Gina Johnson
There are many factors to consider when deciding what clothes your newborn should sleep in. The main priority is to keep your baby at a comfortable temperature—not too hot and not too cold. Overheating can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so it's important to avoid over-bundling your baby with too many layers. The ideal room temperature for a newborn is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C-22°C), and you should adjust their clothing accordingly. Newborns generally respond well to being swaddled or placed in a sleep sack, which can help them feel secure and cozy. It's also important to avoid loose items and clothing, such as hats and mittens, as they can pose a safety risk during sleep.
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What You'll Learn
The ideal room temperature for newborns
Keeping your newborn warm and comfortable is essential, but it's equally important to ensure they don't overheat. The ideal room temperature for a newborn is generally considered to be between 64°F and 72°F (20°C and 22°C).
Newborns are particularly vulnerable to overheating, which has been linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Therefore, it's recommended to keep the room on the cooler side, with good ventilation and air circulation. If you feel the room is too cold, your baby probably does too, and vice versa. A home thermometer can help you monitor the temperature and adjust accordingly.
To ensure your newborn sleeps comfortably, it's generally advised to dress them in one more layer than you would wear yourself. For example, a lightweight onesie or gown with a swaddle blanket or sleep sack. On warmer nights, a short-sleeve cotton or organic-cotton bodysuit or T-shirt with a muslin or cotton swaddle or sleep sack will do. On cooler nights, you can add an extra layer underneath the sleep sack or opt for footed pajamas.
As your baby grows, their ability to regulate their body temperature will improve. Once they start rolling over, it's no longer safe to swaddle them, and you can transition to a sleep sack or wearable blanket. Remember, it's better to have your baby slightly underdressed than heavily overdressed. Always avoid loose clothing and hats during sleep, as these can ride up and cover your baby's face, affecting their breathing.
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How to layer clothing to regulate temperature
Keeping your newborn comfortable while they sleep is a priority. Here are some tips on how to layer clothing to regulate their temperature:
Firstly, it is important to note that newborns are not very good at regulating their own temperature. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of the room temperature and adjust your newborn's clothing accordingly. The ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby should be between 68°F and 72°F (20°C-22°C). If the room temperature is within this range, a single layer of clothing is usually sufficient. For example, a cotton onesie or a sleeper is appropriate. Cotton is a good choice as it is lightweight and breathable.
However, if the room temperature is cooler, you can add extra layers. As a general rule, dress your newborn with one more layer than an adult would need to stay warm in the same bedroom. For instance, if you are comfortable in a t-shirt, dress your baby in a vest, a sleepsuit, and a cardigan or jumper. You can also use a swaddle or a sleep sack to provide extra warmth. Swaddling involves wrapping your baby snugly in a thin blanket. This can help your baby feel secure and cozy without overheating. However, once your baby starts to roll over, it is no longer safe to use a swaddle. At this stage, you can transition to a sleep sack or wearable blanket.
It is important to avoid overdressing your newborn, as overheating has been linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Assess your baby's temperature by feeling their core. If their core feels warm but not sweaty, you have dressed them appropriately. If your baby's neck, hair, or cheeks are sweaty, or their core feels clammy, remove some clothing to cool them down. Remember, it is better to have your baby slightly underdressed than heavily overdressed.
Additionally, avoid loose clothing and items such as hats, mittens, and hair bows when putting your baby to sleep. These items can cover your baby's face, inhibiting free breathing and increasing the risk of suffocation. Instead, opt for snug-fitting clothing made from lightweight, breathable fabrics to ensure your baby's comfort and safety while they sleep.
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Swaddling and sleep sacks
Swaddling is a technique that involves wrapping a baby closely in a thin blanket. It is a popular option for newborns, as it can help to calm their startle reflex, which might otherwise wake them up and disturb their sleep. Swaddling can also make newborns feel safe and comfortable by mimicking the environment of the womb. However, it is important to note that swaddling is generally only suitable for the first few months, until the baby starts to roll over. At this point, it is recommended to transition to a sleep sack or wearable blanket.
Sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets, are a safe alternative to swaddling for babies who have started to roll. They are designed to fit snugly around the baby's body, providing warmth and a similar feeling of comfort to swaddling without restricting the baby's movement. Sleep sacks come in various materials and thicknesses, with different TOG ratings to suit different room temperatures. It is important to choose a sleep sack with an appropriate TOG rating to prevent overheating, and to ensure that it fits properly and cannot cover the baby's face.
When dressing a newborn for sleep, it is generally recommended to use light layers rather than heavy clothing, as babies can easily overheat. The ideal room temperature for a baby's sleep environment is between 68° and 72°F (20° to 22°C). As a general rule, a baby should wear one more layer than an adult would need to stay warm in the same bedroom. For example, a long-sleeve onesie or footed pyjamas with a sleeveless sleep sack can provide adequate warmth in a cool environment. On warmer nights, a short-sleeve cotton or organic-cotton bodysuit with a muslin sleep sack may be sufficient.
It is important to avoid loose articles of clothing when dressing a newborn for sleep, as they can pose a safety risk. Hats, for example, should be avoided as they can slip off the baby's head and cover their face, inhibiting breathing. Blankets should also be kept out of the crib, as they can increase the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Instead, it is recommended to dress the baby in clothing that provides enough warmth so that a blanket is unnecessary.
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The risks of overheating and over-bundling
Overheating and over-bundling are serious risks for newborns and infants. Overheating is one of the leading risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is the third leading cause of infant death in the United States. It is especially dangerous for babies under six months old, but it remains a concern for toddlers as well.
To prevent overheating, it is important to monitor the temperature of the room and dress your baby accordingly. The ideal room temperature for a newborn is between 68° and 72°F. If your baby is sweating while sleeping, they are wearing too many layers and are at risk of overheating.
It is also important to avoid using hats, knit caps, or extra blankets, as these can cause your baby to overheat and pose a suffocation risk. Instead, opt for a sleep sack, which is made with breathable fabric and does not have the same risks as loose blankets. Swaddling is generally safe for newborns, but it is important to stop once the baby is able to roll over or work their hands out of the swaddle, as this can become a choking hazard.
Additionally, it is crucial to avoid space heaters, as babies cannot adjust the temperature like adults can. Space heaters also pose a fire danger and can cause dry skin, nasal dryness, nosebleeds, and potential burns.
In summary, it is essential to be mindful of the risks of overheating and over-bundling when dressing your newborn for sleep. By regulating the room temperature, dressing your baby appropriately, and avoiding hats, extra blankets, and space heaters, you can help keep your newborn safe and comfortable.
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Types of fabric and clothing to avoid
When it comes to newborn sleepwear, safety is paramount. To prevent overheating, it is important to avoid loose clothing and heavy fabrics. In addition, certain types of fabric and clothing can pose safety hazards and should be avoided. Here are some guidelines on what to avoid when dressing your newborn for sleep:
Types of Fabric to Avoid:
- Fleece: While fleece is soft and warm, it is not recommended for newborn sleepwear. This is because it can make it harder for your baby to regulate their body temperature, increasing the risk of overheating.
- Non-breathable fabrics: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, or muslin. Avoid fabrics that do not allow air circulation, as they can contribute to overheating.
- Chemically-treated flame-resistant fabrics: Some pajamas for older babies (starting at the 9-month mark) are chemically treated to be flame-resistant. However, there are concerns about the potential health effects of these chemicals. Instead, choose natural fiber materials like cotton that are labelled "snug-fitting."
Types of Clothing to Avoid:
- Loose clothing: Avoid loose-fitting clothing, such as baggy shirts or pants. Loose clothing can ride up and cover your newborn's face, increasing the risk of suffocation.
- Clothing with small objects: Avoid dressing your newborn in clothing with buttons, zippers, or other small objects that could become choking hazards if they fall off.
- Hats: While those cute knit hospital caps are adorable, they are not meant for sleep. Hats can slip off and cover your baby's face, inhibiting breathing. Newborns regulate their temperature by releasing heat through their heads, so a hat can also lead to overheating.
- Blankets: Instead of blankets, opt for sleep sacks or swaddles. Blankets can pose a risk of suffocation or strangulation. If you do use a blanket, ensure it is tucked in below your baby's shoulders.
- Weighted swaddles and sleep sacks: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against using weighted swaddles and sleep sacks.
- Clothing with ties: Do not tie pacifiers or other items to your newborn's clothes, as strings and ties pose a risk of accidental strangulation.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns generally respond well to being swaddled. A thin swaddle or sleep sack is recommended over loose blankets, which can increase the risk of suffocation, strangulation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Once your baby starts to roll over, it's time to stop swaddling and instead use a sleep sack or wearable blanket. Newborns should wear one more layer of clothing than an adult would need to stay warm in the same environment.
If your baby's neck, hair, or core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) is sweaty or clammy, they are probably too warm. If your baby is dressed too warmly, you can reduce the layers under their swaddle or opt for a swaddle with a lower TOG rating. If your baby is too cold, you can add layers under their swaddle or use a swaddle with a higher TOG rating.
In addition to using a swaddle or sleep sack instead of loose blankets, it's important to avoid all loose items or clothing, such as hats, mittens, hair bows, and pacifier clips. Bedsharing or co-sleeping increases the risk of accidentally rolling onto your baby and causing suffocation. The AAP suggests room-sharing with your baby for the first six months, as this can reduce the risk of SIDS.
