Sleep Sack to help make your little one more comfortable. Sleep sacks have improved safety when compared to a Swaddle especially as your newborn approaches 4 months.
Sleep sacks have a Thermal Overall Grade which approximates how many blankets they are equivalent too. A TOG of 2.5 is quite high and suitable for winter months, where as a TOG of .5 is more suitable for summer months.
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How To Dress Baby For Sleep Without Swaddle Or Sleep Sack
If your little one has refused to swaddle or is an active sleeper and prefers to have their hands and feet free while they sleep, thats perfectly normal! You can still dress them in ways that will help them sleep comfortably.
Again, think about how many layers you would need to feel comfortable sleeping in the same environment as your baby.
Maybe you would feel comfortable in one layer, two layers, or threechances are pretty good that your baby will feel the same. Make sure to take the swaddle into consideration as one of the layers.
Weve talked a lot about how to dress your baby for sleep in various temperatures, and although that should be one of your biggest considerations, dont forget about textures and fit of their clothing as well. You wouldnt be comfortable sleeping in too-tight, rough, or scratchy pajamas and neither will your baby!
Make sure that the layers resting directly on their skin are smooth enough , well-fitting , and not too tight around their neck, wrists, and ankles.
When To Dress Babies In Fleece Pajamas
We don’t recommend dressing your baby in fleece unless it’s extremely cold. You will probably swaddle while your baby is still young, and fleece pajamas under a swaddle could be a lot of heat for a little one.
Excess heat can increase the risk of SIDS, and it’s wise to err on the side of caution. If you’re not sure if your babe is too warm or cold, you can feel the nape of their neck if it’s sweaty or their tummy or chest if it feels too warm. Also, their cheeks might be flushed if they’re feeling a bit toasty as well.
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Should You Swaddle Your Baby For Sleep
Its thought that swaddling your baby might help to calm your baby and help them feel secure, as the snug fit of the blanket can remind them of being in the womb.
Its usually reserved for newborns and young babies, and should be abandoned as soon as your baby can roll over , but it can be a safe and secure way of tucking your baby up at night, if you follow the safety guidance. This includes:
- Only swaddling your baby in a thin, breathable layer, such as a muslin wrap
- Leaving your babys head and neck uncovered your baby should only be swaddled up to their shoulders
- Your baby should never be wrapped up tightly: gently but firmly is perfect
- Checking your babys temperature regularly, to ensure they are not overheating
- Making sure they are dressed appropriately for swaddling
- Always placing your swaddled baby on their back to sleep
As helpful as some people find it, swaddling does bring with it some risks, the biggest being the risk of overheating, so always do so with caution.
The Right Clothing Fit For Your Baby
One reason that hats are generally a no-no is because they can fall in the category of loose clothing. Even if it seems secure enough when you lay your baby down, their rolling from side to side can easily take it out of place.
Its important that you dress your baby in clothing that fits properly. Though this might seem like a no-brainer, be sure to always double-check that whatever you put on your baby is snug and cant ride up over your babys face or become tangled.
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Dont Let Your Baby Overheat
How should you dress baby for sleep? Simple is safest. Put your baby in a base layer like a one-piece sleeper, and skip the socks, hats or other accessories. Instead of a blanket, use a sleep sack or swaddle. Shell be warm enough but not too warm.
And dont worry about cranking up the heat. A room temperature of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is best. To tell whether your baby is too warm, feel the nape of her neck. If she’s sweating, shes too hot.
Leave Baby Alone In The Crib Or Bassinet
Baby should sleep alone on her back without bumpers, stuffed animals, blankets or pillows.
Its okay to start using a pillow and blanket when your child is a toddler and old enough to move out of a crib and into a toddler bed ideally between 2 and 3 years old.
If youre worried about baby being too cold at night, then consider a wearable blanket .
Are crib bumpers safe? Its best to avoid crib bumpers altogether. Like pillows and blankets, bumpers can increase the risk for suffocation and strangulation in younger babies. There’s no solid evidence that they actually prevent injuries in the crib, either.
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What Should Babies Sleep In
Expert advice on what babies should wear to bed is relatively specific. Swaddling your baby snugly in a blanket might be appropriate if done correctly during the first two months of life. Swaddling can lead to less crying and better sleep , but it becomes unsafe once a baby starts attempting to roll over. Babies in a swaddle should always be placed on their back and never on their stomach. Alternatives to swaddling include sleep sacks or wearable blankets.
Since infants should not have blankets or pillows with them as they sleep, their sleepwear needs to provide warmth without leading to overheating. It should also be relatively snug and secure, since anything too loose or easy to remove could create a choking hazard. In a warmer sleep environment, one layer of clothing may be acceptable. However, it is generally advised that babies should sleep in a room that is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit , which means you might want to dress them in more than one layer .