What should you dress your baby in at night?
How should I dress my baby at night? It seems like a simple question, but every parent knows it must be decided with great care to avoid any health risks
He is still so small, how should I dress him? Should he sleep in long sleeves or short sleeves? How do I choose the ideal sleepwear? Is special sleepwear really necessary? Here is a simple guide to help you if you are unsure about how to dress your baby for the night.
As a first-time parent, even choosing pajamas can be challenging. Fortunately, with a bit of reading, you can get through these situations. We have some simple guidelines that we hope will help you navigate the many aspects of dressing your child.
What are the basic rules?
You might have heard the rule that you should dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing. Usually, a two-piece cotton pajama set and a blanket are enough.
However, this rule is just the tip of the iceberg. You also need to take the room temperature into account. Ideally, it should be between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. So, whether the room is warmer or cooler, you should choose your baby’s sleepwear accordingly.
However, avoid dressing your baby too warmly. While our grandparents and parents often dressed babies in very thick layers, the risk of overheating is real and is directly linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Although this risk is highest up to about 6 months of age, it can still be a concern for both younger and older infants.
A thermostat or indoor thermometer can help you decide what type of pajamas will be best for your baby. Besides that, it’s important to trust your instincts. Basically, if you feel comfortable, your baby will most likely feel comfortable too.
Should we swaddle babies or not?
Newborns generally respond well to swaddling. A snug swaddle can help them feel secure, similar to the comfort of the womb. Cotton and muslin are great choices since they’re lightweight and breathable, making them easy to wrap. If you’re not confident in your swaddling skills, you can choose a zip-up swaddle or a baby sleeping bag instead.
Just keep in mind: once your baby starts rolling over, it’s time to stop swaddling, as it’s no longer considered safe. On warm summer nights, a simple bodysuit or a lightweight sleepsuit is often enough.
In the cold season, it’s important to dress your baby appropriately.
However, accessories like hats are not recommended for sleep. In fact, it's crucial to avoid any small items that could come loose during the night and potentially cover your baby's face or block their airways.
Functionality over fashion
In the early months of your baby’s life, you’ll likely need to change diapers once or even multiple times during the night. No one enjoys fumbling with tricky buttons at 3 a.m., so it’s best to choose sleepwear with strategically placed snaps or zippers. This makes nighttime changes quicker and easier for both you and your baby.
Always consider the baby's age!
Naturally, as your baby grows, their sleeping needs will also change. What worked at 3 months might not be suitable at 6 months or 1 year—and things will continue to evolve as your little one develops.
Unless you carefully choose a toddler sleeping bag, which is the perfect solution for active little movers. It helps maintain the ideal sleeping temperature and prevents your child from kicking off the covers.
Unless you opt for a thoughtfully designed toddler sleeping bag — the perfect choice for active little ones. It keeps your child at an ideal temperature throughout the night and prevents them from kicking off the covers.
Check out our Toddler Sleeping Bag collection, where you'll find stylish, high-quality bamboo sleeping bags designed to stay with you in the bedroom for years to come.
