Ashwin Lewis
Deciding what to dress your newborn in for sleep can be a confusing and overwhelming task, especially for new parents. It is important to keep your baby comfortable and safe, with the ideal sleep attire varying based on the temperature and your baby's preferences. A room temperature of 16 to 20°C is considered comfortable and safe for sleeping babies, with a thermometer being the easiest and most accurate way to check this. To prevent the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), it is recommended to keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum, with a vest or nappy being suitable for warmer nights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 16 to 20°C |
| Clothing | Vests, sleepsuits, cardigans, hats, mittens, socks, sun hats |
| Bedding | Sheets, blankets, sleeping bags, swaddles |
| Cot | Meets British safety standard BS EN 716, mattress fits snugly, bars smooth and secure, distance between bars no more than 6.5cm |
| Car | Baby car seat, rear-facing infant seat on the back seat or front passenger seat without an airbag |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bags vs blankets
When it comes to newborn sleep, safety is paramount. The Lullaby Trust, an organisation dedicated to preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), recommends keeping nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum. Overheating a baby increases the chances of SIDS, so it's important to ensure that your baby doesn't get too hot while sleeping.
Sleeping bags and blankets each have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for your newborn will depend on various factors, including their size, age, and personal preference.
Sleeping bags are a popular choice for newborns and can be a safe and comfortable option. They provide a cosy, wrapped-up feeling and are designed to withstand reflexes and kicks that could dislodge normal blankets. Sleeping bags also eliminate the risk of your baby wriggling down inside, as they are designed to fit snugly at the shoulders. When choosing a sleeping bag, opt for one made of natural materials, such as cotton, with hypoallergenic filling. Ensure that the sleeping bag fits your baby well and check the fit regularly as they grow. It's important to avoid using a sleeping bag with a quilt or duvet, as this can make your baby too hot.
Blankets offer more flexibility, as you can easily add or remove them to adjust to your baby's temperature. Lightweight cellular blankets are recommended, and it's important to avoid thick, fleecy, or padded blankets. Blankets should be tucked in firmly below your baby's shoulder level to prevent them from covering your baby's face. However, some babies may wriggle out of blankets, and there is a risk of them kicking them off and getting cold.
Some parents choose to use swaddle blankets, which are designed to wrap your baby snugly and help them feel safe and secure, mimicking the restricted movement they experienced in the womb. Swaddling can be practised during the day to get your baby used to it, and it can make switching to a sleeping bag easier later on. However, swaddling doesn't work for every baby, and it's important to ensure that your baby can still move their hips up, down, and to each side when swaddled.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the sleeping bag vs. blanket debate. It's essential to consider your baby's needs and preferences and to ensure that they sleep in a safe and comfortable environment.
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Keeping your baby cool
Maintain a Comfortable Room Temperature:
Keep your baby's room between 16°C and 20°C. This temperature range is safe and comfortable for sleeping babies. Use a room thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
Dress Your Baby Appropriately:
Follow the "one extra layer" rule. Dress your baby in one additional layer of clothing compared to what you're wearing. For example, if you're comfortable in a t-shirt, dress your baby in a vest and a sleepsuit. Avoid overdressing your baby, and opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics.
Use Lightweight Bedding:
Instead of thick blankets, use lightweight, well-secured sheets or lightweight cellular blankets. Tuck blankets firmly below your baby's shoulders, lying flat below their arms. You can also use a baby sleeping bag, which provides warmth without the risk of covering your baby's head. Choose sleeping bags with poppers to swaddle your baby's arms safely.
Be Mindful of Outdoor Clothing:
Always remove hats, mittens, and extra clothing when your baby comes indoors or enters a warm environment. It's easy for babies to overheat, so be mindful of their temperature and adjust their clothing accordingly.
Monitor for Signs of Overheating:
Check your baby's cheeks and tummy. If they feel hot or sweaty, remove some clothing or bedding. Remember, it's better for your baby to be a little cooler than too hot.
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Safe sleepwear
Keeping your newborn safe while they sleep is a top priority. Here are some tips for choosing safe sleepwear:
Room Temperature:
The ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby is between 16°C and 20°C. This range is considered comfortable and safe. However, maintaining this temperature range can be challenging, especially during extreme weather conditions. It is important to monitor the room temperature and adjust your baby's sleepwear accordingly.
Clothing and Bedding:
The general rule is to keep it simple and not overdress your baby. As a guide, dress your baby in one extra layer of clothing compared to what you are wearing. For example, if you are comfortable in a t-shirt and jumper, dress your baby in a vest, sleepsuit, and cardigan or jumper.
For warmer nights, a vest or just a nappy may be sufficient. If your baby tends to kick off covers, consider leaving them in just a nappy with a single, well-secured sheet. Make sure the sheet is secure and cannot cover their face or get entangled.
During colder months, you can add a sleepsuit under a winter tog sleeping bag to keep your baby cosy. If your baby feels cold, add an extra layer of clothing or increase the tog rating of the sleeping bag, rather than adding extra blankets.
Using Blankets:
If you choose to use blankets, opt for lightweight, breathable cellular blankets. Avoid thick, fleecy, or padded blankets, and never fold a blanket in two as it can cause overheating. Ensure the blankets are firmly tucked in below your baby's shoulder level, lying flat below the arms to prevent them from wriggling down during the night.
Swaddling:
Some parents prefer swaddling their newborns, and there are various options available, such as swaddle bags with poppers for the arms or thin muslin wraps. However, it is important to note that once your baby is bigger, they may not need swaddling, and a sleeping bag or lightweight blanket may be sufficient.
Other Considerations:
- Avoid covering a pram with muslin or blankets, as this can cause your baby to overheat. Instead, use a clip-on parasol or sunshade.
- Remove hats and extra clothing when you go indoors or enter a warm vehicle.
- Be cautious of your baby's ability to regulate their body temperature. They tend to lose heat rapidly and are more comfortable when slightly cooler rather than too hot.
- Keep an eye on your baby's cheeks and tummy to determine if they are too hot. Flushed cheeks or sweaty hair can indicate overheating.
Remember, the key to safe sleepwear is ensuring your baby is comfortable without the risk of overheating.
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Bedding and sheets
It is important to keep your newborn safe by preventing overheating, which increases the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). To avoid this, keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum. On warm nights, a vest or a nappy may be sufficient. If your baby kicks off the covers, just leave them in their nappy and use a single, well-secured sheet. Make sure the sheet is secure enough so it cannot cover their face or get entangled during the night.
Sheets and layers of blankets tucked in firmly below your baby's shoulder level or a baby sleeping bag are safe for your baby to sleep in. If using blankets, use lightweight cellular blankets and avoid thick, fleecy or padded blankets. A folded blanket counts as two blankets. A room temperature of 16 to 20°C is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies. Your baby just needs light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleeping bag. If it is very warm, your baby may not need any bedclothes other than a sheet.
You can buy baby bedding sets, including sheets, duvet and pillow sets, and nursery blankets, from retailers such as Amazon. When buying bedding, look for products that are safe for human health and the environment. STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certifies that textile products have been tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful regulated and unregulated chemicals.
Some parents prefer to use sleeping bags for their newborns, especially if they are big enough (over 4kg). Sleeping bags can be used with a short or long-sleeved bodysuit or a short-sleeved vest and a sleepsuit. In October, a 1.5-tog sleeping bag is appropriate, increasing to 2.5 tog for winter.
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Thermometers and temperature guides
Newborns are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, so it's important to monitor their comfort closely and ensure they don't overheat. A room temperature of 16°C to 20°C is considered comfortable and safe for sleeping babies.
To check your baby's temperature, you can use a thermometer. The NHS recommends using a digital thermometer for a fast and accurate reading. Here's how to take your baby's temperature with a digital thermometer:
- Hold their arm gently but firmly against their body.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how long to hold the thermometer in place, usually about 15 seconds.
- Some digital thermometers will beep when they're ready.
- The thermometer will then display your baby's temperature.
You can also use an armpit thermometer, but make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for an accurate reading. Avoid using strip-type thermometers that are held against the forehead, as these show skin temperature rather than body temperature. Old-fashioned glass thermometers containing mercury are not recommended due to safety risks.
When it comes to dressing your newborn for sleep, keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum. On warm nights, a vest or just a nappy may be sufficient. You can follow the "plus one" rule, which suggests dressing your baby in one more layer than you would wear yourself. For example, if you're wearing a t-shirt and jumper, dress your baby in a vest, sleepsuit, and a cardigan or jumper.
If using a sleeping bag, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for winter tog thickness. If you feel your baby is cold, add an extra layer of clothing, but avoid extra blankets. Instead, use lightweight cellular blankets, and avoid thick, fleecy, or padded blankets.
Swaddling can also help regulate your baby's temperature while providing comfort and security. You can use a light muslin swaddle or a light, breathable onesie as the base layer. For cooler nights, consider a long-sleeved bodysuit or a warmer sleep sack.
Remember to remove hats and extra clothing when you go indoors or get into a warm car, bus, or train, even if it means waking your baby. It's better for your baby to be cooler than too hot, as overheating increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
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Frequently asked questions
A room temperature of 16 to 20°C is considered comfortable and safe for sleeping babies. In warmer months, a light sleepsuit or vest, or even just a nappy paired with a thin cotton sleeping bag or a single, well-secured sheet can provide the comfort they need without overheating.
In colder months, you can dress your baby in a sleepsuit under a winter tog sleeping bag to keep them cosy. If your baby is cold, add an extra layer of clothing or a higher tog sleeping bag.
It is important not to overdress your baby or use too much bedding. If your baby is sweating or their tummy feels hot to the touch, take off some of their clothing or bedding. Also, make sure to remove hats and extra clothing as soon as you're indoors.
