Wondering what your baby should wear to bed to sleep comfortably? Just like adults, babies need to be not too hot and not too cold to sleep well. However, because infants cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, choosing the right sleepwear and bedding is essential. Read on to feel confident your baby is dressed well and feeling comfortable at sleep times given the environment of the room they sleep in.
We’ll help you:
Understanding Your Baby's Sleep Needs
Before diving into what your baby should wear at bedtime, it's crucial to understand their unique sleep needs. Babies, especially newborns, have a different sleep pattern compared to adults. They spend about 50% of their time in two stages of sleep; REM & NREM. On average, baby’s sleep stages will mature to that of an adult around 4 months old. Read up on the 4-month sleep regression.
Here are some key points to consider:
Sleep Duration: Newborns sleep for most of the day, with sleep cycles ranging from 45 minutes to 4 hours. As they grow, sleep durations gradually decrease, and they start developing a more structured sleep pattern that lines up with circadian rhythms supported by sleep hormones naturally created in the body.
Temperature Regulation: Babies have immature temperature-regulating mechanisms. They can't easily adjust to extreme temperatures, which is why dressing them appropriately is vital.
Safety: Ensuring a safe sleep environment is paramount. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, use a firm crib mattress, and remove any loose bedding, clothing, etc. Remember the ABC’s of safe sleep, meaning along-back-crib.
Selecting the Right Sleepwear
Choosing the right clothing swaddle and sleep sack for your baby involves considering factors such as the room temperature, season, your baby's age, and personal comfort preferences. Here's a list of the different types of sleepwear options:
One-Piece Sleepers/Onesies: One-piece sleepers are a versatile option for babies of all ages. Opt for cotton fabrics which are breathable and easily layered when needed. Ensure they have snap or zipper closures for easy diaper changes.
Sleep Sacks: Sleep sacks are a fantastic choice, especially for newborns and infants. They provide warmth without the need for loose blankets, reducing the risk of suffocation. Choose sleep sacks appropriate for the room temperature by checking the TOG rating.
Footed Pajamas: Footed pajamas keep your baby's feet warm without needing socks. They come in various thicknesses, making them suitable for different seasons.
Layering: Layering is a great strategy, especially when the temperature fluctuates. Use a onesie as a base layer and add a sleeper or sleep sack on top as needed.
Hats and Mittens: In colder weather, you may want to include a hat and mittens to keep your baby's head and hands warm. However, ensure they fit snugly to keep baby safe.
How to Dress your Baby for the Season
Dressing your baby for sleep can vary significantly depending on the season. Here's how to adjust their sleepwear according to the weather:
Summer: During hot summer nights, choose lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or muslin. A short-sleeved onesie or just a diaper may suffice. If the room is air-conditioned, a light sleep sack can be added.
Fall and Spring: In milder weather, opt for long-sleeved onesies paired with a sleep sack or footed pajamas. Be aware of large fluctuations in ambient temperature as the seasons change.
Winter: For cold winter nights, select warm and cozy sleepwear, such as footed fleece pajamas or sleep sacks lined with fleece. Layering is key; use onesies and add socks, if necessary.
Transition Seasons: During transitional seasons, monitor the room temperature and adjust your baby's sleepwear accordingly. Use a room temperature sensor to ensure the room is at the suggested temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
All of this to say that room temperature matters. Be sure to accurately gauge the temperature in your baby’s room. Many times, the temperature displayed on the baby monitor is inaccurate. If you have a smart thermostat, purchase an additional sensor to be placed in baby’s room. This will give you a much better idea of what the true conditions are in the room.
The ideal room temperature for a baby's sleep environment is generally between 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C). To ensure your baby is comfortable and safe:
1. Use a Room Thermostat: As mentioned above, have a dedicated sensor in your baby’s room.
2. Check for Overheating: Overheating can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Ensure your baby isn't too hot by feeling their neck or back, not their hands or feet, which can be naturally cooler.
3. Ventilation: Proper room ventilation is essential to maintain a comfortable temperature. Using your best judgment, crack a window or use a fan to circulate air if necessary.
4. Heating and Cooling: Adjust your home's heating or cooling systems as needed to maintain a consistent room temperature.
5. Dress your baby properly for the current environment: Refer to the chart above for accurate data on how to dress your baby for sleep according to room temperature.
How to Know if your Baby is Comfortable when Sleeping
As a rule of thumb, your baby may need just one layer more in addition to what you wear or are covered with when sleeping. The temperature you keep your home is an important factor, as well. If you like to keep your home cool at night, keep in mind that baby may need an extra layer because of this. Check the nape of their neck to feel if they are sweaty, for example.
Safety should always be a top priority when dressing your baby for sleep. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:
1. Avoid Loose Bedding: Do not use loose blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals in the crib. These can pose suffocation hazards. Instead, use sleep sacks or swaddles for warmth. Checkout a few of our favorites listed inside our Amazon store!
2. Proper Fit: Ensure that sleepwear fits your baby well without being too tight or too loose. Tight sleepwear can restrict movement, while loose sleepwear can pose entanglement risks. Be sure to read the tag for sizing recommendations and compare your baby’s current height and length.
Dressing your baby for sleep is an important aspect of creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment. By understanding your baby's sleep needs, selecting the right sleepwear, considering seasonal variations, and maintaining an appropriate room temperature, you can help your little one sleep soundly through the night while ensuring their safety. Remember that every baby is unique, so pay attention to their cues and adjust their sleepwear accordingly. With the right approach, you can feel confident your baby is feeling comfortable and able to get the sleep they need.