Colin Snow
Keeping a newborn warm and comfortable while they sleep is a common concern for new parents. However, it is important to balance this with safety considerations. Overheating is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so it is important to keep a baby's head uncovered during sleep and to avoid overbundling. Swaddling is a recommended way to calm a crying baby and promote good sleep, but it is important to stop swaddling once the baby starts trying to roll over. In terms of bedding, it is recommended to use thin, lightweight blankets or coverings, and to position the baby's feet at the bottom of the cot with blankets tucked in securely at chest level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hours of sleep | 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period |
| Sleeping position | On their back |
| Sleep surface | Firm, flat, and well-fitting |
| Crib | Should be empty with no plush toys, pillows, blankets, etc. |
| Crib position | "Feet to foot" position |
| Room temperature | Comfortable |
| Clothing | One more layer than an adult would need to stay warm in the same room |
| Covering | No hats or beanies; head should be uncovered |
| Swaddling | Can be done until the baby starts trying to roll over |
| Blankets | Should be thin and lightweight; tucked in securely at chest level |
| Co-sleeping | Should be avoided |
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What You'll Learn
- Swaddling: Wrapping newborns in thin blankets to help them sleep
- Crib safety: Keeping the crib clear of soft toys, pillows and blankets
- Room temperature: Adjusting clothing to suit the room temperature
- Safe sleeping position: Placing newborns on their backs to sleep
- Baby sleeping bags: Using infant sleeping bags to keep newborns warm
Swaddling: Wrapping newborns in thin blankets to help them sleep
Swaddling is a technique that involves wrapping newborns in thin blankets to help them sleep. It is a recommended practice to calm a cranky baby and promote good sleep. When swaddling, it is important to use a thin, lightweight blanket or wrap, such as cotton or muslin. Make sure the wrap doesn't go above the baby's shoulders or cover their head, ears, or chin, as this can obstruct breathing and cause overheating. Check that the wrap is not too tight around the chest and hips, and that the baby can straighten their legs. Swaddling can be done from birth until the baby starts showing signs of rolling over, usually around 3-4 months.
To swaddle a newborn, spread a thin blanket on a flat surface and fold down one corner to form a straight edge. Place the baby on the blanket with their neck on the edge, and then pull the left corner across the baby's body and tuck it under their right side. Next, pull the bottom corner up and tuck it under the baby's shoulders, and finally, pull the right corner across and tuck it under the baby's left side. The blanket should be snug but not too tight, and the baby's hips should be free to move.
Swaddling can help soothe a crying baby and make them feel secure, but it is important to monitor for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch. If a baby starts trying to roll over while swaddled, it is a sign to stop swaddling. Instead of swaddling, you can also use a safe infant sleeping bag or suit to keep your baby warm and avoid the need for blankets. These sleeping bags and suits have a TOG (thermal overall grade) rating to help you choose the appropriate warmth for the temperature of the room.
As an alternative to swaddling and sleeping bags, you can dress your baby in layers of sleepwear to provide warmth and comfort. It is recommended to dress a baby with one more layer than an adult would need to stay warm in the same bedroom. This helps to avoid over-bundling, which can lead to safety risks from overheating. It is important to keep the baby's head uncovered during sleep, as they cool themselves down by releasing heat from their heads and faces. Overheating has been linked to sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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Crib safety: Keeping the crib clear of soft toys, pillows and blankets
It is important to keep the crib clear of soft toys, pillows, and blankets to ensure the safety of your newborn. Here are some tips and guidelines to follow:
Risks of suffocation and SIDS
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping the crib clear of any soft or loose items, including blankets, quilts, pillows, and soft toys. These items can pose a serious risk of suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation. Newborns and young infants can easily suffocate if a loose sheet or blanket covers their face, and they lack the muscle control to move their heads or roll away. This increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Soft toys and pillows can also create a hazard if the baby rolls onto them and cannot roll back, leading to suffocation.
Alternatives to blankets
To keep your baby warm, you can use a wearable blanket or sleep sack instead of a loose blanket in the crib. These items provide warmth without covering the baby's head or face, reducing the risk of suffocation. You can also dress your baby in layers, adding or removing clothing as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. The general rule is to dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear in the same conditions.
Swaddling
Swaddling, or wrapping your baby snugly in a light blanket, can help soothe them and promote sleep. Make sure the wrap doesn't cover the baby's head, ears, or chin, and ensure it's not too tight around the chest and hips. Swaddling is typically safe until the baby starts showing signs of rolling over, usually around 3-4 months.
Safe introduction of blankets
Once your baby reaches their first birthday, it is generally considered safe to introduce a blanket or lovey into the crib. However, some experts suggest waiting until 18 months, especially for premature babies. Before introducing a blanket, consult your child's healthcare provider for guidance based on your baby's individual needs and development.
Safe sleep environment
To create a safe sleep environment, use a firm, flat sleep surface with a clean, tightly fitting sheet. Avoid wedges, positioners, and specialised sleep surfaces. The crib should be free of any hazards, such as crib bumpers, which can pose an entrapment risk. Ensure that all sleep products meet federal safety standards and are approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
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Room temperature: Adjusting clothing to suit the room temperature
Keeping your newborn comfortable while they sleep is a priority, and adjusting their clothing to suit the room temperature is an important part of this.
The ideal room temperature for a newborn is considered to be between 16-20°C. This range is considered a safe and comfortable environment for a baby to sleep in. However, it can be difficult to maintain this temperature, especially during the warmer months. In such cases, it is recommended to follow the 'summer rules' of lighter bedding and clothing. You can open the bedroom door and window (if safe to do so) and use a fan to cool the room, but avoid aiming it directly at the baby. It is also important to ensure your baby stays hydrated in hot weather.
To check if your baby is too hot, feel their chest, back of the neck, or tummy. Their skin should feel warm, but not hot. Their hands and feet will usually be cooler, which is normal. If your baby's skin is hot or sweaty, remove one or more layers of clothing or bedding.
When dressing your baby for sleep, use thin, lightweight blankets or coverings. You can also use a safe infant sleeping bag or suit, which will keep your baby warm and eliminate the need for blankets. If using a wrap, make sure it is lightweight and does not go above your baby's shoulders or cover their head, ears, or chin. In warm weather, dress your baby in a nappy and a singlet underneath the wrap, and in cooler weather, opt for a lightweight jumpsuit or layers of clothing under the wrap.
Remember, it is important to dress your baby for the room temperature and avoid overbundling to prevent overheating. Overheating has been linked to an increased risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
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Safe sleeping position: Placing newborns on their backs to sleep
The safest way for a newborn to sleep is on their back, known as the supine position. This position significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Sleeping on their back is safe even for babies with gastroesophageal reflux. Research has shown that raising one end of the crib or mattress is ineffective at reducing reflux and can even be dangerous, as the baby may slide down, affecting their breathing.
It is important to place your newborn on their back at the beginning of every sleep or nap, day or night. Sleeping a baby on their front or side increases the risk of SIDS. If your baby rolls onto their tummy while sleeping, you can gently turn them back, but it is not necessary to do so every time. Once your baby can roll from back to front and back again, you can leave them in the position they choose, as long as they have exhibited the four signs of readiness.
Babies should always sleep on a firm, flat, and waterproof mattress. The crib should be free of any objects such as toys, which could cover their face and obstruct their breathing. For the first six months, babies should sleep in the same room as their parents, as this helps to reduce the risk of SIDS. It is also important to keep the baby's head uncovered during sleep, as this helps regulate their temperature and prevents the risk of strangulation or suffocation.
Swaddling, or wrapping the baby in a light blanket, can help soothe them and reduce the likelihood of them waking up. However, once they start trying to roll over, swaddling should be stopped to reduce the risk of suffocation. Instead, you can use thin, lightweight blankets or coverings, tucked securely at chest level, ensuring they cannot cover the baby's face or head. A safe infant sleeping bag or suit can also be used to keep the baby warm and their head uncovered.
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Baby sleeping bags: Using infant sleeping bags to keep newborns warm
Keeping a newborn warm is a top priority for new parents. Baby sleeping bags are a great way to ensure your baby is warm and safe while sleeping.
Baby sleeping bags, also known as sleep sacks, are a type of wearable blanket that can be used from birth to keep your little one warm and comfortable. They are designed to be a safe alternative to loose blankets, which are not recommended for newborns due to the risk of suffocation or strangulation. Sleeping bags also help keep your baby's head and face uncovered, which is important because babies cool themselves by releasing heat from their heads.
When choosing a baby sleeping bag, it's essential to consider the room temperature and your baby's age and weight. Sleeping bags come in different TOG ratings, which indicate their warmth. For example, a 1.5 TOG sleeping bag is better suited for warmer temperatures or homes with higher heating, while a 2.5 TOG bag will provide more warmth for cooler environments. Some sleeping bags, like the Original Grobag Ollie The Owl Sleeping Bag, have a TOG rating of 2.5 and are made from cosy materials like 100% cotton to keep your baby warm.
Additionally, features like under-arm poppers or snaps, shoulder poppers or snaps, and two-way zippers can make it easier to adjust the bag to your baby's body and size, ensuring a perfect fit. These features also make dressing and changing your baby more convenient, especially during the night. The Jojo Maman Bébé Zebra Print Baby Sleeping Bag, for instance, has a unique design that is narrower at the top and flares out at the bottom, providing space for your baby to kick their legs freely while keeping their body warm.
Baby sleeping bags are a great option to keep your newborn warm and safe while they sleep. With the right features and TOG rating, you can ensure your baby is comfortable and cosy throughout the night.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a safe infant sleeping bag or suit to keep your newborn warm. You can also use thin, lightweight blankets or coverings from birth if your baby doesn’t like being wrapped. Make sure the blanket doesn't cover the baby's head, as this can be a strangulation or suffocation hazard.
The room temperature should be comfortable for both you and the baby. It is best to adjust the baby’s clothing according to the room temperature rather than heating or cooling the room.
Here are some safe sleep practices for newborns:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Use a firm, flat, and well-fitting sleep surface.
- Keep soft toys, pillows, blankets, quilts, comforters, and bumper pads away from the baby's sleep area.
- Avoid co-sleeping with your baby if you smoke or consume alcohol or drugs.
- Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day.
If your newborn is fussy, it is okay to rock, cuddle, and sing to them as they settle down. Swaddling, or wrapping the baby in a light blanket, can also help soothe a crying baby.
