Few things are better than seeing your baby sleep all snuggly and warm. Baby sleep is a huge topic of concern for new mom and parents. We want our babies to sleep as comfortably as possible. Here’s what to dress baby in at night for the best sleep!
What Should A Newborn Sleep In?
Babies have several clothing options when it comes to sleep. You can opt for any of the following:
Infant bodysuit – These are often referred to as onesies that shirts that snap at the bottom and come in either short sleeved or long sleeved options.
Footed Pajamas – One piece garment that covers everything except the head, neck and hands. Can come in several fabric options like fleece, cotton, poly blend, thermal or terry knit.
Footless Pajamas – This is a one piece garment similar to footed pajamas except there is no fabric covering the feet.
Two Piece Pajamas – Usually consists of a shirt/top and long pants or shorts. Usually snugly fitted for the child’s safety. May have prints or patterns.
Baby Sleep Bags -Sleep bags are front zippered one piece “bags” that are safe alternatives to loose blankets. Usually sleep bags are sleeveless.
Sleep Gowns –Long sleeved gowns with an open, cinched hem on the bottom. The open bottom makes diaper changes easier. Usually these are sold in sizes for newborn to about 6 months.
Swaddle – Another type of wearable blanket for baby. They can be wrapped around your baby with zippers, hooks or closures to create that snug, secure feeling for baby.
Related: Receiving Blanket Vs. Swaddle, Which One Do You Need?
What should babies wear at night?
Verywell recommends that the room that your baby sleeps in should be between 68 to 72 degrees for the ideal sleeping environment.
Here are some recommendations for what to dress baby in at night and how to layer their clothing.
Dressing For Sleep in Warmer Temperatures
74-78 degrees or higher = onesie or bodysuit only
73-71 degrees = onesie or bodysuit, footed or footless pajamas, two piece pajamas
70-64 degrees= footed pajamas, two piece pajamas, body suit with baby sleep bag, swaddle with bodysuit/onesie
Dressing For Sleep in Cooler Temperatures
63-59 degrees = baby sleep sacks with long sleeved onesies, long sleeved footed pajamas, swaddle with body suit/onesie
58 degrees and below = baby sleep sacks, long sleeved footed pajamas, swaddle with bodysuit/onesie
How to Check Your Baby’s Temperature
So know you know what to dress baby in at night and want to make sure they’re not too hot or cold? The right way to check your baby’s temperature is to put your hands on their stomach or the back of their necks. Don’t use their hands or feet to check their temperature because these areas tend to feel cooler than the rest of the body.
Sleep Safety and Baby Clothing
There’s a reason why baby sleepwear has safety standards and is very regulated. It has everything to do with your baby’s safety! These tips will help you select the right types of sleepwear for your little one.
Fitted Sleepwear – Pajamas and sleepwear should not be loose fitting because loose fitting clothes are more likely to catch fire. Appropriate tight fitting sleepwear is actually made according to specific dimensions. It should be labeled that it meets the requirements.
Fabric types – Be mindful of the fabrics your baby’s sleepwear is made from. The tag should note whether or not the fabric is chemically treated or flame resistant.
Layer with caution – Make sure each layer is thin. A good rule of thumb is that you should layer your baby’s clothing in one more additional layer than you would be comfortable in.
Skip the hat – If you are concerned about the baby overheating, you don’t have to keep a hat on the baby’s head indoors.
No loose comforters, bedding and blankets – The reason why you don’t want to use loose bedding or pillows is because these your baby can get stuck or trapped by these items and suffocate.
Swaddle until safe – Babies shouldn’t be swaddled as soon as they can roll. At this point you can no longer use swaddle blankets or sleepwear that keeps their arms restricted.
You can find more information about the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines for Children’s Sleepwear Regulations here.
Related: Do Sleep Sacks Help Your Baby Sleep Longer?
How To Keep Your Baby Warm At Night
So what can you do if you can’t put a blanket on your baby?
You can warm the bed before putting the baby down with a heating pad, but remove it before laying the baby down.
Use a wearable blanket in an appropriate size. Make sure that your baby won’t slip down it.
Use footed pajamas that cover their body and keep them warm.
Try a fitted crib sheet made from a warmer material like flannel.
Make sure the room is an appropriate temperature.
Baby Bedtime Clothing for Warm Weather
As the temperatures warm up, remember to avoid heavy layers. Your baby can wear lightweight fabrics. Try short sleeved pajamas and cool cotton. If you baby is dressed and layers and seems fussy and uncomfortable, you can remove a layer.
There is no one product or garment that will regulate your baby’s temperature. By dressing your baby appropriately and monitoring and checking them, you will insure their safety and wellbeing.