Those first new nights home with your newborn are some of the most exciting and frightening times of parenthood. You're finally able to settle in with your infant and get some quality time. But there's also a lot to figure out, and a lot of anxiety, especially around bedtime.
You're starting to put your baby to bed on that first night, and suddenly you're faced with a dilemma. What should they wear? How do you know if they're too hot or too cold? Our babies don't have the words to tell us how they're feeling, so it can be difficult to tell if they're comfortable.
In this post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about safely dressing your little one for sweet dreams. Remember to relax and don't overthink bedtime so everyone can sleep well!
Types of Sleepwear for Babies
There are so many types of jammies to pick out for your little one, and endless materials. Swaddles, footies, rompers, sleep sacks, wearable blankets. Cotton, wool, bamboo. Where do you start?
The starting point is typically one extra layer than you're wearing, because they can't use blankets like we can. If you're comfy in short-sleeve cotton pjs, your baby can wear something similar with a swaddle or sleep sack.
That's just a starting point, though. Every baby is unique, and you might have to adjust as they grow. You'll also want to adjust based on the temperature of your house or the weather. We'll start by talking about your options for sleepwear!
1. Pajamas
A comfy pair of pjs or a one-piece footie is the typical base layer. You'll want to look for soft, natural materials that are gentle on your baby's skin. Cotton or bamboo are our favorites because they're soft, breathable, and make regulating baby's temperature easy.
You'll also want to consider convenience and functionality when picking your baby's base layer. Anything that's easy to clean and easy to get on and off will be a lifesaver, especially during late nights. Also choose jammies that make nighttime changes easy and comfortable with snap-closures or zippers.
2. Swaddles
For newborns, a swaddle is probably the first thing you think of when you want to calm your baby down to sleep. A swaddle can help reduce the startle reflex, settling your little one down to sleep longer.
A cotton or muslin fabric is great because it's lightweight and breathable. If you're not confident in your swaddling skills, you can also look for swaddles or swaddle sacks with zippers or velcro.
That said, you'll also want to know when to stop swaddling. As soon as your little one starts turning themselves over, trying to crawl, a swaddle is no longer safe. They need their arms free to be able to roll over and avoid suffocation risks of prolonged swaddling.
3. Sleep Sacks or Wearable Blankets
Once your baby outgrows swaddles, sleepsacks are usually the next step. Babies can't have blankets or other soft items in the crib due to suffocation risks, so a wearable blanket safely keeps them warm.
When picking a sleep sack, the most important thing to pay attention to is the TOG rating. The TOG, or thermal overall grade, rating refers to how thin and breathable or thick and insulating the fabric is. The lower the tog, the thinner the fabric, and higher means thicker.
Our favorites are Kyte Baby Sleep Bags because they're made of the absolute softest bamboo fabric. Their TOGs go from 0.5 to 2.5, so no matter your home's temperature, your baby can sleep soundly.
What Not to Wear
For your baby's safety, there are things they shouldn't wear to sleep. Avoid hats, as they increase the risk of overheating and SIDS. If your baby's hands are free, like if they're in a sleep sack, you'll also want to avoid mitts as they can be a choking hazard.
And, of course, avoid any soft extras in the crib. No blankets, pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, or canopies. Make sure your baby sleeps on a flat, solid crib mattress that properly fits.
Is My Baby Too Hot or Too Cold?
So, you've dressed your baby for sleep! If your house runs warm, you probably chose light cotton pajamas and a breathable swaddle. In the dead of winter, they might be wearing thicker jammies and a 2.5 TOG sleep sack.
You feel like you've done a good job, but that bit of doubt comes seeping back in. How do you actually tell if your baby is comfortable? Being too hot or too cold can be dangerous, but it's important to not get too anxious about it. If you're constantly checking, how is your baby supposed to sleep?
There are a few ways to tell if your baby is comfortable and at a good temperature.
1. Your Baby Show Distress
Sometimes our babies do their best to tell us what's wrong. If you've fed, changed, and rocked your little one, and they still aren't sleeping, then something else may be making them uncomfortable.
It's worth a shot to adjust their layers or room temperature to make them more comfortable. Some babies run hotter or colder than others! Add or remove layers, adjust the temperature within 68-72 degrees, and see if it helps.
2. Check the Neck, Tummy, and Chest
When checking your baby's temperature, it's important to focus on their core. Their fingers and toes will naturally run colder than their core, just like ours! If you touch their little toes and they're a bit cold, it's not a cause of concern.
Instead, feel your baby's temperature from their neck, tummy, or chest. If they're too hot or too cold in their core, then it's time to adjust how they're dressed.
3. Know the Signs of Overheating
Watch for perspiration, wet cheeks, quickened breathing, or wet hair. These are all signs of overheating, so you'll want to cool your baby down quickly when you notice them.
4. Blue Fingers and Toes
Fingers and toes being a bit chilly is okay and normal. But if they start to turn blue-ish, then your baby is too cold. Turn up the heat or add a layer, and they'll go back to normal in no time!
5. How Do You Feel?
If you follow the rule of dressing your baby in the same amount of layers as you, plus one, then gauge how you're feeling. If both you and your baby are wearing light jammies, plus a blanket for you or a swaddle for them, then check if you're too cold. If you are, your baby probably is too.
Sleep Soundly and Warmly!
Armed with knowledge and all the tools you need, you and your little one can sleep comfortably! Dress them appropriately, assess their temperature, then try not to worry all night. You need sleep to be the best parent you can be, and your baby needs sleep to grow up strong and healthy.
Ready for comfortable, safe sleep? Shop our collection of soft baby sleep wear for restful nights!
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