How To Dress Baby for Sleep
Experts report that babies sleep an average of around 17 hours every day: eight to nine hours during the day and around eight hours at night. However, the sleep times are generally broken up into one- or two-hour increments.
With these frequent interruptions in sleep, it’s no wonder that only 10 percent of new parents surveyed are able to get the right amount of sleep. According to baby sleep expert Lauren Olsen of Sleep And The City, babies go through five baby sleep regressions as they age.
Parents spend a lot of time and money on making sure their babies have the best possible crib, playpen, car seats, etc. But even in the most comfortable sleeping environments, the way a baby is dressed can negatively impact their sleep.
As our little bundles of joy age, their needs will change and it is important for parents to know the best way to dress their babies through each stage of their growth, to help them get the best night’s sleep.
Why Your Baby’s Sleep Clothes Matter
A number of factors should be considered when you start stocking up on sleep clothes for your baby. Babies tend to lose body heat faster than adults because their bodies are not as good at regulating their temperature.
As parents, we all want our babies to be comfortable and safe but there are also serious health risks associated with babies who become too hot or cold during sleep.
It might be tempting to bundle baby up when it’s cold (after all, you have stocked up on such beautiful, comfy blankets!) but it can actually be unpleasant for them. Babies may start to sweat when over-bundled, which can lead to dehydration or even hypothermia (low body temperature).
Ideally, experts suggest your baby’s room be within the range of 65 and 72 degrees, depending on their age. An indoor thermometer can help you maintain a regular temperature to help babies sleep better
If you are not able to adequately regulate your nursery's room temperature due to window drafts, unpredictable weather patterns, or having an outdated heating/cooling system, make sure your baby's clothing is not too loose-fitting and blankets won't accidentally cover their faces while they sleep. This is especially important for newborns and babies under four months.
It’s not uncommon for newborns to scratch themselves with their tiny fingernails so having a pair of mittens - or even a pair of socks or a gown that has attached mittens - can prevent them from inadvertently causing themselves harm.
And, finally, as your baby grows, remember that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires that children’s sleepwear above size nine months to 14 must be flame resistant and should be tight-fitting. Make sure whatever pajamas you get for your little one meets or exceeds these requirements.
How To Dress Baby For Sleep
By now you are aware of the importance of ensuring your little one has the right temperature when in slumber.
Our baby sleep expert, Lauren says sometimes these regressions happen with little to no disruption while others can drain both parents and baby. Be prepared with the right sleep clothes for your little one to help ensure they are able to experience these sleep milestones without too many complications.
Baby Sleeping Clothes for Summer
As the weather begins to warm (between 75 and 77 degrees), make sure you are armed with comfortable, soft sleep clothes like a short sleeve kimono. These kimonos are not too hot or too cold. The fabric is made of organic, sustainable products and allows baby’s feet to be free.
As summer approaches, and the temperature rises above 78 degrees, be prepared with a nice and lightweight tank romper that allows your baby to stay cool. The 100 percent light-weight organic cotton is ideal for sleeping in hot temperatures whether it’s daytime or night.
When it comes to comfort, any sleep clothes your baby wears should be made from the most comfortable, organic, and natural material as possible. It should be soft and you should try to avoid fancy designs that include trinkets that could come off during sleep or strings that can come untied during the night.
Natural fibers are better choices for baby’s sleep clothes because they are better at absorbing sweat and pulling it away from your little one’s body. Plus, they lack the chemicals that many synthetic fabrics use.
Baby Sleeping Clothes for Winter
We can’t control the weather, but we can control how warm our babies are. Winter weather temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees can easily cause anxiety for caregivers to have to make frequent trips to check on their little ones.
Baby sleeping bags or sleep sacks are ideal choices to prevent your baby from becoming too frigid. The best option for cold temperatures is sleep sacks that are padded, to provide an extra layer of warmth. An additional bonus is that they help keep baby’s socks on, while keeping those little toes warm.
Alternatively, warm, cozy footie pajamas keep baby’s feet and body warm. Interestingly, scientists have researched and found that, even though babies lose a lot of body heat through their heads, it is better to “leave the head unprotected and to increase the level of clothing insulation over the rest of the body.”
When babies are newborns, many parents swaddle them with blankets. This can be a great way to keep your little one warm and make them feel safe and comfortable. However, experts warn that parents should avoid doing this when your baby reaches two months of age or after they have learned to roll over.
Lauren advises, “For Mamas with an infant still in a swaddle, a great combination would be a solid short-sleeve onesie paired with the Infant sleeping bag.”
For Mild Weather
Between 71 and 74 degrees, bedclothes like these long-sleeved lounge sets are suitable to keep babies warm and comfortable. These bedtime clothes can come with both closed and open bottoms so you can choose whether to allow your little one’s feet to be exposed or not, depending on the temperature of their nursery.
As your new baby grows, their sleep schedules will change but there is no need to struggle with sleepless nights or exhausted days if you are prepared with the right sleep environment, clothing, and information.
Lauren says babies who are not getting enough restful sleep become overtired which can cause health risks. In addition to the right sleep clothes, her practical suggestions include:
- Give your baby their own safe sleeping area in the same room as an adult for at least 6-12 months
- Provide a safe sleeping environment for naps & nighttime
- Always put the baby down in the sleeping area on their back, not their side or stomach
- Have your baby sleep with their face and head uncovered
- Keep baby in a smoke-free environment
- White noise is continuously running; a one with low rumbling controlled from a smartphone is best
If you feel your little one is not getting the right amount of sleep, Lauren offers a variety of sleep training packages that can help your baby (and you!) get on track with your sleep schedule.
For over 10 years, Babysoy has been committed to a mission of providing sustainable products that are all-natural and organic so busy parents can dress their babies with peace of mind. We carefully chose to make our products from Azlon - a soy-based product - to fulfill this mission. From blankets to rompers, we are sure you will find the perfect sleepy time outfits for your little one at each stage of their young lives.