Herbie Murray
When it comes to putting your baby to sleep, one of the most important considerations is what they should wear to stay comfortable and safe throughout the night. While sleeping bags are a popular choice for parents, knowing what to put underneath them can be a challenge. The key considerations are the temperature of the room, the 'tog' rating of the sleeping bag, and the number of layers the baby is wearing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of layers | Multiple layers are recommended to adjust to the environment. |
| Layer type | Breathable, moisture-wicking materials such as cotton are preferred. |
| Layer options | Long-sleeved vests, bodysuits, footed pants, footie pajamas, baby booties, socks, sleepsuits, or onesies. |
| Temperature | Monitor the baby's temperature and the room temperature to adjust layers accordingly. |
| Fit | Ensure the sleeping bag fits snugly around the neck and armholes to prevent slipping. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right sleeping bag
When choosing a sleeping bag for your baby, it's important to consider the temperature of their sleeping environment and dress them in layers accordingly. As a general rule, babies should wear one more layer than what an adult would feel comfortable in. This is because babies are less able to regulate their body temperature than adults, who can shiver or sweat to adjust their temperature.
To choose the right sleeping bag, look for one with an appropriate Tog rating for the season. Tog ratings indicate the warmth of the sleeping bag. For autumn and winter, opt for a sleeping bag with a higher Tog rating, such as 2.5 for room temperatures of 15-21 degrees Celsius or 3.5 for room temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius. In warmer months, a sleeping bag with a lower Tog rating will be more comfortable for your baby.
When dressing your baby for sleep, it's important to avoid overheating, as this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Dress your baby in multiple layers that can be easily added or removed, such as a base layer of a long-sleeved vest or onesie made of a breathable, moisture-wicking material like cotton. You can then add extra layers, such as bodysuits, footed pants, or footie pajamas, depending on the temperature. Remember to pay attention to your baby's neck, which can indicate if they are too hot or cold. If they feel sweaty or hot to the touch, remove a layer. If their skin feels cool or their hands and feet are cold, add another layer.
In addition to choosing the right sleeping bag and clothing layers, it's important to ensure the sleeping bag fits your baby snugly around the neck and armholes. An ill-fitting sleeping bag can be uncomfortable and less effective at maintaining warmth. If your baby's sleeping bag doesn't have built-in foot covers, you can use baby booties or socks to keep their feet warm, being careful not to restrict circulation.
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Layering is key
As a general rule of thumb, your baby should wear one more layer than what you would feel comfortable in. For example, if you're comfortable in one layer, your baby should wear two. This is because babies are less able to regulate their body temperature than adults. Layers are considered much safer than big, bulky garments because they tend to be more breathable and significantly reduce the risk of overheating. Overheating poses a serious danger to your child, increasing their risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
When it's cold, you may want to choose something that will cover your baby's arms and legs, such as footie pyjamas. Other popular options include bodysuits and footed pants, both of which are thin enough to fit under a sleep sack while ensuring you're not adding clothing that is too thick. A bodysuit will keep your baby's arms warm, while the footed pants will add an extra layer of warmth without restricting the upper body.
In warmer weather, you can pair cool clothing with a light sleep sack, made of soft cotton for extra breathability. A footless sleep sack might be another good option for babies in hot climates.
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Monitor the baby's temperature
It is important to monitor a baby's temperature to ensure they are not too hot or too cold. Overheating can be dangerous for babies as it can cause dehydration and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
A baby's temperature can be monitored by checking the temperature of the room they are sleeping in and dressing them appropriately. A room thermometer is recommended to ensure accuracy. The ideal room temperature for a baby is between 16°C and 20°C.
It is recommended to dress babies in multiple layers of lightweight, breathable clothing so that layers can be added or removed as needed. A baby should wear one more layer than an adult would feel comfortable in. It is important not to overdress a baby, even in cool weather. A baby's chest or the back of their neck can be felt to check if they are too hot or cold. Their hands and feet tend to be cooler, which is normal.
If a baby feels too cold, a pair of socks or mittens can be added. If a baby feels too hot, they should be allowed to cool down for a few minutes and then their temperature can be taken with a thermometer to see if there is any change. A digital thermometer is recommended for accuracy, and it should be placed in the baby's armpit. A normal temperature for a baby is about 36.4°C, and a temperature of 38°C or above is considered a fever.
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Keep their feet warm
Keeping your baby warm at night is a common concern for new parents. The best way to check if your baby is too cold is to feel their core body (neck, chest, and tummy). Cold hands and feet do not necessarily mean they need more layers. However, if you think your baby is cold, you can hold them to help bring their temperature up, put them in a warmer sleep sack, or add an extra layer of clothes.
To keep your baby's feet warm, you can use footed pajamas, footed pants, or bodysuits. These will ensure your baby's legs and feet stay warm. If you are using a sleep sack, opt for well-fitted, layered clothes underneath. You can also use socks, but make sure they are not too tight, as this can restrict blood flow and lead to cold feet. Wool or wool-blend socks are a good choice, as they will wick moisture away from the skin, keeping your baby's feet dry and warm.
The temperature of the room is also important. The Sleep Foundation suggests having a separate thermometer for the bedroom so you can better control the temperature. Keep the room moderately cool, but not excessively cold. This will help regulate your baby's body temperature and prevent overheating. You can also use a fan or heater, but remember to turn them off before leaving the room and avoid directing airflow directly at the crib.
Additionally, it is important to monitor your baby and increase or decrease layers as needed. Dress your baby in one more layer than what you would feel comfortable in. This will help ensure they stay warm without overheating.
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Avoid overheating
To avoid overheating, it is important to monitor your baby for signs that they are too hot. Touch their ears and neck—if their ears are red and hot and their neck is sweaty, they are too warm. Other signs of overheating include flushed skin, crying, and sweat. If your baby is overheating, they are likely uncomfortable, their sleep may suffer, and they may get heat rash. Overheating can also cause lethargy, and it raises the risk of infant sleep death, also known as SIDS.
To prevent overheating, the baby's clothing, bedding, and room temperature should be considered. It is recommended to dress the baby in light layers of natural fibre clothing, such as merino, cotton, or viscose from bamboo. If possible, choose merino clothing as it is the only fibre that helps regulate baby temperature. Avoid heavyweight garments with sleeves, such as heavy sleepsuits, and do not put a hat on your baby when sleeping.
The room temperature should ideally be between 18-20 degrees Celsius for a comfortable sleep. If the room is warmer than 20 degrees, reduce the amount of clothing and bedding used. Avoid using polar fleece bedding with babies, as it is made from plastic and can contribute to overheating.
When outdoors, avoid peak heat hours between 10 am and 2 pm, and seek shade or air conditioning to keep your baby cool. Do not cover the stroller with a muslin blanket, as it traps heat, and instead, use a large canopy or mesh sun shield to provide shade and adequate airflow.
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Frequently asked questions
The clothing your baby wears under their sleeping bag is important for their comfort and safety. It's recommended that your baby wears multiple layers under their sleeping bag, with one more layer than what an adult would wear in the same temperature. This helps to regulate their temperature and prevent overheating, reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. You can add or remove layers depending on the environment and your baby's needs.
In cold weather, you might want to dress your baby in something that will cover their arms and legs, such as footie pajamas, a bodysuit, or footed pants. You can also use baby booties or socks to keep their feet warm if your sleeping bag doesn't have built-in foot covers.
In warm weather, you can pair cooler clothing with a light sleeping bag made of soft cotton for extra breathability. A footless sleeping bag is another option for babies in hot climates.
It's important to monitor your baby's temperature and the room temperature to ensure they are comfortable. Feel the nape of your baby's neck; if it feels sweaty or hot, they may be too warm, and you should remove a layer. If your baby's skin feels cool or their hands and feet are cold, add another layer or choose a sleeping bag with a higher Tog rating.
